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How depression can affect your brain

On Behalf of | Aug 1, 2024 | Psychological Impairments And SSD

Depression is much more than just a feeling of sadness. In fact, it goes well beyond your emotional state. 

Studies have shown that chronic depression can lead to significant structural changes in the brain, affecting the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and amygdala in various negative ways. 

Over time, the overproduction of cortisol can actually shrink areas of the brain, affect the balance of important neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine (which affect mood regulation) and damage neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt). There are also indications that chronic inflammation, which also affects brain function and structure, is a significant factor in depression.

In other words, depression isn’t just a mood disorder – it’s a whole-body disorder.

How does depression affect your ability to work?

Because of the effects of depression on someone’s brain, it should be no surprise that people who suffer from chronic depression frequently have a hard time working. The problems are usually related to:

  • Cognitive impairments: This can include reduced concentration and focus, memory problems caused by the shrunken hippocampus and executive dysfunction that affects decision-making and organization skills caused by damage to the prefrontal cortex.
  • Behavioral challenges: The heightened activity in the amygdala can make depressed people more sensitive to stress and prone to burnout. Chronic depression also often comes with crippling fatigue and a lack of motivation that makes it hard for people suffering from the disorder to focus or maintain consistent performances.
  • Functional impairments: When someone is depressed, they may struggle to complete tasks on time, have a higher rate of absenteeism (with or without treatment) and struggle to maintain appropriate communication levels with their colleagues.

If you have been struggling with depression for a while and you think you may need to file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, it can help to obtain legal guidance. The application process is complex, and careful assistance can help you avoid unnecessary denials.