Unable To Work Due To Mental Health? UK Adjustments & Benefits For A Disability

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When someone is experiencing mental health challenges, their energy levels, mood, and daily functioning can all be affected. In some cases—especially when experiencing mental health conditions like severe anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder—someone's ability to seek or maintain a paid job can also be impacted. In the UK, there are systems in place that may help provide practical support to those who are unable to work due to mental health challenges. Here, we’ll explore some of these options, from reasonable adjustments to welfare benefits, and we’ll also share options for receiving mental health care.

Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace

In the workplace, mental health can be used as an umbrella term for the mental, physical, and social well-being of employees. How workers relate to colleagues, make choices, and cope with stressors—such as strict deadlines—is all a part of mental health. If employees are struggling in some or all of these areas, they may benefit from support.

When mental health challenges may become a health condition or disability

According to the UK’s Equality Act formed in 2010, a mental illness is considered a disability if it has a long-term—typically 12 months or more—impact on day-to-day activity. For example, if a health condition interferes with someone's ability to type on a keyboard, interact with people, or commute to and from work, it may be considered a disability. Once someone is diagnosed with a disabling condition that meets legal standards, they may be entitled to certain benefits and reasonable adjustments, as discussed later in this article. 

Anxiety and other mental health conditions in the workplace

As of 2022, 22.5% of adults in the UK report high levels of anxiety. In addition to depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders have the potential to be one of the more debilitating mental health conditions, potentially impacting communication, concentration, and decision-making. 

Factors that contribute to anxiety and stress in work settings 

There are multiple external factors that could contribute to anxiety and stress in work settings, such as workload, inequity, lack of recognition, unsatisfactory working conditions, conflict, poor interpersonal relationships, and more. For someone who is already living with or at risk of an anxiety disorder, these conditions could make symptoms increase significantly.

How workplace functioning may be affected

Research suggests that workplace functioning can be significantly impacted by anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. In workplace settings, health conditions may affect someone's ability to do things like engage with colleagues, collaborate on projects, and concentrate at work. Together, these kinds of effects can significantly affect well-being and daily functioning, and they may also lead to a loss in work productivity or an inability to complete work duties altogether. This could put a person’s job and financial stability at risk.

Reasonable adjustments in the workplace

Reasonable adjustments are changes made in workplace settings to help employees with certain health challenges work more efficiently. According to gov.UK, “Employers must make reasonable adjustments to make sure workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions, are not substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs.” These changes are tailored to each individual's needs.

Examples of reasonable adjustments for a disability

Reasonable adjustments can be made to reduce everyday obstacles that individuals with specific health conditions and disabilities may face. Examples of common reasonable adjustments may include:

• Allowing for flexible working arrangements, such as the ability to work from home
• Making alterations to the environment to support physical disabilities (installing ramps, improving lighting, etc.)
• Providing clear methods of communication for all employees, such as sign language interpreters for deaf or hard-of-hearing employees
• Adapting technologies so they are user-friendly for people with specific limitations
• Creating a balanced workload to reduce employee stress

Reasonable adjustments for a mental health condition

A person may also request reasonable adjustments if they’re living with symptoms of a mental health condition that hinder their ability to do their job. Someone with bipolar disorder may, for example, find a consistent daily schedule to be helpful in managing symptoms. Meanwhile, someone experiencing severe anxiety might benefit from a separate workspace so they can have more control over interactions with colleagues. 

Adjustments can usually be modified if needed over time, so employers are encouraged to maintain regular communication with their employees. Sometimes, a disability employment adviser or work coach may be assigned to help both employers and employees through the adjustment process.   

Welfare benefits for those unable to work due to mental health (UK)

For example, they may claim personal independence payments (PIP), universal credit, or attendance allowance. These benefits can help people with a serious health condition or disability to maintain some financial stability, even if they are unable to work. 

Help navigating the benefits system for those who are unable to work due to mental health (UK)

Navigating the benefits landscape can be complicated and may feel overwhelming, so you might consider seeking help from a mental health charity or other organization. They may help answer health questions related to benefits and offer other information and support in this area. Examples of such organizations include:

• We are Citizens Advice
• One Parent Families Scotland
• Mind
• Scope

Getting support for your mental well-being

If you’re living with a mental health concern, it may be advisable to seek professional support, even if it’s not severe enough to put you out of work. Everyone deserves emotional support when they’re going through a difficult time, whether it’s because of symptoms of depression or anxiety or trouble navigating a major life change, grief, relationship conflict, or trauma. In general, good mental health means reaching out for help when needed. Whatever your situation, compassionate care is available.

Exploring online therapy for mental health

There are many different ways to receive mental health care depending on your needs, preferences, and circumstances. Free talk therapy is available through the National Health Service (NHS). Or, a person might prefer to pursue independent therapy, which may be available online or in person. For those who are interested in online therapy—whether because they have a condition that makes traveling to in-office sessions difficult or because they simply feel more comfortable with virtual care—online therapy is another option to consider.

WIth a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a qualified mental health professional and then meet with them remotely, from anywhere you have an internet connection. You can also switch therapists at any time for no additional cost, which may help you find the right match for you. Plus, online therapy can be an affordable option for those without insurance, with subscriptions as low as £45, billed every four weeks. BetterHelp's subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

Research on the effectiveness of online therapy for health and wellbeing

Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of individuals seeking therapy has increased. Advancements in technology can help address this increased demand. Research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as traditional in-person therapy, which means that individuals can typically feel confident in the quality of care they can receive in either format.