If you’ve ever had a job you hate, supervisors or coworkers that love making your life hell, or if you’ve ever spent Saturday AND Sunday thinking about how bad you didn’t want to go back to work on Monday because of stress and anxiety, then you’ll want to read this entire article.
Before I go on I just want to tell you why I’m even writing about this. I had a reader contact me recently about this issue and she had some concerns about losing work due to severe anxiety.
Over her short working career she’s lost as many as 15 jobs, has been denied disability benefits multiple times and feels like there isn’t anyone advocating for the little guy.
Then it dawned on me that if she has this problem, then it has to be that there are others with the same problem.
I mean, it’s not like I’ve never sat in my cubicle Monday morning watching Microsoft windows load and had a quick day dream about walking out of the office never to be seen again, at least not by those guys anyway.
So, I’m going to tell you what your options are for filing disability because of stress and or anxiety, what to expect, pros and cons, and some other morsels of information.
To kick this off I think we should start by talking a little bit about what qualifies you for disability. And although there are many different kinds of disability coverage, I will cover only a few in this article, since the basics are the same across the board.
Now, since I live in California, I’ll be using my home state as a template, so let me quote part of the California Unemployment Insurance Code that defines what a disability is.
Section 2626 of the California UI code says, in a nutshell, that “Disability is defined as ANY mental or physical illness or injury which prevents you from performing your regular or customary work.”
Moreover, the US National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety defines job stress as, “the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.”
So under these two definitions stress and anxiety are acknowledged as work related issues, and as such they count as “illnesses” that could qualify someone for disability benefits.
How much they count as a basis for not working is a more complex issue. You have to take into account what state you live in, your work history, medical history, and so on.
In other words, just because you think your job is making your anxiety worse, don’t think for a second that you’ll be watching Jerry Springer anytime soon.
The reality is that in most cases it is hard to get disability benefits because of stress or anxiety. The powers that be have no problem with you breaking some bones and calling out for awhile, but when you try to pull the whole, “I’m too anxious to work thing,” you’ll find more closed doors than welcome mats for sure.
Actually, let me explore this idea with you for a second. I think the reason it’s so hard to get disability for stress, anxiety, depression or any other psych disorder, boils down to two things, and those are the potential for abuse and the puritan work ethic that underpins our entire culture.
With respect to the former, I think that stress and anxiety are conveniently seen as just part of life, so in most cases they want you to just “get over it.” And “they” want it this way not always on moral grounds, but also for practical reasons.
Let’s be honest, a lot of people cheat the system.
The more unscrupulous among us go to a doctor, open up the tear faucet, and get put on disability, many times at taxpayer expense. So, to some degree, they drop the hammer on people looking to get off work due to stress and anxiety because of the semi-subjective nature of emotions like anxiety, the degree to which it can truly immobilize you, and the difficulty of gauging all that.
The bottom-line is that it’s just kinda of hard to tell if someone is faking it, so the hurdles put up to stop you can get tall and numerous. Although I concede that there are people that fake back injuries too, but I digress.
The other thing is that our whole system in America is based on the Puritan work ethic. This ethic is the one that values hard work to an almost lunatic degree. It’s the belief that work is more than work, it is in fact, your moral duty.
This is why America is obsessed with work to the point that when strangers meet they’ll almost always ask, so what do you do? As in, what is your contribution? Dare I say, what is your worth?
This is also why we work, work, and work in America. It’s in the blood. With a culture obsessed with work, imagine for a second what happens when you stop working, or in this case try to stop working?
The music stops and you’re left without a chair for sure.
Ultimately, it’s hard to get disability because of the potential for cheaters to cheat and because it’s generally frowned upon in our culture to not work. The mission isn’t impossible though, so let’s take a look at your options.
Qualifying for benefits
In order to qualify for any type of disability benefits you’ll have to do more than have difficulty doing your job because of stress or anxiety. Here are a few of the basics.
- You must be unable to do your regular work for a certain amount of consecutive days. In California it is 8 straight days.
