It is often believed that only people who have experienced war as soldiers or civilians can suffer from post-traumatic shock syndrome. However, this is not the case.
Post-traumatic stress can develop in anyone who has been confronted with a traumatic event, that is to say an experience which threatens the life, physical or psychological integrity, or that of others. For example, we can also find this pathology in victims or witnesses of serious accidents, people who have suffered or observed physical or sexual attacks. Children or adults who have experienced abuse or domestic violence may also be affected. The same is true for emergency professionals (firefighters, police officers, health personnel) often exposed to difficult scenes, as well as people working in a toxic environment. Finally, survivors of natural disasters or attacks, as well as people who have been diagnosed with a serious illness and their loved ones or those faced with the sudden or violent death of a loved one, are also among the population at risk of developing said syndrome.
The diagnosis of PTSD
Although a social worker can identify symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in Quebec, only a doctor, psychologist or clinical nurse is authorized to make an official diagnosis for tax or legal purposes in matters of mental health.
The impact on daily life
The consequences of PTSD on daily life are numerous and affect multiple spheres. This may include major difficulty retaining simple information, following instructions, or completing tasks started due to “brain fog.” Extreme difficulty adapting to change or reacting appropriately in normal social situations, social isolation or avoidance of certain places or situations, difficulty maintaining social relationships or professional collaboration, as well as hypervigilance are also symptoms of said syndrome.
Consequences at work
At work, PTSD manifests itself as an often invisible but profound deterioration in functional abilities. In 2026, these protests are recognized as major obstacles to productivity and organizational health. It is concretely reflected in the professional environment by several factors including the alteration of cognitive abilities, among others. The worker may experience difficulty concentrating, an inability to stay focused on a task, often interrupted by intrusive thoughts or performance anxiety. Memory problems, manifested by frequent forgetting of instructions, appointments or important file details, are also among the symptoms. We also note the slow execution of daily tasks which take much more time than before, due to mental fatigue and hypervigilance, which also leads to chronic stress, physical fatigue, and symptoms such as palpitations, heartbeat, hyperventilation when approaching a colleague. These manifestations sometimes persist, at home or even at the mere thought of going to the workplace. Digestive disorders, insomnia and nightmares, whether or not related to work, are sometimes added to the chronic picture.
Social isolation at work could be a clue
Avoiding meetings, common areas (cafeteria) or interactions with colleagues in the context of work-related leisure activities or certain optional projects, as well as frequent lateness or unjustified absences should alert the worker or his professional entourage about his mental health. Often, the very idea of going to work becomes an insurmountable source of distress.
And the CIPH in all this?
To be eligible, your healthcare professional must certify that these limitations are present at least 90% of the time and for more than 12 months…Even if anxiety attacks are episodic, it is the cumulative effect of hypervigilance and avoidance on your overall functioning that is decisive.
For example, to meet the severe restriction criteria required by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for 2026, this could be:
Adaptive functioning: The fact that you are “closed” and unable to go out or carry out basic activities (such as the sport you practiced regularly or going to dinner at a restaurant with your colleagues during the week) could demonstrate a serious limitation of your mental functions necessary for everyday life.
Emotion regulation: Your panic attacks, your deep sadness and your inability to function at work despite your skills, would also constitute key criteria for eligibility.
Duration: This is an essential criterion, since if your symptoms have lasted for more than 12 months, you meet the prolonged duration condition.
Recommended steps
Consult a doctor, clinical nurse, or psychologist: Seek a formal assessment to validate whether your condition is PTSD. This diagnosis often “overwrites” that of adjustment disorder and is more robust for a tax credit request.
CIPH application: Complete the T2201 form, focusing not on the diagnosis, but on your inability to leave the house and interact socially or carry out basic tasks or even feel good at your workplace.
Recourse at work: If you are still employed, you may be entitled to disability benefits or recourse for harassment via the CNESST, if your condition is related to your employment.
Please note that the tax credit is retroactive. If your doctor certifies that this situation started two years ago, you could receive reimbursement for the past years. However, it is not possible to go back more than 10 years, regardless of whether your condition began more than 10 years ago or not.
In closing, know that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not focus on the list of your woes, but on how they prevent you from functioning.
Martine Dallaire, B.B.A.