How to Describe Anxiety Symptoms on Your SSDI Application
Reviewed by Gretchen Johnson, J.D., LL.M.
"I have anxiety" doesn't tell Social Security much. Details do. Try swapping vague lines for specific ones:
| Instead of... | Try... |
|---|---|
| "I get anxious at work." | "I have 3 to 4 panic attacks a week. Each leaves me shaking for an hour." |
| "I don't like crowds." | "I haven't gone to a grocery store alone in 8 months." |
| "I miss work sometimes." | "I missed 6 shifts last month because of panic attacks." |
Which details matter most?
How often it happens, how long it lasts, and what you can't do because of it.
Should I talk about my bad days?
Yes, and how often they happen. Honest beats brave here.