Is Depression A Disability? Explore Depressive Disorder And Mental Health
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are government programs that provide supplemental income to workers who are ill or injured to the point that their condition is disabling. While depression is a covered condition in many cases, it does not always qualify as a disability. If you are considering looking into disability benefits or the legal label of a disability, it can be helpful to look at when depression is covered under the SSDI or SSI, the requirements for establishing a disability, and how to file a claim.
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Is depression a disability?
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects approximately 21 million adults in the US. With symptoms that include fatigue, low mood, and lack of motivation, depressive disorders can make it difficult to function. Because of its prevalence and often-debilitating effects, depression is considered one of the most prominent causes of disability globally.
Is depression a disability?: Qualifying for disability benefits
Disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA)—via either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—are available to people who have paid into the SSA system and experienced an injury or illness that keeps them from working. These benefits are specifically for disabilities expected to last at least one year. The Social Security Administration covers depression under the "mental disorders" section of its disability list. However, many factors determine whether an individual's depressive disorder will qualify as a disability.
Depressive disorders considered a disability
Two primary depressive disorders often qualify for Social Security disability benefits. For you to claim that you have a disability, a doctor must diagnose you with one of these disorders, and you must receive treatment. Even if treatment is not ongoing or frequent, you must show that you have been diagnosed with one of these disorders and received care in the past.
Major depressive disorder: Mental health impact
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by depression symptoms (low mood, fatigue, loss of interest, sleep disruptions, etc.) that—according to the National Institute of Mental Health—are present "most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks."
For an illness to be considered a disability, it must severely impact your ability to function. Showing this level of impact after only two weeks may be difficult. If you are seeking disability benefits, you may be asked to establish that symptoms have persisted for much longer than two weeks.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also called dysthymia, is a condition where depressive symptoms last for two years or more. For this diagnosis, symptoms must persist most of the day and be present more days than not. PDD is considered a more moderate form of depression that lasts longer than MDD.
What are the requirements to establish depression as a mental health disability?
If you cannot work due to depression, specific criteria must be fulfilled for benefits to apply. It may not be easy to qualify, even if you are eligible for benefits. The following are requirements that are necessary for you to establish a disability.
A. Medical documentation of depressive disorder
Medical documentation of a depressive disorder can be obtained after you have been diagnosed and received treatment. Documentation can include medical records, test results, and statements from your psychiatrist, therapist, or anyone who treats your depression.
The medical documentation must show that you have at least five of the following symptoms:
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Loss of ability to perform routine tasks
- Appetite changes
- Weight changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased physical agitation
- Irritability or anger
- Decreased levels of energy and physical movement
- Difficulty with social functioning and social skills
- Feelings of guilt
- Thoughts of worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7. If you are experiencing trauma, support is available.
B. Limitations
To receive disability benefits, you must show that you have severe limitations that prevent you from working. This criterion can be fulfilled if you have either an "extreme limitation" of one or "marked limitation" of two of the following abilities:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with people
- Concentrating or maintaining pace
- Adapting to surroundings or caring for yourself (such as practicing good hygiene)
An extreme limitation is one in which you cannot function in that area independently or consistently. A marked limitation is one in which your functioning in the area is severely limited. The Social Security Administration uses a rating scale and surveys to determine if a limitation is marked or extreme. These limitations also apply to jobs you might be able to do.
C. Ongoing treatment and marginal adjustment
If you cannot show that you have pervasive limitations, you can fulfill this criterion by proving that your depression is "serious and persistent." To do this, you may be asked to show that you've experienced ongoing treatment and difficulty adjusting to your surroundings or changing circumstances. Marginal adjustment means that you have minimal capacity to adapt to environmental changes and demands that are not part of your daily life.
How to apply for disability benefits
If you believe you meet all the criteria for a disability, you can begin the application process by filling out an online application on the SSA website. To qualify, you will need all the medical records you have available, knowledge of when your symptoms began, and the mental demands that your depression exacts on you. You may also need to include statements from your doctors, family relatives, social workers, supervisors, and co-workers with your form to provide further evidence of your disability and struggles with depression. Apart from that, individuals must also be under their full retirement age when they apply. To complete the online application, individuals must also provide legal documents as proof of identity, such as their birth certificate, driver’s license, military ID, passport, or health insurance card.
The two main Social Security programs for those with disabilities include the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs can benefit individuals with a persistent medical condition, disability, or limited income and resources. Note that the application for SSDI can take years, especially if you go through an appeals process.
