Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is typically triggered by a traumatic event or series of events and is without question one of the most common impairments that prevents individuals from being able to work full-time jobs. PTSD can result from a number of different kinds of traumatic events, including but not limited to car accidents, sexual trauma, childhood abuse, domestic violence, work accidents, verbal and emotional abuse, combat trauma, or witnessing the death or serious injury of another person, including a family member, friend, or even an unknown individual. Symptoms of PTSD can be totally and permanently disabling. According to Mayo Clinic, some of the most common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are as follows:

– Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
– Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
– Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
– Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the event
– Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
– Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
– Negative feelings about yourself or other people
– Inability to experience positive emotions
– Feeling emotionally numb
– Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
– Hopelessness about the future
– Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
– Difficulty maintaining close relationships
– Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
– Always being on guard for danger
– Overwhelming guilt or shame
– Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
– Trouble concentrating
– Trouble sleeping
– Being easily startled or frightened

Depending on the severity of the symptoms caused by your PTSD, you may be unable to sustain any form of substantially gainful employment. Many people who suffer from PTSD are unable to interact with the public, coworkers, and supervisors and are unable to attend work consistently due to severe emotional distress and a constant state of hypervigilance. Obviously, individuals suffering from these symptoms are unable to work and should file for Social Security disability benefits if they are otherwise eligible for either SSI or SSDI.

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If you have been diagnosed with PTSD and are currently unable to work due to the severity of your PTSD symptoms, please contact our office for a free evaluation of your claim for Social Security disability benefits. One of our attorneys will be available to answer all of your questions and help you better understand your eligibility for disability benefits.