Suffering a nervous breakdown at work isn't just a health crisis; it is a serious employment risk. Many employees assume their mental health protects them from termination, but the reality is harsh: if your employer is unaware of your medical condition, they can legally fire you for "poor performance" or "bad behavior" stemming from your untreated anxiety. This guide explains why silence is your enemy. We outline the critical legal steps you must take to protect your job, how to properly trigger your rights to medical accommodation, and why transitioning to a protected medical leave is safer than trying to "push through" a crisis alone.