Is Depression a Disability, Are You Eligible for Benefits?

Sometimes, depression is so bad that it makes it impossible to function at work. Even though the ADA ensures access to assistance programs, not all people who suffer from depression are eligible for disability payments. What you need to know about getting financial aid if you or a loved one is now unable to hold down a job due to depression is provided below.


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How To Get Disability For Depression?

You can be eligible for disability compensation for depression if you meet the above requirements. Applying as soon as you can is crucial. SSDI and SSI benefits may not be received for several months.

Direct application is made at the SSA office nearest you. You could decide to work with depression disability lawyers to help you create and submit your application. Just be aware that your legal representation will then receive payment for a portion of your benefits. You can also search for a disability function report, for example, answers for depression.

Your application for disability payments may not be decided for up to six months. If your application is accepted, you will get paid backward from the day you submitted it.

The SSA rejects a large number of disability benefits applicants. You may challenge the judgment in court if this occurs to you. Obtaining a hearing may take up to two years. You might think about getting assistance from an attorney during this time.

Treatments For Major Depressive Disorder: Psychotherapy and medication are frequently used to treat MDD.
Is Depression a Disability? If depression prevents you from working, you can be eligible for assistance.

Short-Term Disability For Depression

Can You Get Short-Term Disability For Depression? A crucial component of wellness is taking care of your mental health. If a sickness or injury prevents you from working for a while, having a short-term disability insurance plan in place can help. While some short-term disability plans do not cover mental illness, they can still be helpful if you need a temporary break due to something else.

You can be eligible for short-term disability compensation for mental health in particular circumstances. This is dependent on the business and the package you select. Although Aflac does not currently provide short-term assistance for mental illness, we are working on a solution that will aid consumers who are looking for mental health coverage.

Can You Get Disability For Anxiety And Depression?

Clinical depression is one of the ailments that may be more likely to be covered. The specific mental illnesses eligible for short-term disability coverage vary significantly from company to company. This is because clinical depression might become incapacitating and make it challenging to carry out basic living functions like getting out of bed and doing daily duties or even merely taking a shower.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, substance abuse, and anxiety can all affect a person’s capacity to work and may make them eligible for benefits. The extent of coverage generally relies on the advantages offered by each organization.

ADA Accommodations for Depression

Accommodations for depression in the workplace, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are designed to ensure that individuals with depression have equal opportunities and access to employment. While accommodations may vary based on the specific needs of the individual, here are some examples that might be applicable:

  1. Flexible Work Schedule: Allowing flexibility in start or end times or providing options for part-time or remote work can assist individuals in managing their symptoms.
  2. Modified Breaks: Offering additional or extended breaks can give individuals time to manage their stress or attend therapy appointments.
  3. Quiet Workspace: Providing a peaceful and low-stimulus workspace can help individuals better focus and manage symptoms related to anxiety or concentration difficulties.
  4. Job Restructuring: Modifying job duties or redistributing tasks to better match an individual’s abilities and limitations can help manage the impact of depression on work performance.
  5. Reduced Workload or Adjusted Deadlines: Adjusting workload or extending deadlines can help alleviate the pressure and stress associated with tight schedules.
  6. Privacy Measures: Providing a private space for employees to manage their emotions or take a break when needed can be beneficial.
  7. Supportive Supervision: Ensuring supervisors are aware of the individual’s condition and are supportive in their management approach can contribute to a more positive work environment.
  8. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Offering access to counseling services through an EAP can be valuable for employees dealing with depression.

Reasonable accommodations should be determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration the specific needs of the person with depression. Open communication between the employee and the employer is crucial to understanding how the workplace can be adapted to support the individual’s mental health needs. Employers are encouraged to engage in an interactive process to identify and implement appropriate accommodations.

Depression We Level Up Mental Health Center FL Tip

Managing depression involves a combination of self-care strategies and professional support. Prioritize a routine that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Engage in activities you enjoy, even if they initially seem challenging. Reach out to friends or family for social support and consider professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to develop coping strategies and explore the root causes of your depression. A healthcare professional may also recommend medication. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and treatment options can be tailored to your needs.

Depression Fact Sheet

Depression Overview

Depression is a group of illnesses like depression or bipolar disorder that are connected to mood elevation or depression


Types of Depression

Clinical Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

Persistent depressive disorder: A mild but long-term form of depression.

Bipolar disorder: A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

Bipolar II disorder:  A type of bipolar disorder characterized by depressive and hypomanic episodes.

Postpartum depression: Depression that occurs after childbirth.

Depression Treatments

  • Support group: A place where those pursuing the same disease or objective, such as weight loss or depression, can receive counseling and exchange experiences.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: A conversation treatment that aims to change the negative attitudes, actions, and feelings connected to psychiatric discomfort.
  • Counseling psychology: A subfield of psychology that handles issues with the self that are connected to work, school, family, and social life.
  • Anger management: To reduce destructive emotional outbursts, practice mindfulness, coping skills, and trigger avoidance.
  • Psychoeducation: Mental health education that also helps individuals feel supported, validated, and empowered
  • Family therapy: psychological counseling that improves family communication and conflict resolution.

Depression Statistics

One of the most prevalent mental diseases in the US is major depression. Some people who have serious depression may experience substantial impairments that impede or restrict their capacity to engage in important life activities.


21 million

An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

10.5%

The prevalence of major depressive episodes was higher among adult females (10.5%) compared to males (6.2%).

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

17.0%

The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%).

Source: National Institute of Mental Health


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We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

It can be challenging to accept that you may be living with a mental illness, but once it is properly diagnosed and treated, treating the presenting case of substance abuse can be magnitudes easier. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

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Is Depression A Disability? FAQs

  1. How Long Can You Be On Disability For Depression?

    As long as your depression keeps you from working, you may continue to collect disability benefits. If your mental health becomes better and you are able to go back to work, you can lose your eligibility for disability benefits.

  2. Can You Get Disability For Depression And Anxiety? Is Anxiety And Depression Considered A Disability?

    You can qualify for Social Security disability benefits if your anxiety or depression symptoms make it impossible for you to work a full-time job.

  3. Can You Go On Disability For Depression?

    Can You Get On Disability For Depression? Yes. Depression is a sort of mental illness that can affect your energy level, mood, thoughts, and feelings as well as your weight, sleeping patterns, and capacity to function. You may be qualified for SSDI and SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration if your depression prevents you from working.

  4. Is Postpartum Depression A Disability?

    Consider requesting disability benefits if your doctor has diagnosed you with postpartum depression and it is preventing you from working. Having concrete medical data that supports your claim and demonstrates the seriousness of the ailment is essential for a successful claim. Your claim may benefit from the assistance of a disability attorney due to the complexities of postpartum depression disability claims.

  5. Is Bipolar Depression A Disability?

    The SSA and ADA both recognize bipolar disorder as a disability. You are then entitled to further legal protections and benefits. Consult your doctor to begin the process. To convince the government that bipolar disease interferes with your ability to work, you will need to produce documentation.

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Sources

[1] National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Depression: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

[2] National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Depression: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression

[3] MedlinePlus – Depression: https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html

[4] National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Depression: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/learn/about-suicide/depression/

[5] U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Enforcement Guidance on the ADA and Psychiatric Disabilities – https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-ada-and-psychiatric-disabilities

[6] Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – The Mental Health of People with Disabilities – https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/features/mental-health-for-all.html

[7] Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act – https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/

[8] U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights – https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights

[9]  Products – Data Briefs – Number 379 – September 2020 (cdc.gov) Depression – National Institute of Mental Health

[10] National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Major Depression: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression