Anxiety is one of the most discussed topics of health and wellness nowadays. As more and more people become aware of it, they start to study anxiety and its impact on their lives, work, and social relations.
One of the major issues, which is also very frequently misunderstood, is whether anxiety can be classified as a mental disorder. Actually, it is not that easy to determine because it depends on various factors. Here, you will understand anxiety both from the medical point of view and from the perspective of the social and mental sphere. You will be able to understand when it could be a disability.
Understanding Anxiety as a Psychological Disorder
Anxiety goes beyond the occasional stress and nervousness. It is associated with a mental health condition of a person who gets unusually scared, worried, or tense. These feelings become a problem for his or her daily activities.
Of course, everyone at some point gets anxious, but anxiety disorders refer to clinical conditions when the symptoms are very severe, last for a long time, and one has difficulty controlling them.
In addition to this, changes in thought, feeling, and behaviour of a person may occur with anxiety. The person may be extremely worried, unable to concentrate, highly irritable, so restless that they cannot even sleep. Moreover, there are some physical signs, such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or muscle tension, that could denote anxiety.
When these signs and symptoms go on and seriously disrupt the person’s life, then the condition is regarded as a mental disorder of anxiety.
Classification of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can be of different types. You cannot say that everyone has the same form of anxiety. Because people change, their minds change. And how the mind is affected and through which factor, you may not say that exactly. So, it is important to understand different types of anxieties and the causes of their occurrence. Some of the types of anxiety are given below:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by uncontrollable worrying about anything. A person worries about their work, health, and family. The individuals worry about minor stuff, but they do so. A person with GAD may suffer and find it hard to relax. It is because they are on high alert and have low energy to face these issues. It makes them face various difficulties.
Social Anxiety
It is a fear of social interaction. A person hesitates and finds it difficult to interact with others. The individuals with social anxiety disorder feel like they will be judged, shamed, or rejected. Consequently, they develop a fear of social interaction, whether it is in their workplace or at any social gathering.
Panic Disorder
A hallmark of panic disorder is the occurrence of unpredictable panic attacks that keep happening. A panic attack can be described as an outbreak of very intense fear that happens quite suddenly and is additionally characterized by physical symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and sweating. Some people may feel scared out of their minds, and a loss of control. Moreover, you can say it is a fear of getting another panic attack that results in the individual developing avoidance behaviors, and these, in turn, can limit the person’s daily functioning severely.
Phobias and Other Anxiety Disorders
Phobias, in particular, result in a person having a very intense fear of certain objects or situations, whereas other conditions related to anxiety can be. For instance, separation anxiety disorder and agoraphobia. Each one leads to problems in different degrees and areas, but if they are not treated, they can all cause disruptions to an individual’s life.
Anxiety at Workplace
Some people may face issues while working under pressure. This makes them anxious and lose control. It is important to note the signs of anxiety in yourself or your colleagues at your workplace. Anxiety in the workplace is explained as:
Anxiety’s Influence on Performance
Staff members affected by anxiety might find it difficult to perform in the presence of others. Like they feel difficulty during presentations, meetings, or when the environment is pressurized. If it is left untreated, it leads to deterioration of a person’s health.
Workplace Accommodations for Anxiety
Employers may have to make certain reasonable accommodations for workers who are anxious if their anxiety has been officially registered as a disability. These accommodations are meant to facilitate the work of the employee. They may develop a flexible schedule for themselves. Moreover, working from home, developing a healthy lifestyle, and a better communication style will help them cope with their anxiety.
The person with anxiety can have frank communication with their colleagues and consult their doctor. Moreover, many patients have reported that tracking their anxiety symptoms helps them keep a good record of it. It leads to better overall health.
Anxiety as a Barrier to Learning
Students who have anxiety may face problems like test anxiety, hesitation to speak in class, and inability to focus. In some cases, some individuals even stay away from school altogether. If their anxiety gets worse, it severely impacts their learning process. Then it is considered a disability in the education system.
Examples of accommodations can be the provision of additional time for exams, taking tests in a different setting, and being allowed to audio record lessons. Some schools may hire a counselor. These measures impact the individual with anxiety and the school both in a positive manner.
