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The prevalence of mental health conditions among working Canadians is a growing concern, with recent studies indicating that approximately 35% of the workforce experiences burnout or depression at some point in their careers. This alarming trend is not solely a result of the unique challenges society currently faces, but rather a persistent issue that has long-lasting implications for both individuals and the economy as a whole.
In severe cases, prolonged exposure to work-related stress can lead to a mental breakdown – a debilitating condition that significantly impairs an individual’s ability to function in their personal and professional life. Mental breakdowns can render individuals unable to fulfill their job responsibilities, leading to a loss of employment and, consequently, a rise in long-term disability claims.
While no profession is immune to the effects of stress, certain occupations are inherently more prone to mental health challenges. Individuals employed in high-pressure, emotionally demanding, or trauma-exposed fields are at a higher risk of experiencing a work-induced mental breakdown. The consequences of such breakdowns can be far-reaching, often resulting in long-term disability and a difficult path to obtaining and maintaining necessary disability benefits.
Recognizing the critical need for support and advocacy in this area, our Hamilton Disability Lawyers have been dedicatedly fighting for the rights of clients who have been unjustly denied long-term disability benefits since 2003. Our experienced mental health disability lawyers have a proven track record of success in representing individuals with legitimate long-term disabilities that have prevented them from meeting the demands of their occupation. We understand the complex challenges faced by those navigating the disability claims process and are committed to ensuring our clients receive the support and resources they need during this trying time.
What is a Mental Breakdown?
A mental breakdown, also known as a nervous breakdown, is a severe and acute episode of psychological distress. This condition can be triggered by a variety of factors, including chronic stress, unresolved grief, job loss, occupational burnout, the death of a loved one, the dissolution of a relationship, the ongoing stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, or the emotional trauma resulting from betrayal by a trusted individual. The psychological symptoms associated with a mental breakdown encompass a wide range of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, severe stress, dissociation, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression, which can manifest as a result of various life stressors.
The term “nervous breakdown” is often used colloquially to describe individuals experiencing significant psychological distress, particularly those struggling with anxiety or depression. However, it is important to note that this term is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis in the current psychiatric nomenclature. Historically, mental breakdowns have been referred to by a variety of terms, including neuralgic disease, melancholia, neurasthenia, vapors, and prostration, reflecting the evolving understanding of mental health conditions over time.
The clinical presentation of a mental breakdown can vary significantly from person to person, depending on the underlying psychological disorders and the individual’s unique life experiences. Common symptoms may include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair; overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; changes in sleep patterns or appetite; social withdrawal; and, in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It is crucial for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek professional help from a mental health provider, as early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent the development of more chronic mental health conditions.
What are some Signs and Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown?
The term “nervous breakdown” is a colloquial expression commonly used in modern society to describe a range of psychological disorders that an individual may experience. This term is employed for various reasons, such as concealing a specific diagnosis, avoiding the stigma associated with a particular condition, lacking understanding of the causes behind a loss of function (e.g., experiencing symptoms without consulting a physician), or being unaware of a proper diagnosis, among other factors. The symptoms of a nervous breakdown can manifest differently in each individual. Essentially, a nervous breakdown occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed by a combination of factors they are typically able to manage, resulting in a sense of being crushed by their own thoughts. These symptoms may include fear, sadness, and anxiety, which can occasionally lead to suicidal ideation or romantic notions of starting anew.
With proper understanding of the nature of fear and panic, as well as appropriate management of one’s daily life, a nervous breakdown can be effectively prevented. The consequences of panic, anxiety, and, ultimately, a nervous breakdown can be physically and mentally debilitating. These conditions can significantly impact an individual’s life, dominating their thoughts and mental processes, and thoroughly imposing themselves on various aspects of their existence. The resulting anguish may also affect loved ones, as the individual may lash out at them for issues they are not responsible for.
A nervous breakdown typically occurs when an individual reaches a point of complete exhaustion following a prolonged period of anxiety. This anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an unhappy romantic relationship, financial difficulties, or concerns about job security. In most cases, a nervous breakdown is not triggered by a single factor but rather by an accumulation of worries and stressors. When an individual is faced with multiple sources of stress and worry, they may find themselves heading down a challenging path that ultimately leads to a point where they feel unable to cope with life’s demands.
Physical Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown
A brаin thаt is еxреriеnсing еxсеѕѕivе stress likе, fееling оf lеthаrgу, constant раinѕ and aches, is ѕhоwing ѕignѕ of a nervous brеаkdоwn. Skin feels scratchy аnd inflаmеd, lоwеrеd bоdу rеѕiѕtаnсе аnd rереаtеd ѕеnѕаtiоnѕ of vomiting. Major gаѕtriс problems come аbоut like ѕtоmасh сrаmрѕ, gastrointestinal ulсеrѕ, соlitiѕ аnd diarrhea over еxtеndеd periods оf timе аrе indiсаtivе оf a nеrvоuѕ brеаkdоwn.