- You must provide written proof by a medical doctor (which includes psychiatrists), or other health care professional like a psychologist, for example, that you are not fit to work.
- Allow access to your medical records.
- Must be undergoing treatment for anxiety, stress, depression or whatever you’re claiming. This includes things like taking medication and undergoing therapy.
- There may be wage and employment requirements.
- You have to submit a disability claim application. This stuff isn’t automatic!
- You’ll have to be open to a medical evaluation by the entity you’re trying to get benefits from.
- You may be subject to an investigation, which may involve the interviewing of family, friends, and co-workers.
Types of Coverage
Not all disability coverage’s are created equal. This is because the type of coverage you have will dictate how much time off you get, how much money you are paid and other particulars of that nature.
State plans – The majority of workers fall under this plan in California. This coverage is paid by deductions from your paycheck. Not sure if you pay into this? Take a look at your pay stub.
In California it would say CASDI, which stands for California State Disability Insurance. Obviously this will vary from state to state, but most working Americans are eligible for this type of coverage.
Voluntary plans – This is a private plan that employers and employee groups can use with approval through your state’s disability office. You can inquire about this coverage through your employer.
Elective coverage – Employers and self-employed people can elect coverage by directly contacting their state disability office.
Short term disability – In this case your employers or your own policy will dictate your coverage. This coverage, like all others, pays a portion of your salary if you become disabled.
You can get it through private insurance companies like Metlife or Aflac by way of your employer. See your human resources department at work for more information. You can also get it through the social security office as well.
FMLA – The Family & Medical Leave Act allows eligible workers to take off up to 12 weeks in any one 12 month period for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a family member, or because of a health issue.
This coverage doesn’t all have to be used all at once either, it can be broken up over time and can even be used to allow for part time work on a temporary basis.
Workers Comp – This is insurance that your employer pays for in the event that you are injured on the job. Workers comp will pay for medical bills, disability payments and retraining benefits.
In most cases it will be difficult to obtain workers comp benefits for stress or anxiety. The state of California for example is notorious for investigating these types of claims vigorously and denying them with just as much gusto.
They could argue with you about whether or not it is your job that is making you panic and so on. Is it the kids? Your spouse?
They will dig, believe me. Actually, in the state of Virginia they laugh at stress or anxiety claims. But in Michigan they do pay on such claims, so you’ve go to do your homework.
SSI – Supplemental Security Income disability is a federal program that can be used to pay disability benefits due to stress or anxiety. This program is perhaps one of the most hoop intensive programs.
From what I understand, when it comes to workers comp, or SSI, it isn’t unusual for people to acquire the services of an attorney because things can get nasty. In fact, the denial rate for SSI is super high. You may have to try multiple times, and even end up in court to get your benefits.
Appeals
The appeals process is something you have to be aware of because of the high rate of denial for “stress claims.” In most cases, from the date of denial, you’ll be given a set amount of days to submit an appeal.
This should have your case reopened for reexamination.
The bottom-line here is: know your rights! Just because someone says no the first time means nothing.
Maybe you got a grumpy examiner the first time around, it happens. Also remember that if you win your appeal you could be entitled to retroactive payments.
Pros
The up side to getting disability payments for stress or anxiety is huge. This will give you the time to regroup and recharge your batteries. It will also give you time to get the help that you need.
After all, being on disability is not about watching day time t.v. or shuffling around WalMart when everyone else is at work. It is about making a plan to get better and trying to fulfill that plan to the best of your ability.
Mental stress is a real problem that needs to be addressed. By addressing this problem you can avoid getting sick on a physical level, and avoid all the problems that come with that, like gigantic medical bills. So the break down of perks looks like this if you can make it across all the red tape.
- More time to let your mind and body recover from the effects of stress.
- More time to seek help and make a plan of action to maintain your long term health.
- More time to reevaluate your situation, like your job, unhealthy habits, relationship problems, and lots more.
Working day in and day out can be a grind, a big metallic grinder with shiny blades, in fact. Getting away from such a thing temporarily is not a bad thing.
