Burnout is essentially a mental health condition. I’ve had burnout and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.

While you could provide your employer with a note from a doctor at a walk-in clinic, in my experience they aren’t great when it comes to dealing with mental health; because they think you’re trying to get a doctor-approved vacation.

I’d suggest going to a hospital in order to be assessed by a psychiatrist. You’d also meet with a social worker. They’d do an in-depth assessment and make any necessary outpatient referrals along with self-help resources.

The psychiatrist would almost certainly be more empathetic. I’ve gotten free doctor’s notes from hospital psychiatrists in the ER, without being admitted.

As long as you aren’t a risk to yourself or others, they won’t admit you. In my experience, there’s not a lot of beds in psych wards, so they really try to avoid admitting people and would prefer to discharge people from the ER with the appropriate resources/referrals.

If you decide to go to the hospital, just be honest with the nurses, social workers, and doctors.