As someone who suffers from depression, you know what a heavy toll it can take on your life. Depression can act as a crippling illness and even has physical effects that you may suffer through.
Depression can even affect your ability to work a normal, steady job. So can you get benefits for it?
Depressive disorders
Social Security discusses mental health disorders that may qualify you for benefits. One category is for depressive, bipolar and related disorders. Disorders in this category include major depressive disorder, cyclothymic disorder and dysthymia. It also includes depressive disorders brought on by medical conditions.
Sufferers under this category tend to endure a depressed, elevated, irritable or expansive mood. You may lose interest in all or almost all activities in your life that you once found pleasurable. Due to this, you will go through a significant decline in overall function.
Disruptive symptoms of depression
You may experience troubling and disruptive symptoms. This can include sleep disturbances and psychomotor abnormalities. It also includes pressured speech, grandiosity and disturbed concentration. You may suffer from a reduction in impulse control. You may suffer through euphoria, sadness or social withdrawal. You can also experience hopelessness, guilt and suicidal ideation. Physically, you could experience large fluctuations in energy and sudden weight loss or gain.
If you find the symptoms of your depression make working impossible, you can apply for benefits. You must follow the process to submit an application. This includes submitting specific paperwork. You may benefit from the aid of an attorney. They can help you get the paperwork you need together and submit an application with the highest chance of acceptance.
