Personalized Attention From An

How can anxiety affect my job?

On Behalf of | Oct 2, 2024 | Mental Conditions

Have you ever had one of those days where you can’t shake the feeling of dread, even though nothing specific is wrong? For many, this is a daily struggle with anxiety, and it can have a significant impact on their professional lives. But there are those struggling with stress in a much more severe way.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural stress response characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness or fear about future events. It’s a shared experience that everyone encounters at some point. General anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling or feeling overwhelmed.

Feeling anxious vs having anxiety disorder

Feeling anxious is a temporary state that usually has a clear trigger, such as an upcoming presentation or a tight deadline. This type of anxiety typically subsides once the stressful situation is resolved.

On the other hand, an anxiety disorder is a more persistent and pervasive condition. It involves excessive and uncontrollable worry that can last months or years, often without a specific cause. Anxiety disorders can significantly impact one’s ability to function in daily life, including at work. Here are some ways it might affect your job:

  • Decreased productivity: An anxiety disorder can cause a person to procrastinate or struggle to complete tasks on time because it makes it difficult for people to concentrate.
  • Increased absenteeism: Chronic anxiety can lead to frequent absences from work due to physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues or fatigue.
  • Strained relationships: Anxiety can affect your interactions with colleagues and supervisors. With an anxiety disorder, a person can become irritable or overly sensitive to criticism, which can strain professional relationships.

Getting qualified for SSDI

For those with severe anxiety disorders, it is possible to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To be eligible, you must provide medical evidence that your anxiety disorder significantly impairs your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate your case based on their criteria for mental disorders to determine eligibility.

Understanding how anxiety affects your job and knowing the resources available can help you manage your condition and seek the support you need.

FindLaw Network

Archives