According to a large population study which was published online by the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, even a simple and mild stress can lead to long term disability.Mental health problems are commonly associated with long term disability but the effect of a milder form of psychological stress is possibly to have been underestimated according to the author of the study.
In the study, the authors tracked the health of more than 17,000 working adults up to the age of 64 from 2002 to 2007. Workers involved in the study were randomly selected in a specific area. All participants of the study were asked to complete a validated questionnaire to measure not only their mental health and stress levels but also the other aspects of their health and wellness.
At the beginning of the study, participants with a high level of stress associated with a significantly high possibility of having a disability were awarded by long term disability benefits. Subsequently, even those with mild stress have a 70% risk of long term disability – making them eligible for the disability benefits considering the other factors that could possibly influence the result like unhealthy lifestyle and alcohol intake.
The authors noted that it is necessary to consider their findings in the overall situation of modern working life that puts greater demands on workers and social factors, like fewer close personal relationships and supportive friends and relatives.
In the end of the study, authors concluded that though mild stress should not be over-treated instead giving proper attention and taking it more seriously are suggested.
Usually, long term disability benefits are provided by employers to their employees through a private health insurance companies. However, filing for a claim is never easy. Therefore, to make a successful claim, make sure that your claim s supported by legal documents such as a solid medical care and you may also consult a long term disability lawyer to avoid being denied for your benefits.