Cons
Here it is, the bad part. You didn’t think that this would be all easy street right? Well, for starters, if you file for disability it is possible that your life will become an open book.
So you have to ask yourself if you’re ready for that. I mean, if they’re interviewing co-workers about this, it’ll be more than just a cat coming out of a bag… it’ll be more like a tiger. Office gossip, trash talkers, you name it, they will all come out of the woodwork.
You’ll turn into topic numero uno, and possibly be labeled as the office “crazy person.”
Then there is the stigma put on you by management. After months or even years of loyal service, you could become the object of anger or even neglect. Backlash is a real possibility.
And lastly, although in many instances it is illegal, you could lose your job. I’ve personally encountered several people who went on disability only to come back to work to be told that there is a “lack of work,” and voila, no more j.o.b.
Even women that go on maternity leave have to face this sometimes, imagine what they will do to someone who is “just” stressed out. So if you go on disability you can expect:
- Office rumors and gossip about you
- Managerial backlash
- Layoffs
- Social stigmatization
This isn’t to discourage you, it is just to give you a realistic picture of what it could be like once you get on disability. You have to know that the going won’t always be easy.
Alternatives
When stress and anxiety jump up and bite you, you don’t always have to fold your tent up and go home. You do have a few options that you can explore to avoid disability altogether.
EAP – This stands for Employee Assistance Program, which are programs designed to help employees with personal problems like drug abuse, emotional distress, major life events, financial troubles and work relationships.
This type of program can be linked to your health care plan and may provide counseling services as well. Unfortunately, EAP’s are normally only found at large companies, but if you work at a big company don’t ignore this resource. Talk to someone in your human resources department for more information.
Vacation & Sick Leave – Got some time off coming? Instead of the typical vacation you could try to design a getaway or even a home based self-help program to get back to basics for a few weeks, or if you haven’t already, you can visit your doctor about starting medication and explore other treatment options, all in private.
The truth is that typical vacations can be stressful, and may not even be necessary, considering that maybe all you need is a few days to collect your thoughts and indulge in some R&R. You could also use some of this time with short notice if your employer allows it.
You’d be surprised what taking Thursday, Friday and the weekend off can do to your spirits, good things indeed. I also know that not all of us are lucky enough to have paid time off, but if you have it then use it, and use it wisely.
Conclusion
I believe that mental stress and severe anxiety are debilitating conditions, even if you’re not on the floor convulsing from fear.
It is both wrong and unfair that those of us that suffer from anxiety aren’t given more compassion and patience in the workplace. But in our workaholic culture there is little compassion or patience for those that succumb to the pressures of work.
You may even be called lazy, worthless, and so on if you do, but this is all nonsense. And although this is the state of things, remember that you have every right to use your benefits if the situation calls for it.
With that being said, the system isn’t geared against you. As I’ve outlined above, there are many different ways to escape the pressures of work for awhile if that’s what you need to calm down a little.
It’s true that depending on the coverage you’re trying to use things can get challenging, but it’s not impossible. Also, don’t forget that in some cases you can acquire the services of an attorney and not go it alone, but if you go this route keep the cost in mind.
There is no way that I can make this an exhaustive enough article to even begin to do it justice. My goal was to give you a cursory overview of what disability is, and how it works. I want to leave you with one last tip.
When it comes to ANY claim, but especially disability claims, document EVERYTHING. Medical cost, lost wages, or whatever you can think of related to your claim, save it and make copies.
Now, I know some of you have experience with this. So, join me in helping the AG community with this issue by commenting below.
Resources:
Pennsylvania Department of Labor
Side-note: I couldn’t list all the offices for all 50 states, but you can Google “Your state disability” and find listings that way.
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Here’s How to Increase Self-Knowledge and Lower Anxiety at the Same Time
Hi Kathleen, as far as whether or not you have a legal case, I’m not sure about that. There are so many variables to consider. You could consult an attorney. Many will give one free consultation in order to review the merits of your case. Outside of that, you can either search for a new job locally or consider relocating nearby.