An individual еxhibiting signs оf a nеrvоuѕ breakdown may also display аntiѕосiаl bеhаviоr like gambling, vаndаliѕm, аnd аlсоhоliѕm. Sоmе might even use drugs as аn еѕсаре tо lessen thе рrеѕѕurе, thоugh nоt a rulе.
Individuals may also experience amnesia-like symptoms. Cases оf ѕhоrt tеrm memory lоѕѕ likе fоrgеtting арроintmеntѕ and schedules, showing ѕignѕ of соnfuѕiоn on thе past оrdеr оf events thаt describes аmnеѕiа, if left untreated lеаdѕ tо fruѕtrаtiоn, an added рrеѕѕurе to thе brаin, whiсh rеѕultѕ tо rаgе аnd powerful displays оf оutburѕtѕ.
Individuals suffering from a mental breakdown may also experience delirium. Pеорlе going through mental health breakdowns often show signs оf dеluѕiоnѕ аnd viѕuаlizе hаlluсinаtiоn by tasting, ѕееing, fееling, and hеаring things thаt аrе nоt thеrе. Thеу mаy hаvе еxtrеmе саѕеѕ оf nightmares аnd аrе obsessed with terrors. Panic аttасkѕ, ѕlеерwаlking, and mоrbid thоughtѕ likе harming or dеѕtrоуing other people, еvеn committing suicide are not uncommon.
Careers with High Burnout Rates
Burnout is a consequence of an overwhelming workload that can lead employees to feel worthless and helpless. This, in turn, results in presenteeism (reduced productivity at work), decreased motivation, and a general decline in work quality. Mental breakdowns stemming from burnout can occur in occupations where employees are consistently overworked or not regularly acknowledged for the significance of their contributions to the workplace. Some examples of such professions include:
Education: After a few years on the job, classes of students can start to look the same. Without direct feedback and appreciation from graduates, teachers’ work is endless, often thankless, and, on face value, does not seem to result in very much.
First responders: High levels of stress and little appreciation daily can lead to burnout and depression for many first responders. Paramedics, police officers and firefighters are equally at risk of developing burnout and depression.
Transportation: Bus drivers, taxi drivers, and train operators are all at risk of burnout after years on the job. It can be difficult to find the motivation to come to work in a profession that attracts little thanks and the most attention only when problems arise.
Finance and legal: Lawyers and accountants work in jobs that reduce real humans to raw numbers and client files. Burnout can result from a professional failing to accept that clients are also humans. With this type of work moving online, lessening the opportunity for human interaction, the risk for burnout is even greater.
Health and patient care: While the rates of burnout among health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic have been pronounced, health workers work in an environment where they usually meet people on the worst days of their lives. For every life that is saved, there are countless others lost. Over a career, health workers can quickly lose sight of the initial motivation to help people, leading to burnout. Doctors are particularly prone to mental breakdowns from burnout and depression. A recent report done on rates of burnout in 2022 found that 42% of doctors are experiencing burnout. The report also broke down the rates of burnout and depression by medical department:
- Emergency medicine – 60%
- Critical care – 56%
- OB/GYN – 53%
- Infectious diseases – 51%
- Family medicine 51%
It was also found that women experienced higher levels of stress than men, with 56% of women doctors reporting burnout, compared to 41% of men. A significant reason for this is that many women have the additional duties of housecare and childrearing to consider on top of their work duties. It would not be surprising if results from women employees in other fields of work were also susceptible to stress, burnout and depression for the same reasons.
Air Traffic Controller: ATC is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and provide information and other support for pilots when they are able. The position of the air traffic controller requires highly specialized skills. Controllers apply separation rules to keep aircraft apart from each other in their area of responsibility and move all aircraft safely and efficiently through their assigned airspace sector. Because controllers have an incredibly large responsibility while on duty, the ATC profession is regarded around the world as one of the most challenging careers and can be notoriously stressful mentally, depending on many variables (equipment, configurations, weather, traffic volume, human factors, etc.).
Work Disability due to Mental Breakdowns
Burnout can feel unusual for someone who hasn’t experienced it before. Feelings of lethargy and lack of motivation can often be written off as an “off-day” or “off-week,” but if there is no change after an extended stretch of time, there’s a real danger that you’re experiencing a mental breakdown. It might be possible to force yourself to push through with work for a few days, but that can do greater harm than good:
Presenteeism: Working without focus or at lower levels of productivity – is a real danger for people working while at risk of burnout. Workers might be able to show up at work, but the quality and efficiency of work will decrease.
Absenteeism: At some point, it will become almost impossible to motivate yourself to get to work. Without giving yourself an opportunity to deal with the mental breakdown, there’s the potential of making a mental breakdown even worse.
Physical symptoms: Having a mental breakdown can mean feeling physically exhausted, sometimes to the point that you’re unable to move, much less be productive at work. There have been cases of mental breakdown where people were unable to prepare food or care for themselves in their personal lives, much less be productive in a working environment.
