Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low, depressed, or blue mood; this can last more than a few days. People who are suffering from depression generally lose interest in those activities which they used to like doing in their lifetime. They can also feel hopeless as well as sad, and they even suffer from lower self-esteem.
Sleep is often divided into two groups: people who sleep too much and those who suffer from insomnia. Individuals suffering from depression have difficulties concentrating and can have low energy. It’s primarily a mental illness that makes everyday activities difficult. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), depression is a psychiatric disability.
If you are thinking of depression as a disability, then yes, it is. Suffering from depression can even lead to anxiety, PTSD, and other issues. But not all depression patients can get SSD benefits. If you are considering applying for disability compensation due to depression, it is a good idea to consult a disability attorney first since an attorney can provide you with all the information you need.
Is Depression a Disability?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Depression mainly affects the people of the age group between 15 and 44. It may be difficult to deal with depression even after continuous treatments and therapies. This is why the condition is one of the leading causes of disability.
Depression may happen at any age or at any point in life. The average age at which it strikes is 32 years old. Depression can affect anybody at any time in their life. It’s possible that you’ve finished your studies or gotten a job when you learn that you have depression.
A disability is defined as a medical condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. When someone’s depression continues to persist despite continual therapy, this will be considered a disability.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
One of the most common mental illnesses that people in America experience is clinical depression. A healthcare professional may diagnose you with the disability if you suffer any one or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks.
- Mood is always low with sad feelings, the whole day, or even every day.
- No interest in the activities previously enjoyed.
- Weight gain or weight loss.
- Hypersomnia or insomnia.
- Difficulty to concentrate or focus and indecisiveness.
- Psychomotor agitation.
- Feeling like it is end of life or suicide.
If your illness is diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner, and they also declare that this condition has made you unable to work, you can think of an SSD benefits application.
People who have been treated for more than 12 months and are experiencing severe depression symptoms will be unable to work. In order to back up your application, you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist on a regular basis. Because there is no medical test for these mental illnesses, cases of depression are handled differently.
Can I Get Disability Benefits for Depression?
You may need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist, who will record your illness’s development. This may be the most official record of your depression. If you stay with family or friends, you should ask them to document how your behavior is changing day by day.
- It is crucial to keep a detailed journal and mention all the small details.
- You should always keep a detailed history of your past and present medications.
- You should always record how your illness is affecting your job.
- You should avoid consuming marijuana, alcohol, or other drugs, which can lower your chance of having your disability claimed.
To qualify for disability benefits, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria. If your disability is preventing you from engaging in any work and you are unable to gain substantial gainful activity (SGA), then you will be automatically eligible for getting the disability for depression.
