Hi Twilightzone,
I feel for you, I understand completely, I was bullied by my manager for almost a year, in which case I had to leave on stress, I had a bit of a melt down, they were trying to give me what can be seen as a warning re - my performance and honestly it was like the waters parted and I could see clearly I walked out crying and told them I would contact them because I was heading straight to my doctor. I did this, I couldnt stop crying all day, and then I realised how much stress I was under.
It seems so scary going out on leave and sometimes there is a stigma re - going on stress, but your wife HAS to do this - after all, you can be sure the bullies or company DONT care about your wifes mental health, when she has left for a few days she WILL start to feel much better and it will only be after a few weeks when she realises how much stress she has been under, for me, its been nearly a year and I think Im now back to myself. I ended up having to go to a solic, and playing hard ball, which I cant believe I did it (long story) - baby steps - your wife leaves on stress she will get sick leave quite quick, its like because your still employed they prioritise the applications.
I know it can seem hard because of the bills, but nothing is worth this, there is even a group on facebook - No job is ever worth this !!!
I wish you both the very best of luck, and if your wife needs to talk, she can send me a private message and it might help
Blueeyes