If you find yourself feeling anxiety at work to the point that it’s interfering with your job performance, below are possible accommodations for anxiety as instructed by Job Accommodation Network (JAN).
Flexible Schedule
A flexible schedule can be working from home or hybrid, starting and ending work at a later time, combining breaks to have a longer break, or splitting up lunch hours to have more breaks.
Private Rest Area/Private Space
A private space can be made available if feeling overwhelmed or to recover from a panic attack if necessary.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Bringing an ESA to work can help to bring comfort and support throughout the day. You must have a note from a physician or other medical professional stating that you have anxiety and that the ESA provides a benefit for your anxiety. Most ESA’s are dogs and cats but it can be any animal and it does not need specific training to become an ESA.
Support Person
Having a support person with you during important meetings to help ask questions or take notes can alleviate anxiety. The person can also help you navigate social events. The support person can be a co-worker, job coach, or close contact. Here’s information on having a support person as an accommodation.
Identify and Reduce Triggers
Identifying your specific triggers at the workplace will be beneficial in reducing them. This can be done by keeping a journal and writing down when you feel anxiety and what caused it. In doing so, you can begin to explore what accommodations will be best suited for you.
Keep in Mind
These are suggestions, but you’re the one who knows what will work best for you. Another thing to remember is that these can also be changed or modified if they are not adequate. To ask for accommodations read How to Ask for Reasonable Accommodations at the Workplace and if you need to change your accommodations refer to Accommodations Were Not Effective – Communicating With Your Employer.
Need Additional Help?
If you would like to speak to someone at JAN, here’s their contact page and below is their number:
- Voice: 800-526-7234
- TTY: 877-781-9403
Seeking Help
If you are depressed, anxious, or have panic attacks, find a health professional who can help you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National can provide free referrals. They are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact 988 for help. The calls are free, confidential, and they are open 24/7 to help you navigate difficult emotions.
Attend a Workshop
If you are interested in attending a live webinar on improving your relationship with your finances, please visit my events.
Related Posts
Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.). Anxiety disorder. Retrieved from: https://askjan.org/disabilities/Anxiety-Disorder.cfm
Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.). How to inform an employer that an accommodation is not effective and a sample letter. Retrieved from: https://askjan.org/articles/How-to-Inform-an-Employer-That-an-Accommodation-is-Not-Effective-and-a-Sample-Letter.cfm
Whetzel, Melanie, Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.). Support person as an accommodation. Retrieved from: https://askjan.org/publications/consultants-corner/vol05iss01.cfm
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