Paul
I work for a company in Los Angeles, I don’t know how to begin with the type of hostility we go through every day…this past week my boss yelled and used very offensive language towards me in frontdof a group of employees over sending an email. Ive never been so humiluated in my life, I couldn’t stop thinking about it all weekend long that on Sunday I had a panic attack and I called in sick to work today (Monday). I have a history of depression and anxiety and due to the fact that they have denied me insurance, although I’ve worked there for 4 years, I cant see my psychiatrist until I get insurance through my husband. I am burnt out mentally and physically working there…I go to work every morning thinking “is today the day I will be fired”. My eyesight is deteriorating from the heavy loads of work, I’ve gained weight, I’ve lost alot of hair, and im starting to lose my memory. Ive had bloodwork done and everything comes back negative yet all this is still happening. This past march I had a miscarriage and I strongly believe it was due to all the mental stress I go through. Right now my boss is away but next week he’ll be in the office and I’m worried sick just thinking if hes going to try to yell at me again or use me as an example like he has with previous employees that have been terminated for trying to stand up for themselves. I need advice.
Hey Rita, when it comes to legal issues and knowing all your options I think you would be better served by an attorney. See about a free consultation to learn and protect your rights.
Rita, I’m so sorry. Good luck!!!
I have filed with my company for disability leave due to mental stress and anxiety. The forms they sent me were FMLA forms and nowhere on them had a place to indicate a leave of this type. I received a letter stating that I had been approved for a personal medical leave in which time they cannot guarantee that I will have a job when I get back. On the form I wrote in disability in the blank areas since that was not an option to check off and my MD as well, indicated the depression and stress anxiety I was going through. I was told that I once my PTO runs out in a few days, I will begin receiving 70% of my salary as my disability pay. So it seems on one hand they are acknowledging it and on the other denying it. I have only been with the company for 8 months, so do not qualify for FMLA at all.
Any words of advice? A couple of different people told me they had to go online and apply like at a government site. I have not been instructed to do this. I just completed the paperwork my HR dept gave me. Am I supposed to file with the state of CA as well?
thank you,
Hi Jack, If you live in CA contact the EDD’s disability dept for more info. I believe you can even contact them via email for more information.
i’m under a lot of stress and being hear is hell broken rules and if i say any thing i”m in the confress room with the boss i can go on but i cant work like this any more.please help me .
I have severe depression and anxiety topped with stress. I only took a leave for about two weeks. Yes I came back, got less help and yes I am the crazy at work. Feel no one understands. I work hard and keep to myself, yet I am the bad person. I finally gave my two weeks but now feel I won’t get the acknowledgment as a good hire even though I work hard, have only been promoted to highest level in the store., have never been late, always stay late or make sure we had coverage, sometimes worked a double shift. And I feel like I am the one who did something wrong. Does anyone know can they say anything about my anxiety and stress to new employers, feel like they are going to give me a bad wrap. I know they are mad because I am leaving. I am glad you posted this, I have felt so alone and thought no one understood what I am going through. Thank you!
My daughter is a constant worrier and in 1st grade she went through a particularly hard time. We ended up taking her to see a therapist to help her and us to help her. Something she learned that was particularly helpful was “self-talk”. When she started to think the worst or that she couldn’t control something irrationally, she would talk to herself and say something positive repeatedly to tell herself that she could do whatever it was. We continue to help her daily and we have this site to help us.
My question is, My husband is post aortic valve replacement surgery 7 months and his Dr. took him off of work due to stress uncontrolled blood pressure. If his Dr makes him permanent will SDI stop?
I work a timken schedule a ta steel mill. I worked 1 year and was a good worker. No issues ever in my work career. I was working on a coke battery cooking coal sweating a lot. I worked so much I burned all the nutrients and minerals out of my body, stage 3 stress, adrenals were shot. I couldnt get out of bed for a month. I was seeing a eap counselor, family doctor, psychiatrist etc etc. I was taking 34 pills a day for nutrients and minerals and 2 anxiety pills. My potassium was 2x what their chart could read. I havent been the same since this.incident in my life. Stomach pains, anxiety, depression,fears also. I get scared when I hear loud noises now or something as simple as a flag waving hard to make a noise scares the poop out of me. Sleep anea also. I quit smoking 8 months after and lost.my stress reliever and the vicious cycle continues.
