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>I know about FMLA leaves of absence, but that requires you (!) to disclose your illness to your employee; given the massive stigma around mental illness, I really, really dislike that option.

Not true.

You don't have to disclose the nature of the condition, simply that a serious condition exists.

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Well, I believe you need to get medical proof that such a condition exists, which would reqire disclosing the issue to someone.

The proof can be quite generic.

It doesn't have to specify what the condition is, just something demonstrating that a physician has validated your need to take leave for a condition protected by FMLA.

In any case, providing a medical certification only involves the HR department of an employer and there are clear rules about non-disclosure to people the applicant works for/with.

Source: Personal experience with the process and extensive conversation with people who deal with such things for a living.

Thank you, that's really very good to know. That makes me feel considerably better about that option.

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