Fired For Taking Mental Health Leave In Oregon

Location: Oregon

As the title reads, I was recently fired in Oregon for taking unexpected leave due to severely poor mental health. Long story short, my ex husband and I chose to separate which blew up quite a bit in the process. The exact context is potentially triggering, but I ended up driving myself to the hospital to be mentally evaluated.

I did my dues and called the manager on duty, struggled to get words out and let him know verbally that I need time away to recoup. This included verbalizing I’d be going to stay with my parents a few states away. His response would that he would get my shifts covered and not to worry. I followed up with an email to the rest of upper management a few days later with the same sentiment. At the time, I did not fully disclose that I needed a mental evaluation at the emergency room as it was still very raw and a sensitive subject. I trusted they knew I wouldn’t be calling out for an extended period of time if it weren’t serious. I explained I needed time to get myself sorted and would update everyone as soon as I figured out when I was stable enough to return. I received a very supportive response and was told to keep them posted. A few days later, I receive a text from the owner that my employment is terminated due to unexpectedly leaving with no notice for an unknown amount of time…

I’m still crushed, as I’ve been with this company for almost 5 years and I considered my coworkers very close friends.

It’s been over a month now after the firing and having filed for unemployment. My claims are still in review and I’m struggling to make ends meet. I’ve contacted the unemployment office as well as gone in person to check on my claim. Should I reach out to my previous employer stating the reason why I left and to ask that they approve my claim on their end? I’m prepared to provide my discharge paperwork from the hospital as proof. Or should I just wait for them to try and appeal my claim? Do I have a case here if my unemployment ultimately gets denied?

Any and all help appreciated!