I know we have to be aware of peoples mental health issues but you can’t carry other people forever.

I have been in both situations…

As the one covering for others, it was usually because they were lazy, but I would gladly cover for someone if I knew it was health related. Mental or otherwise.

However, as the depressed person, I couldn’t carry on knowing I wasn’t being part of the team. But also, I applied for disability with a slew of mental and physical conditions and was denied any help. No insurance, no short term, nothing.

After my parents passed away I was able to quit working for awhile thankfully.

But most people are stuck and because society won’t acknowledge that we aren’t machines, we all suffer the burnout.

If it is affecting your life so strongly, especially making you late to pick up your kids, that is a big, unfair problem and your boss needs to know this other employee isn’t able to do their job and you can’t carry hers and yours effectively. I’m sure to a kind heart this feels yucky, but you do have to care for yourself and your family.

Also, if she gets fired, perhaps she can collect unemployment for a bit and get back on her feet.

You are right, you can only go so far for people before it turns toxic for both of you. She needs to care for herself and it is unfair to expect others to cover for her. I quit working until I was better. It was important to me to not drag anyone down with me. It’s honest, and basic respect for others 🤍🖤

Need to talk to your boss if you haven't already. You need to let them know that you're on a road to burn out and that there's too much on your plate. Unfortunately sometimes when we pick up other people's work they think that we're okay with it and they take advantage

I suffer from depression myself. But id never take time off work like that knowing that other people had to then pick it up. I would feel worse.

But i do know people that would use their mental health to get out of work.

sadly, nothing usually ever gets done until the one doing all the work ends up quitting. then they will hire two people to do the work you are doing.

This is a discussion you should have with your supervisor. It seems they are failing you, not your coworker.

You need to tell your bosses that you cannot keep doing the extra hours.
You have to put your health first.

This is unfair.

She should be paid for her work, use time from sick/etc. time to cover her needs, etc.

If she has a continual under-time, her appointment should be adjusted.

But it sounds as though they need a half-time person to help out (as well as putting her at ~80% or so).

This seems like an HR issue, but have facts in hand. If others are impacted, incl. the supervisor, "their" involvement could help a lot.