The term hidden disabilities, also known as invisible disabilities, refers to disabilities that hinder an individual’s capacity to perform essential daily tasks but do not manifest visible symptoms that can be observed by others.
Many conditions can cause disabling symptoms that are not immediately apparent.
Types of Hidden Disabilities
- Anxiety and Depression
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Chronic Pain
- Brain Injury
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- ADD/ADHD
- Digestive Illnesses
- Lyme Disease
You may encounter individuals with invisible disabilities without realizing it. Nonetheless, the conditions are no less disabling for those affected by them.
What Are Invisible Disabilities?
Invisible disabilities, also known as hidden disabilities or non-visible disabilities (NVD), are medical conditions that cause symptoms that are not readily visible to others. While people with visible disabilities like those who use a wheelchair or have a prosthetic limb are more easily identifiable, those with invisible disabilities face a unique set of challenges. They may appear to be completely healthy, but they may be suffering from chronic pain, severe fatigue, or other debilitating symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives.
Living with an invisible disability can be challenging, especially when it comes to receiving accommodations in the workplace. Fortunately, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with hidden disabilities and makes disability discrimination illegal. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled workers to ensure that the work environment is accessible and accommodating.
These reasonable accommodations can include flexible schedules, work-from-home options, private places and allotted time for self-testing blood sugar levels, access to refrigeration for insulin, and standing desks or ergonomic chairs to alleviate pain and pressure.
Despite the legal protections in place, people with invisible disabilities may still face discrimination and negative attitudes from others. They may be accused of “faking it” or being lazy, or they may be judged for parking in a handicapped spot because they appear to be well. This can lead to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.
To help address these issues, the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization that works to educate, encourage, and connect people affected by invisible illnesses. They provide a variety of resources such as podcasts and an online support community, and they also advocate for legislation that would allow voluntary disability disclosure on government identification. Through their efforts, the IDA aims to improve the quality of life for those living with invisible disabilities and their loved ones.
Invisible disabilities can present significant challenges for those who suffer from them, as they often face negative attitudes and a lack of understanding from others. However, with the legal protections of the ADA and the support of organizations like the IDA, those with invisible disabilities can find the resources and accommodations they need to live full and productive lives.
Examples of Hidden Disabilities
Invisible disabilities can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds and can arise from a variety of medical conditions. These conditions can be physical, mental, or neurological, and may result from an illness, injury, or a combination of factors.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of these disabilities are not always visible to others, leading to many people being misunderstood, underestimated, or overlooked.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are examples of mental illnesses that can lead to hidden disabilities. These conditions can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, body pain, weakness, and nausea, making it difficult for people to carry out daily activities.
Some mental health conditions that can result in disability include generalized anxiety disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorder. These illnesses are not visible to the naked eye, making them a perfect example of a hidden disability. Despite being unseen, the symptoms of mental illness can significantly impact a person’s ability to function normally.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition that impairs the body’s ability to process glucose and distribute it to other cells to be used for energy. There are two main types of diabetes, and both involve the inability to process insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to process glucose effectively.
Diabetes can cause several complications that impact daily activities, including:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty healing
- Increased risk of infection
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Fainting or seizures
People with diabetes may require accommodations to follow a prescribed diet and regularly monitor their blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. These diseases can take many forms and range in intensity, causing widespread symptoms throughout the body. However, people with autoimmune diseases may not show visible signs in the early stages, despite experiencing limited mobility, stability, and mental cognition.
Some common autoimmune diseases include:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Grave’s disease
As the disease progresses, patients may require mobility aids such as canes or wheelchairs. Even before reaching that point, movement can still be severely limited due to inflammation and chronic pain.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a condition that can be caused by various medical conditions. Chronic pain is when the pain lasts for an extended period of time and can range from mild to severe. Living with chronic pain can make it challenging to perform everyday activities.
One common condition that causes chronic pain is fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that amplifies the way the body experiences pain. Along with chronic, often whole-body pain, fibromyalgia also causes fatigue, sleep loss, headaches, anxiety, and depression. Symptoms can be affected by stress, activity, time of day, and weather.
Brain Injury
Brain injuries can result from various types of head trauma, including sports injuries, vehicle accidents, or blunt force. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be fatal, and immediate medical attention is crucial. While many people recover from TBI within days or months, others experience symptoms for years.