Social Impact of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety has a great impact on a person’s social life and societal involvement. People may turn away from their friends, stay away from social events, or find it difficult even to keep up with relationships. It is because of their fear, shame, or constant worries. This state of mind only serves to increase anxiety and may lead to depression.
Once anxiety causes this extent of social fear, it can be regarded as a social disability. The help and understanding of relatives, friends, and mental health professionals are vital in lessening the negative stereotyping and promoting healing.
Medical Perspective on Anxiety and Disability
Medically speaking, anxiety is usually diagnosed with the support of defining criteria, symptoms’ intensity, and level of functional impairment. Healthcare providers look into the extent to which anxiety affects one’s day-to-day activities, such as working, taking care of oneself, and having social relationships.
The type of anxiety, which is resistant to treatment and severely restricts the individual’s functioning, may be termed a long-term or permanent disability. On the other hand, anxiety that gets better with counseling, medication, or lifestyle changes is termed as short-duration anxiety or one that is under control.
Treatment and Management of Anxiety
Psychotherapy, drug treatment, and lifestyle changes can be used to treat anxiety. CBT can be used for a purpose. In addition to these therapies, a psychiatrist may decide to give some medications to control the symptoms. Moreover, practicing fitness and exercise regularly, getting enough sleep, and doing mindfulness exercises help a person to calm their anxiety.
Additionally, having a reliable circle of friends can contribute to the successful management of anxiety. Moreover, a good diet and nutrition will also help you resolve your anxiety symptoms. After an appropriate treatment, a lot of people have experienced a notable change in their behaviour and have become fully independent again.
Conclusion
Anxiety could be viewed as a disability. The severity of its impact on an individual’s life and functionality defines the severity of anxiety. Anxiety is viewed as a condition some people go through, while on the other hand, it is seen as a severe disability through which people suffer.
Understanding anxiety both as a psychological issue and a possible disability is helpful because it allows for more accommodating environments to be established in a workplace or school setting and within wider society. This is because when anxiety is properly treated and addressed, individuals with anxiety episodes will be able to live a productive and full life. Moreover, you can visit Xendo Health for more blog posts like this.
FAQs
Is anxiety considered a disability?
Yes. Anxiety can be considered a disability if it severely affects the daily activities of a person. It can have an impact on working, attending school, and socializing. Additionally, the person is not able to take care of themselves. Anxiety is not a diagnosis, but the level and impact of anxiety that matter.
Does the treatment of social anxiety disorders differ from the treatment of other anxiety disorders?
Social anxiety is treated the same as other types of anxiety, but sometimes the focus is on identifying the extent to which social anxiety interferes with the person’s social, communication, educational, or work functioning. A social anxiety disorder might be considered a social disability if it significantly increases avoidance and functional impairment.
What are the chances of anxiety becoming a temporary disability?
Maybe, yes, anxiety could be temporary in some cases, especially if one is going through a tough time or big life changes. With the right help, one can feel so much better that after a time, there will be no disabling effects at all.
How is anxiety evaluated for disability benefits?
Anxiety is diagnosed through a medical evaluation of anxiety symptoms, and how often and for how long these symptoms will interfere with the patient’s activities. Mental professionals conduct tests of concentration, social interaction, and emotional functioning.
Can anxiety worsen if it is not treated?
Yes, if an anxiety disorder is not treated, it will most likely get worse and eventually lead to severe issues like depression, substance addiction, or complete withdrawal from socializing.
Is anxiety a disability that lasts forever?
Having an anxiety disorder does not necessarily mean that it will be your lifelong problem. You can live without it by receiving therapy, taking medications, and changing your lifestyle. Although some people suffer from chronic anxiety, they are capable of managing and/or recovering from it for the long term.
What can be done to help people with anxiety-related disabilities?
People with anxiety-related disabilities can be helped by a support society that decreases stigma, raises awareness of mental health through education, offers early interventions for anxiety disorders, and facilitates reasonable accommodations at work and in schools. Compassion is important as it helps people with anxiety to live a satisfying life.
