Unseen Struggles: Navigating the Canadian Workplace with Anxiety

Invisible disabilities, though not immediately apparent to the naked eye, are a significant part of the Canadian workforce. They encompass a wide range of health conditions, from chronic pain and mental health disorders to autoimmune diseases and sensory processing disorders.  

Invisible disabilities are a topic close to my heart, particularly when it comes to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) induced anxiety. Anxiety, for those who experience it, can be an unwelcome companion that tags along, unseen, to various life situations, including the workplace. My journey with anxiety has shed light on the challenges faced by many Canadians who silently wrestle with similar invisible conditions. 

The Mask of Normalcy 

One of the paradoxes of anxiety is that it can often hide behind a façade of stability. To colleagues and supervisors, I might have seemed like just another employee going about their daily tasks, caught up in a workplace routine. But beneath the surface, there was an ongoing struggle—a constant battle with racing thoughts, the gnawing feeling of unease, and an unrelenting fear of judgment. The panic that would arise from potentially being “unmasked” was further heightened by the worry that my disability would be diminished because I was young or because I looked fine…sigh. 

I learned early on that anxiety was my invisible companion. It affected my concentration, making even simple tasks feel like climbing mountains. I’d overthink my interactions with coworkers, worry about making mistakes, and endlessly replay conversations in my mind. I was accused of being controlling, type A, unable to relax…. little did anyone know that was me trying to cope. Then, there was the dreaded social functions, while my outward response was positive and almost eager to attend, internally the struggle looked very different. My heart would start racing, my head pounding, my stomach flipping, and I would immediately start planning my exit before I arrived. It was exhausting. 

Like many individuals with invisible disabilities, I faced the disclosure dilemma. Should I reveal my anxiety to my employer and colleagues? Or should I keep it hidden, fearing potential stigma or misunderstanding? This inner conflict is a constant for those grappling with invisible conditions, my experience is only one small example.  

The Prevalence of Invisible Disabilities 

Statistics Canada reports that approximately one in five Canadians aged 15 and older has at least one disability. Of these, a considerable portion has invisible disabilities. The diversity of these conditions makes it challenging to pinpoint exact figures, but their prevalence is undeniable. Many employees grapple with conditions that affect their daily lives, work performance, and overall well-being. 

These disabilities can significantly impact a person’s life and functioning, but they are not easily identifiable through outward appearance. Here are some common examples of invisible disabilities: 

1. Chronic Pain: Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, or back pain can cause severe and persistent pain that is not visible to others. 
2. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis may cause fatigue, pain, and other symptoms that are not obvious to observers. 
3. Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often invisible but can have a profound impact on a person’s emotional well-being and daily life. 
4. Neurological Disorders: Conditions like epilepsy, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or non-visible brain injuries can affect cognitive functioning and behavior. 
5. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Individuals with CFS experience extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest, which is not apparent to others. 
6. Digestive Disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease can cause gastrointestinal symptoms that are not visible to others. 
7. Sensory Processing Disorders: Conditions like sensory processing disorder or auditory processing disorder can affect an individual’s ability to process sensory information but are not externally visible. 
8. Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be invisible but require ongoing medical management. 
9. Learning Disabilities: Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or attention disorders are not immediately apparent but can impact academic and work performance. 
10. Environmental Sensitivities: Conditions like multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) can cause adverse reactions to environmental factors, which are not visible to others. 
11. Hearing Loss: Some forms of hearing loss, especially when aided by hearing aids, may not be apparent unless the individual discloses their condition. 
12. Vision Impairments: Visual impairments can vary in visibility, and some individuals may have partial sight or conditions like glaucoma that are not immediately obvious. 

Impact on Employee Well-being 

The workplace can either be a supportive environment that facilitates employees’ well-being or a source of additional stress for those with invisible disabilities. When faced with the disclosure dilemma, individuals may feel that they must choose professionalism vs. authenticity. Whether you choose to bring your whole self to work may stem from one’s internalized sense of lack of value. Unaddressed challenges can lead to: 

1. Reduced Job Satisfaction: Employees who do not receive appropriate support or accommodations may experience reduced job satisfaction, affecting their motivation and productivity. 
2. Mental Health Implications: The stress of managing an invisible disability without adequate support can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to anxiety, depression, or burnout. 
3. Absenteeism and Presenteeism: Invisible disabilities can lead to both absenteeism (missing work) and presenteeism (being present at work but not fully engaged). Employees may struggle to meet job expectations despite their best efforts. 

Creating an Inclusive Workplace 

To create a more inclusive Canadian workplace that accommodates employees with invisible disabilities, employers can take several proactive steps. These steps not only benefit those with invisible disabilities but all kinds of diversity. Inclusive design benefits are a more proactive method, as opposed to many case by case reactive measures: 

1. Awareness and Training: Offer training to raise awareness of invisible disabilities and reduce stigma. Equip managers with the knowledge and skills needed to support affected employees. 
2. Flexible Work Arrangements: Implement flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours, to accommodate variable symptoms and enable better work-life balance. 
3. Accessibility: Ensure that the physical workspace and digital tools are accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities. 
4. Accommodations: Establish a clear process for requesting accommodations and work closely with employees to determine reasonable solutions. 
5. Mental Health Support: Promote mental health resources and support services to all employees, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. 
6. Inclusivity Policies: Develop inclusive workplace policies that emphasize equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their abilities. 

My experience with anxiety in the Canadian workplace has taught me the importance of acknowledging and addressing invisible disabilities. When individuals like me are met with understanding, support, and accommodation, it can make a world of difference in our capacity to thrive professionally while managing our conditions. By fostering awareness, promoting inclusivity, and providing support and accommodations, employers can create an environment where all employees, regardless of their visible or invisible disabilities, can thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential. Embracing diversity and addressing the unique challenges of invisible disabilities benefit both individual employees and the Canadian workforce as a whole. 

Interested to know how you and your organization can support employees faced with the challenges of invisible disabilities? Contact us at hello@diversio.com and let a member of our team support you on this journey.

This blog by Lisa Rogers was originally published by Diversio EDU (formerly CCDI Consulting) in October 2023.

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