THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF LEAVING
WORK ON DISABILITY

This may seem like one of those issues that is too basic to spend much time on. Of course, there’s an emotional impact on leaving work for disability. Who wouldn’t be depressed? However, there is usually more to it than that. Fortunately advance knowledge will help lessen the impact.

In my years of working with clients, I have found that making the transition from work to disability is a major life event that can have broad repercussions on feelings and emotions. It can also have a dramatic effect on your ability to make decisions objectively and rationally. I’ve also found that clients who know to expect such feelings are better prepared to deal with them and minimize them. So I’m just going to convey to you what I try to tell all my clients who are making the change from work to disability.

What will happen?

Don’t worry, you won’t “wig out” or “totally lose it.”  As with medical symptoms the impact will vary from person to person. It often takes the form of depression, lack of concentration, inability to focus on a goal and achieve it. There may be other symptoms both emotional and physical. The important thing to remember is that it is a natural part of this change you are making.

Why does it happen?

Part of it is obvious. You are moving from active work to inactive disability; that’s major and would upset anyone. There are other factors as well, primarily the sense of loss of control and battling lifelong messages.

There is frequently a feeling of loss of control over not only the direction of your life, but loss of control over your very own body. Many people feel as if the medical condition is now in control of their body and all they can do is watch. Likewise, the medical condition is now dictating your future. You no longer have the power to decide what direction to take or what to do next. Such a feeling of helplessness can be devastating emotionally and can create all sorts of symptoms.

Plus there’s all those messages you learned growing up and which you were probably playing back during the early stages of your condition. Who wouldn’t have emotional issues if, in the background of their mind, they now keep hearing things like:

• You’re giving up by stopping work. You’re a quitter.
• You’re surrendering to the disease.
• You’re no longer a contributing member of society. 
• You’re taking a giant step closer to “The End.”
• You’re weak, needy, plus many other not-so-nice adjectives.

Of course, none of these are true or even rational, but our emotions don’t always react rationally.

What can I do about it?

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do about it, and all of the suggestions below would come under the overall title of “Take back control of your life.”

• Control how and when you leave work – Make your plans; do your research; create your own timetable for stopping work.
• Move one step at a time to avoid being overwhelmed – You can do this by breaking down your tasks into smaller steps. First, leave work, then apply for the employer’s disability, then move your health insurance to COBRA, then apply for Social Security, etc. A list or timeline will help you focus your attention on the next small step without being overwhelmed by the entire process.
• Build, activate and use your support network – Your family, friends, and caregivers can give you emotional support as well as practical assistance, but you may need to ask for it.
• Consider short-term therapy – Perhaps your support network is strong enough that they will give you all the help you need to get through this time. Many clients have also found that a month or two with a therapist can be of great help as well.

But what will I do once I go on disability?

Many people worry that after they leave work, they will have nothing to do. Some people have an image of lying in bed, face to the wall, doing nothing but waiting. That’s not the way it is. More than one of my clients has worried that they will have too much time on their hands only to return after leaving work to tell me they are so busy, they have no idea how they were able to work full-time.

Plus, initially at least, there’s a lot to do, applications and claims to file, health insurance to adjust.

Finally, if you are the types of personality that was always busy before, trust me, you will be as busy as you want and are able to be once you go on disability.

What Does A Benefits Consultant Do?
How Do I Know When It's Time To Leave Work On Disability?
What does Disabled Mean?
How Do I Prove I'm Disabled?
How Do I Leave Work on Disability?
Practical Tips When Going on Disability
What is Rumor and What is Fact?
The Emotional Impact of Leaving Work On Disability
A Closer Look