Long-term effects of TBI can include difficulties sleeping, poor concentration, impaired thinking and decision making, dizziness, and blurred vision. Fortunately, there are treatments available, such as medication and rehabilitation, but activities may need to be limited or modified to accommodate the patient’s symptoms.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a medical condition that can cause extreme tiredness, muscle pain, and poor concentration. Despite the prevalence of CFS, doctors are still unsure what causes it. The symptoms of CFS can vary from person to person and may include difficulty concentrating, headaches, joint or muscle pain, painful lymph nodes, blurry vision, and restless sleep.
Since the underlying cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not well understood, it can be challenging to treat. Some individuals find relief through specialized exercise, dietary changes, supplements, and antidepressants. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be useful in managing symptoms. It is essential for individuals experiencing chronic fatigue to work with their healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.
ADD and ADHD
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are conditions that affect an individual’s ability to concentrate. They can cause impulsiveness, difficulty staying on task, or sitting still.
In children, these conditions can go undiagnosed and be confused with just being a very active child, and adults can also have ADD/ADHD with symptoms of poor time management skills, inability to complete tasks, and restlessness.
Treating ADD/ADHD includes medication, behavior therapy, and counseling. Sensory devices, such as “fidget spinners,” can also help reduce stress and increase focus.
Digestive Illnesses
Digestive illnesses can make it difficult to get through a typical day. Many medical conditions cause severe abdominal pain, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
Examples of these conditions are irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and lactose intolerance. There are also secondary symptoms such as dehydration or malnourishment due to excessive vomiting or diarrhea, and common issues such as fatigue, headaches, and joint pain. People with digestive illnesses may experience anxiety and depression due to the fear of a flare-up while away from home.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a medical condition that humans contract from tick bites. Early treatment of the disease can lead to a quick recovery with mild symptoms. However, people may not even know that they have been bitten by a tick. The long-term symptoms of Lyme disease can cause nerve pain, memory impairment, headaches, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, pain, numbness, or tingling in hands and feet, dizziness, heart palpitations, and muscle and joint pain.
A blood test can diagnose Lyme disease, and it can be treated with antibiotics. Typically, the disease clears up in two to four months. However, in some cases, the symptoms persist for six months or longer.
SSDI Benefits for Hidden Disabilities
If you have a hidden disability that prevents you from working, you might be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. You can apply on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or at your local benefits office.
The SSA offers two different disability benefits programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available for those who have worked the required number of years and within a recent time frame for those who can’t work due to a chronic illness. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays disability benefits to eligible low-income adults and children who are disabled, blind, or over age 65.
Applying for Social Security disability requires filling out the application and including medical paperwork from doctors about your condition. It’s also necessary to provide information about your work history, including names and addresses of past employers and dates of employment. You must also include a copy of your birth certificate, W2s, pay stubs, and military or citizenship paperwork, if necessary.
After submitting your application, it takes about 3 to 5 months to receive a decision. If approved, you will be paid disability back pay, covering the time from the day you applied to the day they approved your claim. If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal the decision.
Understanding Hidden Disabilities
Hidden disabilities are medical conditions with symptoms that are not immediately visible to others. These conditions can be physical, mental, or neurological and can affect people of all ages. Hidden disabilities are often referred to as “invisible disabilities” or “non-visible disabilities” (NVD).
Despite the lack of visible symptoms, hidden disabilities can be just as debilitating as visible ones. The symptoms can cause severe limitations in a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, and they can be difficult to manage. Chronic pain, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and diabetes are just a few examples of hidden disabilities.
Individuals with hidden disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law makes disability discrimination illegal in the workplace, and it requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees. Unfortunately, many people with hidden disabilities are not aware of their rights or the accommodations that are available to them. This can make it difficult for them to get the support they need to manage their symptoms and perform their jobs.
In addition to coping with chronic symptoms, people with hidden disabilities often face public scrutiny and judgment. For example, a person with an invisible disability who uses a handicapped parking spot may be confronted by others who assume they are faking their illness. This kind of judgment can be hurtful and isolating, making it even harder for people with hidden disabilities to cope with their conditions.
Fortunately, there are resources available to help people with hidden disabilities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits for those who are unable to work due to a chronic illness. Applying for these benefits requires medical documentation, and it can be helpful to have the assistance of a disability lawyer to make the process smoother.
It’s important to remember that hidden disabilities are just as serious as visible ones, and people with these conditions deserve the same support and understanding as anyone else with a disability. By raising awareness and providing resources for those with hidden disabilities, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the support they need to manage their conditions and live fulfilling lives.
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