Is PTSD a Disability? Working with PTSD in the UK

If you’re wondering “Is PTSD a disability?” and how it might affect your job hunt in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. 

Let’s chat about PTSD, your rights, and how to navigate the sometimes choppy waters of the UK job market.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms typically include hypervigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, digestive issues, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

PTSD in the UK: The Numbers 

The following figures come from PTSDUK, an incredible charity dedicated to raising awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder in the UK.

• 4 in 100 people have PTSD at any given time (approximately 2.6 million people)
• 1 in 10 people will experience PTSD during their lifetime
• Women aged 16-24 are most affected, with 12.6% screening positive
• About 1 in 13 children will suffer from PTSD
• An estimated 77,000 new PTSD referrals are expected annually in the UK

While initially associated with war veterans, PTSD can result from various traumatic experiences like accidents, violence, abuse, or severe personal crises. The condition involves re-experiencing trauma, avoiding reminders, and experiencing heightened emotional and physical reactions.

Understanding PTSD is crucial in reducing stigma and ensuring those affected receive appropriate support and treatment.

What’s the Deal with PTSD and Disability?

Is PTSD a disability? In the UK, the short answer is yes, it can be. 

Under the Equality Act 2010, PTSD can indeed be classified as a disability if it has a significant impact on your daily life. This act is a bit like an umbrella, covering various conditions that affect our day-to-day activities, including mental health issues like PTSD.

Now, you might be thinking, “But my PTSD doesn’t affect me all the time.” That’s okay! The key here is that it has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to carry out normal daily activities. So, even if your symptoms come and go, PTSD can still be considered a disability under UK law.

Your Rights: Know Them, Use Them

We’ve established that PTSD can be a disability, but what does that mean for you in the workplace? Well, it means you’ve got some solid PTSD workplace rights backing you up.

The Equality Act 2010 says that employers can’t discriminate against you because of your disability. This protection kicks in from the moment you apply for a job, right through to your day-to-day work life and even if you leave the job.

One of the most important rights you have is the right to reasonable adjustments for PTSD. These are changes your employer should make to help you do your job without being at a disadvantage. It could be something like flexible working hours, a quiet workspace, or regular breaks. Remember, what’s “reasonable” can vary, but it’s about finding what works for both you and your employer.

➡️ Related Content: Everything you need to know about reasonable adjustments

Job Hunting with PTSD: Tips and Tricks

Now, let’s talk about actually landing that job. Job hunting can be stressful for anyone, but when you’re dealing with PTSD, it can feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops. Here are some tips which will hopefully make things a bit easier:

1. Know your strengths: PTSD doesn’t define you. Focus on your skills and what you can bring to the table.
2. Research PTSD-friendly employers: Some companies are more clued up on mental health than others. Learn how to find an accessible employer.
3. Prepare for interviews: Practice relaxation techniques and have a plan for managing anxiety during interviews.
4. Consider disclosure: There’s no legal obligation to disclose your PTSD to your employer, but it might help you get the support you need.

Remember, the Equality Act 2010 mental health provisions are there to protect you during the hiring process too. Employers can’t refuse to hire you just because of your PTSD.

PTSD Benefits and Support

The UK government offers various benefits that might be available to you if PTSD is considered a disability in your case. These include:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit

These UK disability benefits for PTSD can provide a financial cushion while you’re job hunting or if you need to take time off work. It’s worth checking out what you might be eligible for.

Learn more about Grants and Schemes.

Health at Work

When it comes to occupational health and PTSD, there’s more support available than you might think. Many employers offer occupational health services, which can be a great resource for managing your PTSD at work.

These services can help with things like assessing your workplace needs, recommending adjustments, and simply providing ongoing support.

Don’t be shy about using these services – they’re there to help you reach your full potential at work.

When Things Go Wrong: Dealing with Discrimination

Unfortunately, despite the laws in place, employment discrimination PTSD can still happen. If you feel you’re being treated unfairly because of your PTSD, you have options:

1. Talk to your employer or HR department
2. Seek advice from a trade union if you’re a member
3. Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service for free advice
4. Consider legal action as a last resort

Remember, mental health workplace protection is your right, and there are people and organisations out there to support you.

➡️ Bonus reading: What to do when you are faced with disability discrimination

The Long Game: PTSD and Your Career

It’s important to think about the long-term effects on work that PTSD can have. This condition can be a bit of a rollercoaster, with good days and bad days. 

When planning your career, consider jobs that align with your strengths and accommodate your needs. For instance, flexible working options give you the freedom to work when you feel up to it. 

Careers with supportive work environments are key to establishing a long-lasting relationship with your employer, one in which both of you can succeed.

Remember, having PTSD doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling career. It’s about finding the right fit and the right support.

Conclusion: Is PTSD a Disability?

So, there you have it – a whistle-stop tour of navigating the UK job market with PTSD. Remember, PTSD is considered a disability under UK law in many cases, which means you have rights and protections in the workplace.

Don’t be afraid to use the resources available to you, whether that’s government benefits, occupational health services, or workplace adjustments. Your PTSD may be part of your story, but it doesn’t have to define your career.

You can find disability-positive employers right here on Careers with Disabilities. Our PTSD jobs board is packed with the latest opportunities in your area.