It’s not uncommon for people who have been disabled due to injury or illness to develop psychological problems, such as depression, as a result of their condition. Sometimes, these psychological problems can be as much of a hindrance to their ability to work as their physical condition. How does this affect people trying to get approved for Long Term Disability Insurance, Social Security Disability or Veterans Disability claims?
Living with a physical disability or chronic medical condition is a risk factor for developing a psychological disorder like depression. Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease and traumatic brain injuries are just a few of the conditions that can lead to depression and other psychological problems. Younger patients and veterans experience these psychological disorders at a much higher rate than other groups.
How Do Physical Disabilities Cause Psychological Problems?
Some of the reasons a disabled person who is seeking SSDI benefits or VA disability benefits may develop depression, anxiety or other psychological disorders include:
- Loss of direction or purpose
- Decrease in self-esteem
- Sadness, anger or frustration over career loss or lifestyle changes
- Difficulties in living with a disability
- Isolation from family, friends, co-workers, etc.
- Boredom
How Do These Problems Impact a Disabled Person’s Ability to Work
While a person with a physical disability may still be able to work, their psychological disorder related to the physical disability may have a negative impact on their performance. Common problems include:
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Sleep disturbance
- Appetite disturbance
- Excessive tardiness/absence
- Diminished interest in almost all activities
- Forgetfulness
- Crying spells
- Nervousness
- Agitation; difficulty getting along with others
- Avoiding people
Workplace Stress Can Cause Psychological Illness
For a worker with a physical disability, workplace stress can make their condition worse. Stress at work has many sources:
- Challenging deadlines
- Completing tasks on time
- Working with others
- Maintaining production quotas
- Maintaining quality
- Performing complex tasks
- Making decisions,
- Keeping a schedule
- Dealing with superiors
- Bullying and harassment
- Sexual harassment
- Workplace monotony
- Lack of advancement possibilities
- Problems getting to work
- Learning new skills
Get Help Seeking Disability Benefits
If you’ve been denied disability benefits related to physical or psychological disabling condition — or a combination of both — you need to seek help from an experienced disability claims attorney.
M. Stanley Whitehead is a board-certified disability denial attorney who spent his career helping people obtain the disability benefits they deserve. He’s seen first-hand how psychological disabilities can develop from physical illness.
Don’t lose hope on winning the benefits you need! Call the law offices of M. Stanley Whitehead today.