Paul, your well-written blog post brought back memories of my earlier life. I say earlier because I used to function on adrenaline. It no longer worked at all anymore once I began a job where the anxiety was so intense for reasons other than what adrenalin could help much for. Prior to that job, which was basically the last one of any real significance, and I’ve since been on disability since the early 1990s, the adrenaline was what brought my performance level up enough to compete in the dog-eat-dog world.
Adrenaline (and sugar actually too) gave me high grades in high school to get a 4 year scholarship to college. However, my achievements declined from there since I was then at the physical age when the my body couldn’t function on adrenaline any longer. Besides, we’re talking about the adult, unsheltered world now and an adrenaline junky can’t compete with the people who are proficient without it, and there are plenty of those out there, I think.
After reading your article, I don’t understand why my HIPAA and ADA rights would be any less for disability due to depression than it would be for cancer, HIV, or heart disease. While an employer has a right to verify that a request for medical leave is legitimate, the treating providers can only disclose what the patient authorizes.
When the employer asks the employee to complete paperwork for an FMLA leave, they often include forms that ask for the diagnosis and nature of the illness. The employee does not have to provide this information and the treating providers cannot provide it without the employee’s consent. The provider need only ascertain that the employee is disabled and unable to perform the functions of the job. More information may be needed for a third party disability policy or an ADA accommodation upon return to work, but again, this is subject to privacy protections. The reason for being let go for using FMLA is the fear of liability for on the job injury or high insurance costs, not because they think the employee is crazy or unstable. While termination is illegal discrimination, it’s often achieved through skillful pretext and sometimes, not so skillful pretext.
Per your article, I would like to know why coworkers would ever be interviewed or consulted in regard to an illness especially in determining disability. This is determined by the treating provider and can be substantiated by second and even third opinions but not by fellow employees. While employees do gossip, many people get sick or need to care for someone and most employers cooperate, although those who don’t are especially egregious in their treatment.
My sister has always had emotional problems and has never worked more than part-time, always terminated. She has not worked over 20 years and been taken care of by family. We are all old now and running out of money. She really has some major psychological issues. Is she entitled to disability? Anything? Would she have to give it another try working before she was given disability. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Long history of being a hardworking dedicated employee, but recent employer’s mishandling of my reporting criminal illegal activity in the office, followed by threats and verbal abuse, despite their contradicting admission “I did my work well”, triggered PTSD. Applied for STD and despite the “out of the box” nature of my case as my therapists describes it, I agree with this article! As a victim, as a sufferer of someone else’s wrongdoing,;you are still left feeling like the criminal, crazy for doing the right thing and weak for seeking the assistance you need to heal. Good luck to all of you and may you each experience unexpected joy despite the difficult journey. ~
Hi. I have been at my present job as an Admin. Asst (non profit sector) for almost 27 years. I have not received a raise in 6 years. I found out that another Admin Asst in a different program makes the same as me now. She is there 7 years. I am sought of in charge of her and 4 other Admin Assts when it comes to their spending on office supplies, etc. My boss doesn’t know I that I found out about her salary. I found out because I boss gives me a lot of stuff to scan and I saw it. That department does get more budget money than mine and that’s why she got the raise. I am to a point where I am getting sick just thinking about going to work. We are expanding in staff and getting new office space and guess who is getting all the work. I am going thru serious anxiety and thinking about mental help. My question is, can I go out on temporary disability and look for a new job during that time? I don’t know if this is legal or not. If I don’t get disability I am thinking about taking out a chunk of my retirement money and live on that til I find a new job. I live in New York State.
