For decades, mental health has often been overshadowed by physical health, especially in the context of disability claims. Even as the world grows more conscious of the realities of mental illnesses, they continue to present a unique set of challenges when individuals seek disability benefits largely due to the fact that they are essentially “invisible disabilities”. This article delves into some of the hurdles faced when seeking disability claims for mental health conditions and provides insights on addressing them.
- The Invisible Nature of Mental Illnesses
Unlike a broken bone or a measurable blood marker, most mental health symptoms are subjective. This “invisibility” can lead to skepticism or dismissal, making it a significant challenge for claimants.
- The Complexity of Diagnosis
- Varied Presentation: Two individuals with the same mental health diagnosis can present with vastly different symptoms.
- Overlap of Symptoms: Symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or sleep disturbances can be common across multiple mental health conditions, complicating diagnosis.
- Measurement is confounding: Being able to measure the extent of mental illness is difficult even for very experienced assessors
- Stigma Around Mental Health
Despite advancements in mental health awareness, there remains a societal stigma. Some common misconceptions include:
- “It’s all in your head.”: Many still believe mental illnesses are not “real” illnesses or that they can be overcome with sheer will.
- “Everyone feels this way.”: Dismissing symptoms as everyday stresses or mood swings can undermine their severity.
- “If someone is smiling or actively engaged they are not depressed”: Mental illness is very complicated and it is often impossible to tell from looking at someone or seeing how they behave how severe their condition might be
- Frequent Requirement for ‘Objective’ Evidence
Many insurance providers, in the quest for objective verification, might require:
- Regular Therapy Notes: Consistent counseling or therapy sessions that can provide an ongoing record of the illness.
- Quantitative Tests: Some tests, like anxiety scales or depression inventories, offer numerical scores, but they are still based on self-reported feelings.
- Variability in Mental Illness Progression
Unlike many physical ailments with predictable recovery periods, mental illnesses can be cyclical or episodic:
- Good Days and Bad Days: A person might feel functional one day and entirely debilitated the next, leading to perceptions of inconsistency.
- Response to Treatment: Mental health treatments do not offer guaranteed results. What works for one person might not work for another, making the progression unpredictable.
- Previous Episodes: Prior episodes of mental illness can suggest a complicated recovery
- Navigating the System: Practical Tips
Given these challenges, how can one successfully navigate the disability claims process?
- Maintain Detailed Records: Documenting symptoms, functional impairments, therapy sessions, medication changes, and impacts on daily life can be pivotal.
- Seek Expert Help: A psychiatrist or specialized therapist such as a psychologist or psychotherapist can provide detailed insights and evaluations into mental illness that other general health practitioners might not.
- Stay Consistent with Treatment: Regular therapy or counseling, even if benefits are not immediately evident, showcases a commitment to addressing the illness.
- Regular Treatment: Insurers often equate the frequency of treatment with the severity of the illness. More frequent treatment suggests greater severity to the insurer
- Be Transparent: Honesty about the illness’s impact, both on good days and bad, can present a more comprehensive and balanced picture to insurers and lends credibility to a claimant
- The Role of Advocates
Legal advocates or specialized therapists can be beneficial allies:
- Decoding the Fine Print: They can help understand policy nuances and ensure compliance with any stipulations.
- Expert Testimonies: Having a professional vouch for the legitimacy and severity of the mental illness can strengthen a claim.
- Appealing and Litigating Denials: They can guide through the appeals and litigation process if a claim is initially rejected.
- Conclusion
Proving entitlement to disability benefits with a mental illness, though challenging, is not insurmountable. With the right tools, resources, and allies, claimants can navigate the intricacies of the system. As the world continues to grow in its understanding of mental health, it is hopeful that these challenges will lessen, making the path smoother for those grappling with mental illnesses.