SSDI protects Americans from going without due to disabilities. Many people fixate on physical disabilities, but SSDI does indeed cover mental disabilities and disorders. However, it can be very challenging to get SSDI for mental problems.

Having acute anxiety can be very debilitating and prevent Americans from working. According to Disability Benefits Help, the Social Security Administration does consider anxiety a mental disorder, however, it can be very difficult to receive SSDI for this because anxiety can be extremely difficult to document.  

What are the five types of anxiety?

Anxiety is an umbrella term that encompasses five specific different disorders. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias of all kinds and post-traumatic stress disorder.

This long list encompasses many different sources of trauma and stress. In mentally “normal” individuals, people do experience anxiety as well; however, in this case the anxiety is temporary. For those who suffer from chronic anxiety, often the source is trauma.

How can I receive SSDI for anxiety? 

The reason why it is difficult to receive SSDI for anxiety is because much of the evidence supporting an anxiety diagnosis is subjective. Essentially, the evidence is merely what the patient claims that he or she has been experiencing and whether or not the doctor believes a disorder is the root of the anxiety and not a temporary experience.

You will need to present a full medical history to the Social Security Administration, including both your physician’s statements and statements from a mental health professional to prove that your anxiety is recurring and strong enough to prevent you from holding gainful employment.