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social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a recognized mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of being watched and judged by others.
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we all feel some anxiety in social situations from time to time—at a job interview, when meeting someone new, or speaking in front of a group.
for individuals with social anxiety, however, these situations can feel overwhelming and distressing, provoking an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected by others.
social anxiety disorder can qualify as a disability if it is severe enough to prevent you from performing the essential duties of your job.
living with a severe mental health condition such as social anxiety can be isolating and overwhelming, especially when it affects your ability to work.
as isolating as it can feel, you certainly are not alone. the canadian psychological association stated in a recent fact sheet that about seven per cent of people deal with social anxiety disorder each year, and between eight and 12 per cent of people are diagnosed with it at some point in their lives.
social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a recognized mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. while many people experience occasional social anxiety, the disorder becomes disabling when it significantly interferes with work, school or everyday activities.
people with social anxiety may experience a range of emotional, behavioural and physical symptoms when faced with a social situation.
physical symptoms can include: blushing, sweating or trembling; rapid heart rate; upset stomach or nausea; shortness of breath; dizziness or lightheadedness; and/or feeling that your mind has gone blank.
for someone with social anxiety, the workplace can feel like a minefield. tasks such as participating in meetings, collaborating with colleagues, talking with a supervisor, or even eating lunch in a common area can trigger overwhelming anxiety. this can lead to poor job performance, missed workdays, and ultimately, the inability to maintain employment.
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if social anxiety prevents you from working, you may be eligible for short-term or long-term disability benefits. these benefits are typically provided through a group insurance plan from your employer or a private policy you purchased yourself.
the first step is to check your disability insurance policy. this document outlines the definition of “disability,” the benefits you are entitled to, and specific requirements for filing a claim.
next, you should consult your doctor. your claim will need strong medical evidence. your family doctor, psychiatrist and/or psychologist will need to provide a detailed report on your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history (including prescribed medications and any recommended therapy), and how the condition functionally limits you from performing the essential duties of your job.
then, you need to complete the application forms and submit your claim. the application package usually includes three parts: a form for you to complete, a form for your doctor (the attending physician’s statement) and a form for your employer to complete. be honest and detailed when describing how your social anxiety impacts your ability to work. providing specific examples is very important.
unfortunately, insurance companies frequently deny claims for mental health conditions such as social anxiety. these conditions are often called “invisible illnesses” because they lack the objective physical evidence seen with other injuries.
the most common reasons for denial include insufficient medical evidence, failure to follow recommended treatment plans, and surveillance or social media evidence that appears inconsistent with the claim.
the insurer may argue that there isn’t enough medical proof to support your claim. this could mean a lack of a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist, inconsistent treatment history, or medical records that fail to explain how your symptoms prevent you from performing your job duties.
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if you are not following your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan, such as attending therapy or taking medication, the insurance company may use this as a reason to deny or terminate your benefits.
insurance companies can conduct surveillance on claimants. if they capture video of you in a social setting or see posts on your social media that appear to contradict your disability claim, they may use this as evidence to deny you benefits.
finally, you need to be sure about your insurance policy’s specific definition of “total disability.” the insurer might argue that although you cannot perform your own occupation, you remain capable of working in another occupation.
if your claim has been denied, an experienced disability lawyer can help by doing a thorough review of your insurance policy, medical records and the insurer’s denial letter to build the strongest possible case.
a disability lawyer can help assess the strength of your claim, gather the necessary evidence, and pursue legal action or settlement discussions where appropriate.
nainesh kotak is the founder of kotak personal injury law and has represented individuals in disability and personal injury claims for 30 years. he is the acting regional lead for the central west region of the ontario justice of the peace appointments advisory committee and serves as vice president of the ontario trial lawyer’s association.
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