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Can anxiety affect your ability to work?

On Behalf of | Dec 1, 2020 | Mental Conditions

In California, disabilities might allow you to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Most people know about physical disabilities, but mental health issues are a relatively new realm.

As someone struggling with anxiety, you may wonder if you qualify for these benefits. In some cases, you might.

What are signs of an anxiety disorder?

Social Security discusses the mental disorders that may qualify for benefits. One category they note is anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. This includes disorders characterized by excessive worry, fear or apprehension. It also includes avoidance of thoughts, places, people, objects and more.

Potential signs of anxiety disorders include trouble concentrating, muscle tension, restlessness and hypervigilance. You might also struggle with your ability to sleep and have fatigue and panic attacks.

So what disorders count? Some examples include:

  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Agoraphobia

If you have these or a similar issue, you are already eligible to apply for benefits.

What factors are considered?

Of course, not all sufferers experience the same degree of debilitation even if they have the same disorder. Social security takes this and other factors into consideration when making their decision. When you boil it down to the basics, the primary deciding factor is whether your disorder interferes with your ability to get any work done. This applies to your current job, as well as future potential jobs adjacent to what you do or could do.

If you believe you might qualify for benefits, then you can proceed to look into how you can apply. Your application does not guarantee you benefits, but it gets you one step closer.

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