What do I do if I can't work due to anxiety and depression?

Asked by: Gage Corwin  |  Last update: July 12, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (22 votes)

If you find you cannot work due to mental illness, you may be able to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. You must provide proof of the mental health disorder by first receiving an official diagnosis of mental illness. Also, SSDI does not pay benefits until after the fifth month of disability.

What should I do if I can't work because of anxiety?

A GP or a mental health specialist will be able to provide you with access to the anxiety treatment you need to start dealing with your symptoms. Working through a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programme is a common treatment that's used to help people with anxiety disorders.

Can anxiety and depression make you unable to work?

Anxiety and depression are leading causes of disability among adults in the U.S. Many people suffer from both disorders; nearly half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety. For those who suffer severe anxiety or major depression, the symptoms can significantly impair the ability to work.

Can my doctor put me on disability for depression and anxiety?

The symptoms of major clinical depression can make it difficult to carry out your day-to-day activities, including working. If your depression interferes with your ability to perform your job duties, you may consider filing a long term disability insurance claim.

How to deal with work anxiety and depression?

Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety at Work
  1. Work! In addition to financial reasons, working can be important for your self-esteem and it adds to your social identity.
  2. Tell a trusted coworker. ...
  3. Educate yourself. ...
  4. Practice time management. ...
  5. Plan and prepare. ...
  6. Do it right the first time. ...
  7. Be realistic. ...
  8. Ask for help.

Why You Should Talk About Your Anxiety at Work | Adam Whybrew | TED

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Can I take FMLA for depression?

LEAVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS UNDER THE FMLA

An eligible employee may take FMLA leave for their own serious health condition, or to care for a spouse, child, or parent because of a serious health condition. A serious health condition can include a mental health condition.

What are the five symptoms of burnout?

Emotional symptoms
  • Helplessness.
  • Cynicism.
  • Sense of failure or self-doubt.
  • Decreased satisfaction.
  • Feeling detached or alone in the world.
  • Loss of motivation.

How much does mental health disability pay per month?

The maximum mental health disability pay through SSDI in 2023 is $3,267, and the maximum is based on the maximum annual earnings that are subject to Social Security taxes. The average monthly SSDI mental health disability benefit, according to the Social Security Administration, is $1,483 in 2023.

What do you do if you can't work due to mental illness?

If you are unable to work due to a mental illness, you should consider applying for Social Security Disability Benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at your case individually to determine if your condition is severe enough to qualify for benefits.

What is the most approved disability?

Overall, however, the most approved disability for Social Security is disabilities involving the musculoskeletal system and/or connective tissues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such conditions include arthritis, back pain, and lupus.

How much is a disability check for anxiety?

The average disability check for anxiety and other mental disorders was $1,343.88 in 2022. If you qualify for benefits with anxiety, the maximum disability payment for SSDI is $3,822 per month, and the most you can get from SSI is $943 per month in 2024.

Can I lose my job because of anxiety?

The Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA) protects employees from discrimination based on a disability—including mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

What kind of depression qualifies for disability?

It says that in order to be eligible for disability benefits because of depression you must be able to show that you have at least five of these symptoms: depressed mood. decreased interest in almost all activities. appetite disturbance (poor appetite or overeating) resulting in a change in weight.

How to work with crippling anxiety?

Here are 11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder:
  1. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. ...
  2. Eat healthy foods. ...
  3. Identify triggers. ...
  4. Keep physically active. ...
  5. Learn about your disorder. ...
  6. Make sleep a priority. ...
  7. Quit smoking and reduce or quit drinking caffeinated beverages. ...
  8. Socialize.

Is it OK to not go to work because of anxiety?

When you can't work due to anxiety and depression, the optimal next step can depend on the nature and severity of your struggles. If you typically are able to manage your symptoms, but you're having a particularly difficult day, you may simply need to take a sick day or use PTO (paid time off) if you have it.

How much do you get on pip for anxiety?

PIP rates. So, an award of the enhanced rate of PIP for both components means an extra £184.30 a week. PIP is paid on top of almost every other benefit and may lead to an increase in some benefits or entitlement to additional benefits.

What is the hardest mental illness to live with?

Borderline personality disorder is one of the most painful mental illnesses since individuals struggling with this disorder are constantly trying to cope with volatile and overwhelming emotions.

How to get FMLA for anxiety?

Under the FMLA, employees who take stress leave must show that it is: (1) the result of a serious health condition, and; (2) that said condition makes the employee unable to perform the functions of his or her job. There is no maximum time off for stress.

What qualifies for mentally unable to work?

Mental and psychological disabilities are among the conditions that can qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may qualify with severe depression, bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, or another mental illness that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment.

Can you get benefits for anxiety and depression?

If your mental health means you aren't able to work or it is making it too hard for you to work full time, you might be able to get benefits to top up your income. Universal Credit is a benefit for anyone with low or no income.

How to pass a mental evaluation for disability?

Tips on How to Pass the Social Security Mental Exam
  1. Answer all the questions. The disability mental exam questions are designed to give the examiner a clear picture of your mental health. ...
  2. Be specific. ...
  3. Don't answer questions you aren't asked. ...
  4. Be honest. ...
  5. Don't hold back. ...
  6. Do your best on any tests you're given.

What are the symptoms of your body shutting down from stress?

Sleep problems. Fatigue. Muscle aches and headaches. Chest pains and high blood pressure.

What is a mental breakdown?

A nervous breakdown (also called a mental breakdown) is a term that describes a period of extreme mental or emotional stress. The stress is so great that the person is unable to perform normal day-to-day activities. The term “nervous breakdown” isn't a clinical one. Nor is it a mental health disorder.