I suffer from severe anxiety. My employer sent me a home a few weeks ago because I had anxiety and stress so bad I couldn’t perform my job safely. They told me I could go back after some visits with a doctor, which I have been doing, and that I could get short-term disability while I’m off. So, after the seven day waiting period, I had my one doctor do the paperwork and fax it in. Now I talked to HR at my job and they told me I could not get short-term disability and to just come back to work next week. They said they couldn’t get a doctor to sign off on it. I had a doctor sign the papers for it. Now I am going to be about a month without a paycheck until I get paid after going back to work. I don’t understand what the deal is with them not being able to give it to me now? I checked on the website for The Hartford, where my claim would be through, and it said it is waiting on my papers from my employer. It’s almost Christmas and I haven’t made any money for bills or gifts. This is through New York, not California, but it is bullcrap.
I been working for the same company 13 years in Miami Fl all in the overnight shift. By the way i am 60 years old. I am a assistant manager for a pharmacy store. When i started i was fine. Now i have hypertension, diabetic. I so stress out and mostly from not being able to sleep during the day. So what can i do can this
Help for disability?
I was on disability for depression and aniexty.It was totally disabling no memory,concentration,overreacting,fear .That was 1993-2005.I fought to go back to work.It was a slow process.First i worked part time.So 2005 i was able to get off disability.I was still part time back then.Now 10 years later i am having aniexty and depression.I am just glad for the time i had working.I am not able to work again .I lose control crying and upset uncontrollaby.
I am 55 now and just done .I did work 20 years off and on.So now i am done.I worked as a secretary in a hospital mostly.What do i do tell my supervisor that i have a depressive disorder.No i am not gonna do that.It will be all over the hospital.So there is some stigma too .i busted some relatives talking about me and my mental issues.Well i just hold my head up and over look them.Right now i am on sick leave now 30 days.I am a fulltime worker.I had some people at work call me crazy.They may have noticed that sometimes i just was barely gettin by.So the stima follows you to work too.
Because I served a few years in the Navy, I was able to get a good-sized pension when I filed for a disability claim. It was actually quite easy, but it is based on income. So, if my husband works it pretty much gets rid of our income from the disability. Good luck with SSI. I filed for that first and they laughed me out the door.
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Sounds like a potential nightmare. The “cure” is worse than the ill.
Let’s face it. We live in a mentally ill society which creates anxiety in healthy people. The system is anti life and anti love – designed to harm, not help you.
The only true solution is to travel deep within yourself, identify the root cause and heal yourself with the help of loving helpers. Happiness is an inside job.
Pay attention to what you LOVE and build a life around that.
Dare to live passionately and be HAPPY.
We don’t come to a solution by climbing around the problem. Become clear in your VISION and INTENTION TO CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT!
MAY ALL BEINGS BE BLESSED.
LOVE TO ALL
The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a
thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad
is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off
topic but I had to share it with someone!
In February my vision became blurred and I Ivisited my local Walmart for I thought a routine eye exam for possible new prescription glasses. I was immediately referred to an eye specialist due to cataract in both eyes. Meantime, I visit my primary dr and she placed me on disability for 3 months to go through the process and deal with my high levels of stress and anxiety. In the end I am found to be legally blind with advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa. I think I’m doing the right thing by notifying HR and President of my company the same day of my bad news. I’m an emotional wreck and thinks im going to get there support while I go this. Instead an hour later an HR consultant contacts me with a lot of rhetoric that I should be treated with compassion etc at same time 10 days from that time I will exit out of my job. I’m very uncomfortable because I have many scheduled dr visits and all my work wants is for me to go away quietly. All the bs starts and I am told I dont qualify for cobra because they consider this a voluntary quit. I feel the rug pulled out as I had 10 years combined work history and my ESOP benefit Are affected. In addition I haven’t even begun my Colonisl Life benefits claim process. Almost 5 months later for the first time in my life I have no medical insurance and am in a financial downward spiral. I’ve drained a 401k to supplement my monthly living expenses and feel my so called family kicked me to the curb. I’m blind, uninsured and trying to organize for a new life. Your article was well written and hit some very hard truths that occur to many of us. I’m going to rise above and become a better person when I come out the end of my journey. Peace, Love & Happiness I wish to all others experiencing medical life changes.
