Over half of all applications for CT Paid Leave benefits are for an individual’s own serious health condition. When you hear that, you may think about a person who needs surgery, has a heart attack, or receives a cancer diagnosis. While CT Paid Leave receives applications for all these reasons, it is important to remember that a serious health condition may be a mental health condition as well. By definition, a serious health condition is an illness, injury or impairment or physical or mental condition that involves continuing treatment or inpatient care. For example, someone diagnosed by a mental health provider with clinical depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can qualify for paid leave when receiving treatment. The key here is that the individual both has the diagnosis and is receiving treatment. That may be an inpatient treatment program, an intensive outpatient program, or even regular appointments with a therapist or social worker.

According to a 2023 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 92 percent of respondents said it is important to them to work for an organization that provides support for employee mental health. Thankfully, in Connecticut, workers are eligible for income replacement for time off from work to receive treatment for a serious mental health condition. That can also include treatment for substance use disorder, which often co-occurs with other mental health concerns.

Connecticut data show that while 10 percent of respondents indicated they have been diagnosed with a major depressive disorder, the number is even higher for American Indian and multiracial residents, at 13 percent. While youth and ethnic and sexual minority populations showed a higher prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorder history during the Covid-19 pandemic, key informants also identified a higher level of community concern regarding depression in older adults (65+). The mental health disparities seen during the pandemic may be attributable to the long-existing structural-level disparities in society, as well as disparities in access to mental health resources across different racial/ethnic, income, gender, and age groups.

For individuals struggling with mental health conditions, family support can be a huge factor in their treatment and recovery. CT Paid Leave can also provide income replacement benefits for a worker who is caring for a family member experiencing a serious mental health condition and receiving treatment. Perhaps that involves bringing a child to their appointments with their therapist or psychiatrist or participating in family therapy sessions with a spouse.

We know that mental health is equally important as physical health. Don’t suffer silently – seek the treatment you need without worrying about your income. To find out more or start an application, visit ctpaidleave.org.