Q: Are there any legal resources that can help me write an email asking for reasonable accomodations for depression?

A: First you must have a medical opinion that your depression is related to work and because of this you need an accommodation. Once a physician makes such a finding, then the report is in itself a request for accommodation.

In your reasonable accommodation letter, you should provide all the information your employer will need to begin the accommodation process, including what your disability is, how it affects you, which aspects of your job might require modification, and proposed accommodations.

A: In California, employees have the right to request reasonable accommodations for disabilities, including mental health conditions such as depression, under both federal and state laws. This includes adjustments or modifications to the work environment or job duties to accommodate your condition. When drafting an email to your HR department to request these accommodations, it's crucial to clearly state your needs without necessarily disclosing specific medical details.

Start your email by briefly explaining that you are requesting reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) due to a diagnosed condition that affects your work. Specify how your condition impacts your job performance and suggest possible accommodations that could help you perform your job duties more effectively. These could include flexible scheduling, the ability to take breaks as needed, or modifications to your work environment.

It may be helpful to consult resources such as the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for guidance on common accommodations for depression. Additionally, consider reaching out to local legal aid organizations or advocacy groups that offer support to individuals with disabilities. They can provide advice on how to articulate your request effectively and ensure your rights are protected. Remember, your employer is required to engage in a good faith interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations, provided they do not impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business.

A: Your employer is obligated to engage in good faith negotiations with you to find reasonable accommodations for your condition. But first you must make the request. It is likely that the HR department will want to see some sort of documentation from a medical professional backing up your requests, so be prepared to provide this. However, after making your request for accommodation, if your company denies your requests, or refuses to engage in a dialogue to find an accommodation that suits both employer and employee, be sure to contact an experienced employment lawyer immediately to assist you.