My heart goes out to all of those affected by stress, anxiety, and depression. I understand the challenges and can only encourage you “not to give up”!
You can always contact me or one of my staff at White Apple Institute ( a Veteran-operated nonprofit 501 c 3) for more information. However, I am so pleased that the Anxiety Guru has provided accurate, realistic solutions and I will share this article throughout our network of Adult Learners faced with these issues. We help Nontraditional Adult Learners and Student Veterans overcome emotional challenges associated with disability (learning, mental, non-visible, as well as physical). Most of our Adult Learners are Veterans and parents trying to balance their lives around class and work schedules. We encourage them to take a bite of White Apple Wisdom to change the perception of disabled to differently-abled and succeed in higher education and the workforce. Learn more at https://www.whiteappleinstitute.org
I applied for disability for anxiety and depression and have a lawyer. I am under a doctor’s care and take medication. I find it impossible to got to work for an employer. I met with a disability agent about a month ago and was wondering how long it takes to get a decision rather I get disability? And if I get turned down how long does an appeal take?
I am 68 with m.s. and want to back to my home. MY wife brought me down hear and will not take me back to ny state wear I came from in upstate n.y. The heat and humidity is making me weaker.
I have 16 plus years experience in the work comp industry in California. All my years in my career there has been some sort of level of stress, but not like how it is now.
I am a claims adjuster handling a standard caseload, however the volume of claims and workload has finally taken a toll.
It’s way too much!!!
I am overwhelmed and stressed with the work load and I have gotten a lot of anxiety because of this. I can’t sleep at night thinking about work. I keep to myself at work and stay in my office pretty much the whole day.
Work has become overbearing and is affecting my home life. I’ve become withdrawn…
I also suffer from anxiety and depression. Although I have never gotten treated for it.. Family history – My whole entire family suffers from anxiety, stress and depression.
I find myself crying everyday when I come home. I have a hard time managing and focusing on my priorities at home. I have a 9 year old son who has a mild case of ADHD in which I have to be well in order to care for him.
My job plays a major contributing factor with my anxiety and stress.
The stress and overwhelmingness of the workload does not allow me to be productive and function like I need to. I have went to mgmt about this and say to me ” you’re to hard on yourself “. Bullshit!
I have made an appointment with my PTP as well as a Psychologist…,; I need help and I need a break.. I’m falling apart at the seams …
I’m 40 yrs old. I’ve been fighting depression since my teen age years. I’ve had alot of life changing events that don’t help with my depression. At this point in my life I can barely get out of bed and take care of myself let alone my family. I feel worthless, I’m not working and haven’t worked since nov 2016. I’m always in pain carry the stress , anxiety in my shoulders neck and back, which give me migraines. I have also suffered from migraines most of my life, some are dibilatating, lying in bed dark room no noise just trying not to cry from the pain.
I have been taking meds for depression since I was diagnosed. I’ve tried different types under care of my doctor.
I cry on a moments notice, I’m constantly stressed, have bad anxiety and depression.
I’ve done therapy, doesn’t seem to work.
I’m not happy like usually ever. My kids want to help however I don’t want them to be dragged down with me.
My boyfriend of 5 yrs is paying for everything with his full time job. Thank god he is around or my family and I would be homeless.
I wonder what you think I might be able to get on disability? I want to however if it is just a waste of time it seems hopeless.
Does anyone have experience with stress caused by an Owner’s demand that you ‘help’ commit wage theft against employees, avoid state and federal taxes with fraudulent recording of expenses, etc.? This puts one heck of a burden on an employee – and owners need to held accountable!! Employment is in CA…
Paul, your article is on stress and anxiety at work, is exactly what I’m going through now. I’ve been off for over 4 months (at 50% of my salary), I work for a school district in California. I’m on medication and see a doctor for my condition, which is all work related. My supervisors have created this stress load. I’ve been in the work force for 40 years and have ever been treated like with such disrespect and u professionalism before. I’m suppose to go back Janiary 8, 2018 and I’m still a total stress case! I want to file a disability or workers comp claim, and I don’t mind the background checks as I have nothing to hide or other stressful circumstances in my life other than the way I’m treated at work. We do have a EAP, I haven’t reached out to them yet, but now willing to ask for help. I’ve tried obtaining several attorneys, but because stress/anxiety is hard to prove, all these attorneys say, “sorry, no time for your case, and no money to be made”. So I’m on my own. I’m afraid to go back to work and be reprimanded the first day back, which happened before.
