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How could depression be a disability?

On Behalf of | Nov 5, 2024 | Social Security Disability (SSD)

If you’re dealing with a disorder like clinical depression, you may qualify for disability benefits. Your condition may make it impossible for you to work. If this is predicted to last long term – for a year or more – then you may be able to get benefits to help you with your financial obligations.

But from the outside, some people are surprised that depression itself can be a disability. A person with depression may still be physically capable of working, so how is it that this mental and emotional disorder makes working impossible?

The extent of the symptoms

Often, the real issue here is that people just don’t understand what depression is really like. It’s not just being sad or feeling down. It’s not a short-term emotion that someone feels after a negative event. Often, it’s not even tied to actual events in the person’s life – someone could be severely depressed even when everything in their life is going well.

However, the symptoms of depression can be very severe. For instance, it could lead to sleep disturbances, such as insomnia. Some people have chronic fatigue. If someone can’t sleep or can’t get out of bed in the morning, it certainly makes it difficult for them to work.

Depression also can lead to a lack of energy, weight loss, slowed speaking or thinking and difficulty concentrating. All of these things can make it so that a worker is not able to perform their duties, especially in a fast-paced work environment.

Moreover, depression can actually cause some physical symptoms. These could include headaches, migraines, back pain, gastronomical issues and much more.

What are your options?

You can see how depression may qualify for SSDI benefits. Just be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take when you apply.