How to Write a Resignation Letter Due to Health & Stress
When health issues affect your ability to work, stepping away may be necessary for recovery. A well-written resignation letter can help you leave your job gracefully and stay on good terms with your employer.
In most cases, you don’t need to provide a doctor’s note. However, medical professionals may need to grant notes to employees who:
- Take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Intend to reapply at the same company in the future
- Apply for disability benefits for insurance coverage
- Be eligible for certain benefits under company policy
1. Date of Letter
Include the date of your letter to establish the official submission date of your resignation and confirm that you adhered to your employer’s preferred notice period. This compliance may also keep the door open for a potential return, should your employer’s policies allow for reemployment in the future.
2. Address & Salutation
In your letter’s header, include the employer’s name, contact information, and the company’s name. Begin the letter with a salutation such as “Dear Recipient’s Name.”
Include your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address at the top of your letter. These details help the employer confirm the letter’s sender and reach you if they need to follow up.
3. Resignation Statement
Be transparent with the recipient by clearly stating the letter’s purpose in your opening paragraph. Use concise sentences such as “This letter is my formal notice that I’m resigning from my position.”
State the amount of notice you’re providing, such as a two-week or one-week notice. If you cannot give advance notice, state that you must submit a notice of immediate resignation.
4. Reasons for Resigning
State your reasons for resigning. While you don’t owe your employer an explanation, it can help them understand your reasons for departing.
If you cite workplace stress as a reason for your departure, remain objective. If you have personal health concerns that will prevent you from performing your work to a high standard, give a brief explanation.
5. Offer to Assist
If you provide enough notice, offer your assistance to the company. This gesture helps your team handle changes effortlessly after you leave. For example, you can offer to document your workflow processes for new hires to reference later. You can also volunteer to train newer employees or finish specific projects you’ve been working on.
Be as specific as possible in your next steps so your employer can see your efforts to assist with the transition process.
6. Expression of Gratitude
Express gratitude and appreciation for the professional experiences and opportunities your employer has given you. Doing so enables you to recognize the support you’ve received, maintain professionalism, and strengthen future relationships if you later return.
7. Closing Statement & Signature
Wish the company well and reiterate your gratitude for the experiences you’ve had. Finish the letter with a valediction like “Warm regards” and sign your name.
Examples of Resignation Letters Due to Health & Stress
Reviewing examples of resignation letters can provide valuable guidance when navigating the difficult decision to leave your job due to health or stress. Use the following examples as a starting point to write a resignation letter that explains your unique circumstances and connects your reason for leaving to your well-being.
1. Immediate Resignation Letter Due to Work-Related Stress
Sometimes, work stresses can become overwhelming and lead you to step away immediately to protect your health and well-being. When stress reaches a breaking point, prioritizing yourself becomes essential, even if it means resigning without much notice.
Below is an example of an immediate resignation letter from an employee who needed to leave their position due to severe work-related stress.
Corey Smith
456 Montrose Lane
Brookside, NJ 07920
(973) 555-7890
[email protected]
November 4, 2024
Elizabeth Parker
Director of Music Education
Brookside Music Academy
789 Melody Drive
Brookside, NJ 07920
Dear Elizabeth Parker,
Please accept this letter as my notice of resignation from my position as Piano Instructor at Brookside Music Academy, effective immediately.
After much reflection, I’ve decided that I must step down due to the increasing demands of my role. The workload has become overwhelming, as I’m assigned a high volume of students without sufficient support staff to assist with essential tasks like communicating with parents regarding lesson plans and student progress. These factors have created a level of work-related stress, making it difficult for me to continue effectively in my role.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach at Brookside Music Academy and for the trust you have placed in me to help shape students’ musical journeys. It has been a privilege to work with such talented students, and I value the experiences I’ve had here.
Thank you for your understanding. I wish Brookside Music Academy continued success in fostering a love of music in young students.
Sincerely,
Corey Smith
2. Resignation Letter Due to Illness
Illness or injury can sometimes make it impossible or difficult to perform your job effectively. When your health prevents you from meeting work demands, stepping away to focus on recovery is often the most responsible choice. Below is an example of a resignation letter due to health reasons, showing how to address your condition and express your thanks.
Lucille Johns
789 Riverbend Trail
Clearwater, WY 82003
(307) 555-6789
[email protected]
November 4, 2024
Steven Lawson
Chief Park Ranger
Clearwater State Park
123 Wilderness Drive
Clearwater, WY 82003
Dear Steven Lawson,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from Park Ranger at Clearwater State Park, effective November 18, 2024.
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to step down from my position due to various health-related reasons. Some of my health issues include chronic hip and knee pain, which have made it difficult for me to perform my duties. Prioritizing my health is essential at this time, and I feel it is best to focus on my well-being.
I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had at Clearwater State Park and for the opportunity to work alongside such a motivated team. I’ve learned so much under your guidance, and I’ll always value my time spent protecting and maintaining this beautiful area.
During the next two weeks, I’m fully committed to assisting with the handover of my responsibilities. If there’s any further help I can provide after my departure, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or (307) 555-6789.
Thank you once again for the support and opportunities. I wish you and the entire team at Clearwater State Park continued success.
Warm regards,
Lucille Johns
Retiring Due to Poor Health
If you need to retire due to poor health, you may consider writing a retirement resignation letter.
3. Resignation Letter Due to Mental Health Challenges
At times, mental health conditions can make it challenging to balance one’s personal well-being and work responsibilities. When stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns start to affect your ability to perform, you may need to resign from your position. Below is an example of a resignation letter from an employee choosing to leave their job to prioritize their mental health.
Patrick Kirtland
123 Oakwood Drive
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 555-1234
[email protected]
November 4, 2024
James Anderson
Operations Manager
Pin Paradise
456 Memorial Lane
Springfield, IL 62702
Dear James Anderson,
I’m writing to formally submit my resignation from my role as League Director at Pin Paradise, effective November 18, 2024.
After much consideration, I’ve decided to step down to focus on my mental health. Managing my anxiety and depression has become essential, and I need to focus on my stress management and recovery.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had at Pin Paradise. The experience, support, and mentorship I received here have been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate my time with such a dedicated team.
I’m committed to a smooth transition and will ensure my responsibilities are appropriately handed over. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (217) 555-1234 if I can assist in any way after my departure.
Thank you again for everything. I wish Pin Paradise continued success in the future.
Warm regards,
Patrick Kirtland
Tips for Writing Your Resignation Letter Due to Health & Stress
Here are some tips to follow when you write a letter to resign due to health and stress.
- Stay professional.
- Be positive or stay neutral.
- Offer to help with the transition (if possible).
- Be brief when providing your reasons for leaving.
- Proofread your letter before submitting it.
Sample Resignation Letter Due to Health & Stress
Review a sample of a resignation letter due to health and stress so you can anticipate what yours will look like.