Any suggestions on obtaining an attorney or just getting advice and help with the forms?
Thanks for listening.
I am so happy to hear everyone talking about this! I worked 31 years at a Huge Union job! As one person talking about Unions they ate Great for the benefits!! In 2009 some of my co-workers and my Manager just started bulling me cause I told on one of them that he said a sexual comment to my Christmas helper!! Do they all started in on me!! I had so much fear going in that DOOR!! Then it started with my High blood pressure then one day out driving the truck I started shaking, couldn’t breathe, my eyes were blurry and chest pains!! My Supervisor thought I was having a heat stroke! One of my customers called 911 and the ambulance came for me and took me the hospital!! It was a panic attack!!! I actually thought I was dying!!! You see I lived my job!! There wasn’t hardly any women there mostly men!!! Back in the day EVERYONE looked after each other!! But I don’t understand new people came in and it never was the same!!! I tried to go back and I couldn’t!! Do they put me on the 6 months disability and then the 12. In the meantime after getting off of most of the meds they me just to get my head straight I decided to go to my Union! You know what my agent told me” I can’t help you!!!” What !!!! I really freaked out!! Cause all I needed were 2-3 more years to get my full pension!! Well no one even once called to check on me from that Big Company neither from the Big Union!! So the day came I had to Retire with $1000 less a month!! Oh of that Big Company did help me to get on Social Security Disability!! So I became labeled as the Crazy Lady!!!! I thought I would never quit that job !! I would help anyone that needed help! On Fridays I would pick up a box of donuts!! But they just had those few MEN!! OR Bullying Men!! I know now that has made me stronger but I still get my panic and get depressed!! But I hang my Head up High!!!! So plz just breathe and take a step back a minute but don’t give up like I did!!! I could have really showed them!! So guys keep those Heads up High!!! It was nice reading everyone’s comment!! Take Care!!
So the bullying will continue and the hell will still be there. I have to work. Severely eroded esophagus intestinal issues. Depression made worse. And basically no alternative but to keep on taking it.
I suffer from anxiety and depression.
This has been a very difficult year for me. I have traveled to and from here and there more than I have been able to stay home. I have 3 jobs. I have my own business, the renovation project and a full book. I have a nosy neighbor who was watching me do Pilates in my back yard and Yes I have injured my back somehow this week. That has also been stressful. I haven’t taken a day to myself until today in three months . If I am not working my regular job I actually do hands on construction. I usually take at least a week or two vacation and I didn’t do that this summer. I worked on my big house instead. I rather work for myself sometimes and build up my assets. My business also requires at least 8 hours a week. I am trying to do to much and there is days I go to my construction site before I ever come to work and I may not be spending an hour in the morning in front of the mirror as usual. Mhair hasn’t gotten back to itself since a few harsh die jobs so I prefer to pull it up to give it a break from heating tools. I have also recently discovered I was being manipulated and lied to and my poor children have suffered for that. I was supposed to be going back then I was manipulated into to staying to work on my construction job by their Dad and my kids were told that I pretty much told that I had abandoned them. Which is definitely not the case. Not to mention I have been diagnosed with PTSD from domestic violence I had suffered from in the beginning of my marriage. So I do not just have stress at work . I am also very stressed from home. I did try to take some diet pills due to the weight I have gained and I do believe those made my anxiety worse. I know I haven’t had a filter lately and have been drinking more wine then I should but sometimes I need stress relief. So I will take a month off and you lady’s can follow my story from the beach.,