HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Disability for chronic anxiety

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/10/2016 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone know if you can get disability for fibro and anxiety? I have anxiety so bad I get panic attack thinking about getting a job.
I took care of my mother for the past 10 years and haven't worked out of the home.
I just want to go somewhere and hide sometimes.
Posted 9/10/2016 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
To my understanding, which is via random googling and not professional advice. You can get disability for certain types of anxiety if it's extremely severe and debilitating. I'm not to versed on Fibro but I'm sure it's possible as well. I believe General Anxiety and Panic Disorder or PTSD are the most common of the Anxiety disorders that are accepted but it can be extremely difficult to get approved. You would basically need a few doctors and or psychiatrist recommendations and have tried extensive medications and or counseling first before they would even consider it. Even if you do get denied, there are ways you can keep trying. Here is a link that might help you see if you would be a candidate.

Take care!

http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/anxiety-disorders-and-social-security-disability
Posted 9/10/2016 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lsteelman and welcome!

Excellent advice above...eligibility can differ by state so check with your local disability/SSI department. (some states offer supplemental support beyond what the federal government provides...my home state of CA does)

You may also want to see if NAMI can help advocate for you, or provide resources.
www.nami.org/

Best wishes, and post with us anytime for anxiety support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/10/2016 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
@ Scaredy Cat

Not to hijack the post at all but I was curious if you personally have had any experience with NAMI?
While at the express clinic yesterday, I took one of their pamphlets for their Peer-to-Peer Education Program that was on display but I had never heard of them before. They look to be a grass roots organization that has free sessions and I love the idea of getting support from Peers who have lived the life we live and have walked the talk so to speak. If you don't mind me asking, have you had any personal experience with them?
Posted 9/10/2016 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Actually I have. When I first started with the severe panic attacks I talked to someone there. I just couldn't afford the dr copay for the psychologist. They do have meetings all the time and it is good to talk to others who are experiencing the same thing.
My attacks last for days and sometimes weeks. It's very debilitating. It seems to be a vicious cycle of fibro,attacks and depression.
Posted 9/10/2016 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
OS,

I don't have personal experience...but know that they are a trusted organization can be a good advocate for those who need help regarding mental health issues.:)

S.C.
Posted 9/11/2016 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I live in the UK and do claim disability which here is called Employment Support Allowance (ESA) but it was difficult to get it I needed a lot of supporting evidence such as letter from GP and Psychiatrist.

Hibee
Posted 9/12/2016 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
hello,
I live in the united states and we are able to go on disability for anxiety/depression etc. my sister has been on it for over 12 yrs. she has panic, anxiety, depression.
I don't know if each state/country has different laws on what they consider disable. If you aren't seeing
a therapist i'd get one asap the more doctors you have behind you the better chance you will have on getting on disability.
best wishes to you,
donna
Posted 9/12/2016 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lsteelman and welcome to Healing Well.

I have been on diasability insurance for about 9 years. I live in Canada, so I dont know how things work where you are, but it certainly seems like you qualify. I agree with other replys that having doctors paperwork is important, so I also suggest that you see your doctor and explain your symptoms as soon as you can.

The short answer to you question about disability coverage for chronic anxiety : yes.

Hope you stick around : HW has been a big help for me.

Best wishes,

Derwood.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply