Question: Is anxiety considered a disability? Will my employer have to let me work from home if I have panic attacks at work? Would that be considered a reasonable accommodation of my disorder? I could easily do the work remotely, but the company has a policy of not allowing remote workers. Who would I need to talk to to get documentation supporting the existence of my condition? Would a regular doctor do or does it have to be a psychiatrist or psychologist? I would only need this if it became a legal matter because everyone at me company knows about my problems and has seen me having a panic attack.

Takiya Paicely Says...:

Anonymous, these are some great questions.  I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues.  Anxiety can be debilitating for many people.  Oftentimes, for it to be considered a disability, it has to be determined by a physician and/or mental health professional (i.e. counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist).  I would strongly recommend you schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor, a therapist, and psychiatrist.  Your doctor will be able to complete a full physical to make sure that there are no underlying medical issues.  A therapist will be able to help you learn how to find ways to manage with your anxiety.  A psychiatrist will be able to help you determine if medication, in addition to counseling will be helpful.  Both counseling and medication management may help you be able to complete your job duties at your office.

I would also encourage you to speak with your HR department to determine what your company's policies are regarding disabilities and what supportive documentation is needed.  A company will need to have supportive documentation from a physician and other health professionals (depending on the disability) to know that accommodations are needed.  If the company is not able to reasonably accommodate your needs, then they may or may not be legally beholden to do so if accommodations cannot be arranged due to the nature of the job, however, they would have to document what they have tried and why it may not have been helpful.  I would also recommend consulting with an attorney who specializes in employee law.

Without supportive documentation stating that accommodations are needed for your to complete your job duties, your employer may not be legally responsible to make accommodations.  I hope that this was helpful to you.  I hope that you consider getting help to manage your anxiety symptoms.  It can be helpful learning ways to manage and cope with anxiety, there will be good days and not so good days, but it can be managed.

Question: I have started to feel paranoia a lot of the time. It has gotten gradually worse over the past year or 18 months. It basically started about when I was graduating from college and it has just been getting worse, but only very gradually worse so it’s not always noticeably different. But when I compare how I am today to how I was a year ago, I can see that I have changed a lot. It is similar to in the past when I have smoked pot. I never really liked it because I always had this underlying tension and worry about everything. That is what I am sort of like all the time now. I always think the worst possible thing is going to happen and even when I am not thinking about this I have this under tension like I my muscles are all tensed up for no reason and I am jumpy. Do I have anxiety? Do I need to take antidepressants?

Takiya Paicely Says...:

Hi Anonymous, 

I am sorry that you have been experiencing these issues over the last 18 months.  To help me understand better, tell me more about your paranoia.   What do you experience with feelings of paranoia?  It sounds as if you are experiencing some excessive worrying and anxiety.  I would highly recommend you find a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist in your area for a full assessment.  You do not have to continue to feel this way for another 18 months, when help may be available in your area. 

When we experience new changes in our lives such as graduating from college, it can be highly stressful and anxiety producing.  Talking with a licensed professional can be beneficial in helping us learn effective and positive ways to cope. 

Question: I have avoidance, flashbacks and disassociation along with a lot of stress and psychosomatic problems (headaches, pains in my flank etc.) that my doctors say there are no physical reasons for, so they are most probably stress caused (I have a prescription for xanax that I thankfully never filled). I was the victim of an armed robbery 6 months ago and I believe this is the reason why I have all of these symptoms. Now I am pregnant, unexpectedly (which is why I am glad I didn’t use the Xanax). I do not have money for any type of counseling at the moment (I work as a cashier in a gas station). I am very worried that the stress and PTSD symptoms I am having will have a negative affect on my developing baby. Is this the case? Can you recommend ways that I can minimize the impact, on my own?

Takiya Paicely Says...:

Hi Anonymous,

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing difficulties.  It can be hard dealing with traumatic events that take place in our lives and try to pick up the pieces and move on.  It is important that you learn how to positively and effectively manage these symptoms.  Pregnancy creates a significant increase in estrogen, which can affect our moods. 

I would encourage you to look into a local community mental health center to meet with a therapist.  Many of these centers have sliding fee scales and are able to work with you.  Counseling has been shown to be very beneficial for individuals struggling with PTSD.  It is important to identify your current support system.  Those people you feel comfortable talking to and are willing to listen.  Look into attending support groups that may be in your area.  It can be helpful talking with others who are facing similar situations.  Make sure you keep your prenatal and medical appointments.

Additionally, engaging in regular exercise is not only beneficial to your overall health, but helps in manage anxiety and depression.  It will also help your pregnancy as well.  Always consult with your physician before engaging in any physical activity.  Monitor your diet.  The foods we consume have a significant impact on emotional health.  Try to limit your caffeine intake and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed foods.  Make sure you are getting plenty of water daily as well.  Consult with your physician on the types of foods and nutrients you need to consume daily.

Keeping a journal can also be helpful in managing anxiety and depressive symptoms.  Use it to write down your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  Additionally, use the journal to keep a log of when you experience any symptoms.  Write down what happened before, during, and after.  This will help you identify triggers, how you feel when they happen, and how you deal with them.  Keep positive thoughts, images, music, people, etc. around you.  Limit watching the news, violent movies or television shows.  Meditation and deep breathing exercise can be helpful in managing your symptoms as well.  It is important that you practice these daily, even when you are not experiencing anxiety. 

Learn to recognize when your body is stressed before it becomes more intense.  For example, you may start to lose your appetite or overeat, you may feel tightness in your shoulders, you may get tension headaches, etc.  Our bodies sends us messages when it feels that we are under duress.  Write positive affirmations and post them around your house, keep them in your car.  

Set small and realistic goals.  We can become overwhelmed when we are trying to squeeze too much into our day.  Break them up into smaller steps and if it becomes too overwhelming or too much to handle at the time, take some time away from it.  It is important to take it one day at a time.  There will be some days that are better than others and that it is okay.  It takes time to heal from trauma. 

Helpful websites:

•  www.ptsd.va.gov
• www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.