Support options for depression
Depression can be disabling for some people, even if they don't receive SSDI or SSI benefits. When your depression makes functioning challenging, leaving home to attend appointments with a therapist may be difficult.
Alternative treatment options
In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more convenient.
An increasing amount of research suggests that online therapy can benefit those living with mental health challenges that may impair their ability to function at work. For example, in a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, researchers looked at the effectiveness of online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in addressing symptoms of depression. Researchers in the study, which included results from over 1,200 individuals who had utilized online therapy, concluded that online therapy led to significant improvements in depression symptoms. These results were sustained at a six-month follow-up.
Online therapy allows clients to connect with a therapist from the comfort of home (or wherever they have an internet connection), which can be helpful if depression makes certain daily functions difficult. With options like phone, video, or live chat sessions available, clients have control over where and how they receive treatment.
Takeaway
Is depression considered a disability?
Depression is generally considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Those who have been diagnosed with depression and anticipate not being able to work for the next 12 months due to depression may receive disability benefits by filing a claim with the Social Security Administration. Common symptoms of depression include persistent depressed mood, decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. Individuals experiencing depressive episodes may seek professional help to address their symptoms.
Depression can be categorized as one of many psychiatric disabilities. Other mental health conditions can also fall under this category when there is a documented history of symptoms impacting your ability to complete job duties. Depression may involve symptoms like a lack of interest in usual activities, appetite disturbance, changes in weight, sleep disturbance, observable psychomotor agitation, and a low mood.
Is depression a mental or physical disability?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, depression can be categorized as a psychiatric disability.
Workplace accommodations
Under the ADA, employers must offer reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. For example, you may be given more flexible hours or occasional leave for therapy appointments.
In addition, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces laws making discrimination illegal in the workplace, meaning that an employer cannot refuse to hire you simply because you have a disability. You can learn more in the Enforcement Guidance document published by the Commission. Aside from ADA, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), a non-regulatory federal agency, offers suggestions to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.
Which mental health disorders are considered a disability, including major depressive disorder?
Some of the mental illnesses that can qualify as disabilities under the ADA may include major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, and eating disorders, among other mental health conditions.
Does anxiety count as a disability?
Anxiety is a serious medical condition that can count as a disability under the ADA, but it must substantially limit a person’s ability to work.
Do anxiety and depression count as a disability?
Both anxiety and depression can qualify as disabilities. According to the Social Security Administration, mental disorders that are persistent and substantially limit major life activities can be considered a disability. To demonstrate severe and persistent mental disorders, evidence must show that a person relies on medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support, living arrangements, and a highly structured setting to diminish their symptoms. Other mental health conditions that can qualify as disabilities under the Social Security Administration include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.
How hard is it to get disability for depression?
It can be challenging to receive disability benefits for depression. First, you must provide evidence that depression leaves you unable to work and prove that you’re experiencing at least five depression symptoms. You’ll also need to provide documentation proving extreme limitations in at least two areas.
Is mental illness the same as being disabled?
Mental illness isn’t necessarily the same as being disabled. In most cases, a mental illness must be very severe for it to be considered a disability or to receive disability benefits. Not all mental illnesses automatically fall under disabilities, but some mental disorders may constitute a disability under laws like the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA). The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person with a history of impairment, or a person perceived by others as having a physical or mental impairment, even if they don’t have one.
What is the most disabling mental illness?
Schizophrenia is usually thought to be the most disabling mental illness. Some common symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and other negative symptoms such as lack of motivation, flat affect, cognitive deficits, and asociality. These symptoms can cause a significant change in a person’s ability to function in their work setting, daily life, and relationships.
What category of disorder is depression?
Depression is typically categorized as a mood disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression can manifest in forms such as major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, persistent depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and postpartum depression. Some common symptoms of depression include persistent depressed mood, low self-esteem, loss of energy, feelings of guilt, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in eating and sleeping habits, loss of interest, and suicidal ideation. Depression affects how a person thinks, acts, and behaves. Individuals must consult a certified mental health professional to effectively address depressive episodes.
What causes depression in disability?
Biological and environmental factors usually play a role in the development of depression. Brain chemistry, family history, stress stemming from major life activities, and other components may cause depression.
If someone you know has been dealing with depression, and they are unable to work for at least a year, they can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, individuals with depression must demonstrate severe, chronic, and long-lasting symptoms that make them unable to work for at least a year. Individuals may consult with the Social Security Administration to evaluate their medical records, limitations, and ongoing medical treatment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide financial assistance for individuals whose depression prevents them from working and families with little or no income through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This can benefit those individuals who cannot attend to their personal needs, work, and daily functioning.
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