Do you consider anxiety and/or OCD a disability?

[blueeyedfairy]

I’ve had problems with anxiety since I was a child under CAMHS. This then became OCD too, with the anxiety feeding off of this.

I am mostly able to function normally, adjusting things in my life to do so, but there have been times I’ve broken down before accessing help again as I’ve let things just become too much. This started with being out of school for a year, and then again every few years. I always end up back on antidepressants.

The worst things for me are the physical symptoms that arise because of it, and no amount of talking therapy helps with this. The headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach/bowel problems, the lack of sleep.

I work from home most of the time which means I can manage my symptoms better, but days I have to go out can be hard. I worry about getting the headaches, not sleeping the night before (which makes me not sleep!) or urgently needing the toilet (when I’m anxious it gives me bowel issues). I know some people will think I should just ‘think differently’ but it’s hard.

I feel ashamed and I may need to tell my employer but I’m worried I will sound like I’m making excuses. I’ve had reasonable adjustments before (mainly at university) because of this and I felt awkward about it then.

Anxiety and anxiety disorder are not the same thing

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010

No

It’s not the condition itself, it’s the impact it has on your life. People can have the same condition but some will be covered by the Equality Act definition of disability and some won’t depending on the severity of their symptoms and the duration of them.

Yes it is a disability (glad someone has referenced ). However I do think that many people in society have been prevented from overcoming / being useful member of society through lack of help to manage and lack of flexibility of employers. The disability does not stop you being valuable and useful, it needs adjustments and support. Not being given handouts but no continuous support. I do speak from personal experience so while my words might be harsh there is some understanding there.

Given the impact and duration you’ve described @blueeyedfairyyou could request reasonable adjustments and your company’s OHS provider could give you confirmation in writing that your symptoms are covered under the Equality Act via referral.

OCD is a diagnosis
generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a diagnosis

anxiety is a symptom and is a normal emotion for everyone in certain contexts so I would say that ‘anxiety’ cannot be a disability but a diagnosed anxiety disorder could be.

It's really helpful knowing the cause, especially as those issues – the bullying and your mother's OCD and anxiety – are no longer relevant to who you are today. Once your subconscious mind understands this it can be possible to leave them where they belong; in the past.