Communication: People dealing with mental breakdowns can be irritable and more prone to angry outbursts. In social settings like the office, it can make it challenging for coworkers to work with them, even with the knowledge that they are dealing with the condition. In their personal lives, even minor stressors like children’s mistakes or inconveniences can lead to an emotional outburst.
Mental breakdowns can come in different forms for different people; they can be physically immobilizing or gradually build up and result in them being unable to deal with social situations. In either situation, mental breakdowns can make it impossible for someone to return to work. Whether as a result of burnout or depression, someone experiencing a mental breakdown needs to be focusing on their mental health and recovering from this condition.
Suffering from a Mental Breakdown – What to do
Get Medical Attention: Seeking proper medical attention is crucial if you are experiencing a mental breakdown. Mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists, are trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues. They can provide you with the necessary support, guidance, and treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and recover from a breakdown. Ignoring or trying to deal with a mental breakdown on your own can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially dangerous situations. Prompt medical attention can help you develop coping strategies, gain a better understanding of your condition, and receive appropriate medication if needed. Remember, there is no shame in seeking help, and prioritizing your mental well-being is an essential step towards recovery and maintaining overall health.
Rest your Mind: Rest and solitude are essential when recovering from a mental breakdown. During this challenging time, it’s crucial to allow your mind to relax and recharge. Engaging in calming activities, such as gentle walks in nature, meditation, or listening to soothing music, can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of peace. It’s also important to recognize that sometimes, being alone and limiting external stimuli can be beneficial. Solitude provides an opportunity for self-reflection and can help you avoid overwhelming thoughts or situations that may exacerbate your mental state. By taking a step back from the demands of daily life and focusing on the present moment, you can give your mind the space it needs to heal. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your own well-being and take the time you need to recover without feeling guilty or pressured to engage in activities that may be mentally taxing.
Reduce stress: Yoga, deep breathing, and meditation are all excellent stress-relieving techniques. A mental health professional such as a coach or counsellor can also direct you towards options that might better suit you in your situation as well.
Take time away from work: For people experiencing burnout, many professionals will recommend taking a temporary leave of absence from the office to completely remove yourself from the direct source of your stress. In other cases, finding ways to lessen your workload can also prove effective. Others who suffer pre-existing mental health issues can no doubt suffer complicated anxiety and depression issues, which, at times, may take years to get over.
Investing in your personal life: Whether spending more time on your hobbies or interests or making a concerted effort to spend time with family or friends, having regular opportunities to feel excited and positive can be an effective way to recover from a mental breakdown.
Exercise: There is a great deal of research on the physical and mental benefits of physical exercise, particularly as it relates to someone’s mood. The release of chemicals produced by the body during physical activity can help greatly with someone who is experiencing mood disorders or a mental breakdown.
Can I get Disability Benefits if I Suffer a Nervous Breakdown?
The answer is that it depends. The essence of a long-term disability policy is that an insured person will be paid replacement income if he or she suffered in his or her particular policy. For the first two years after a mental breakdown, a policyholder would be entitled to a monthly disability benefit payment if he or she is unable to complete the substantial duties of his or her own occupation. In other words, suffered to such an extreme that it prevented you from performing the duties of your own job. The onus is on you, as the claimant, to prove that you are entitled to long-term disability benefits – which an experience disability lawyer can help you with.
Then, after two years of being on disability, you may be entitled to ongoing long-term disability benefits. At that point, however, there is typically a change of definition in terms of what constitutes a total disability. At that point, if you are still suffering from a serious mental illness, then you would typically have the onus of proving that you are unable to complete the substantial duties of any occupation for which you may be reasonably suited by way of your education, training or experience.
Have you been Denied Long-term Disability Benefits as a Result of your Mental Breakdown?
The symptoms of a mental breakdown are persistent and do not resolve on their own. Intense feelings of stress and anxiety remain constant, often accompanied by physical manifestations such as muscle pain, fatigue, stomach cramps, and even ulcers. Individuals experiencing a mental breakdown may exhibit uncharacteristic and antisocial behavior, and they might also increase their consumption of alcohol or narcotics as a coping mechanism.
In some cases, people on the brink of a nervous breakdown may experience symptoms of delirium, including hallucinations or perceiving things that do not exist in reality. Others may suffer from mild forms of amnesia, such as short-term memory loss and frequent forgetfulness, which can further exacerbate their anxiety and stress levels. In extreme cases, symptoms may encompass an obsession with the occult, frequent panic attacks, deep feelings of depression, and suicidal thoughts. At this stage, the individual can pose a risk not only to themselves but also to society as a whole. It becomes evident that a complete nervous breakdown is imminent, and immediate professional intervention is necessary.
Since 2003, Hamilton Disability Lawyer Matt Lalande has recovered millions for disabled people throughout Ontario who have been wrongfully denied or cut off their long-term disability benefits – including those who have suffered nervous breakdowns. Call us today, no matter where you are in Ontario at 905-333-8888 .Alternatively, you can send us a confidential email through our website, and we would be more than happy to get back to you to discuss your disability situation.
