Stress, anxiety and psychiatric illness: When returning to work is out of the question

Did you know that mental illness is the third leading cause of disability in Australia? In recent years, people have become more open to discussing mental illness and reaching out to support others suffering from mental illnesses.

Despite this, insurers have become wary of mental health disability claims and it can be difficult to get cover for such claims. What many people don’t know is that the automatic TPD insurance provided through your superannuation fund will often pay out much-needed funds if you cease work due to a mental health condition.

All TPD claims require you to demonstrate that you are unable to work and that your illness, injury, or condition is the underlying cause of your inability to work. However, mental health TPD claimants are held to a higher standard of proof. Though the claims tend to be complicated, many who have received regular treatment from their GP, a psychologist, and/or a psychiatrist will be successful in providing the requisite evidence needed to support a TPD claim.

Many different conditions may be covered under your policy. Below we’ve covered some of the most commonly cited conditions. This is not an exhaustive list and you should contact WKB TPD Lawyers about your unique condition as soon as possible.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A common condition with ex-military or emergency service personnel, PTSD is characterized by severe stress reactions that are a result of experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Those with PTSD may experience a range of extreme emotions, including fear, anger, and grief. Many with PTSD also experience symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or panic disorder.

Depression: This condition is characterised by all-consuming feelings of defeat, sadness, guilt, and/or apathy that do not fade over time. Depression is often cyclical; the individual feels better and can go about daily life amidst experiencing depressive symptoms and an inability to function as they normally would. Depression is common and comes in many different levels of severity, some of which can increase the likelihood of drug or alcohol abuse.At its most intense, depression can include thoughts of suicide. Related conditions include manic depression, bipolar disorder, among others.

Anxiety & Panic Disorders: Also very common, anxiety and panic disorders often involve an involuntary overreaction to your body’s fight-or-flight adrenaline response. These conditions cause overwhelming feelings of fear, worry, paranoia, and stress. These episodes of worry can last for long periods of time and can include symptoms such as insomnia, sleep-paralysis, heart palpitations, stomach aches, dizziness, hyperventilation, numbness, and more. Panic disorder and attacks are more intense than anxiety disorder and attacks, with symptoms typically being more intense and prolonged. Anxiety and panic can contribute to depression and other mental conditions.

You will need to fill out a claim form for your super fund. This will require you to submit a variety of documents detailing things such as your work history, educational background, financial records and medical evidence supporting your claims.

If you can no longer work due to your mental health, please contact WKB TPD Lawyers for a free review of your case. We offer a no win, no fee guarantee if we take your claim on.