Introduction
Most people feel sad or depressed at times, but major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, severe form of depression. This type of depression affects your life, relationships, entertainment, and work.
In some cases, depression can be severe enough that you can no longer work or function at your previous speed or level of productivity. When this happens, it’s important to know your housing and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) rights.
What is depression?
Depression is a common medical and mental health condition that causes you to feel sad or lose interest in everyday life. Depression has a great impact on the way you think, feel, and act.
Depression is very common all over the world. The World Health Organization estimates that around 5% of adults have some form of depression.
Symptoms of depression
The symptoms of depression and the severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. Symptoms may include:
- Change at work
- Depression
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Blame yourself for past behavior
- Anger or frustration that can lead to angry outbursts over small things
- Lack of energy, fatigue
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems – either trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
- An imaginary act or speech
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Weight changes related to diet or other medical conditions
Causes of depression
Many, many things can cause depression. Major life changes such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job can cause depression, but even people who lead ideal lives can experience depression. Risk factors for depression include:
Brain Chemistry
Your brain needs the right amount of chemicals to function properly, and when these chemicals are out of balance, they can lead to mental health conditions, including depression.
Environmental factors
Living in an environment of abuse, neglect, poverty, or violence can increase your risk of depression.
Genetics
Depression can run in families, especially if depression is caused by problems with your brain chemistry.
Identity
Certain personality types may be more susceptible to depression, such as people with a pessimistic outlook or easily overwhelmed by stress.
Who can have depression?
Depression can affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and races.
Women are diagnosed with depression more often than men, but men can be depressed too. Because men are less likely to recognize, talk and seek help for their feelings or emotional problems, depression symptoms are more likely to go undiagnosed or undiagnosed.
Research shows higher rates of depression and increased risk of disorder among members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms, you may be depressed most days, almost every day, for at least 2 weeks:
- Sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of anger, frustration, or anxiety
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in entertainment and activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, or slow down
- Changes in work or unplanned weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms associated with depression interfere with daily functioning and cause significant distress for the person experiencing it.
People having depression might have change in their behavior and mood:
- Increased anger or resentment
- Feeling anxious or on edge
- Withdrawn, negative, or withdrawn
- Increased participation in high-risk activities
- great encouragement
- Excessive alcohol or drug abuse
- Apart from your family and friends
- Inability to fulfill work and family responsibilities or neglect other important roles
- Sexual desire and performance problems
Depression can affect men and women differently. Although men, women, and people of all genders can experience depression, how they express these symptoms and the behaviors they use to cope with them can vary. For example, some men (like women) can show signs other than feeling sad or angry. While heavy alcohol or drug use can be a coping strategy for those suffering from depression, men are more likely to use alcohol or drugs.
In some cases, mental health symptoms manifest as physical problems. For example, heart racing, chest tightness, persistent headaches, or indigestion. Men often see health professionals more often for these physical symptoms than for their emotional symptoms.
Because depression makes people think more negatively about themselves and the world, some people may also have suicidal thoughts or harm themselves.
A diagnosis of depression requires several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood, but people with only a few symptoms can benefit from treatment. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last vary depending on the person, the disease, and the stage of the disease.
If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of depression and they persist or do not go away, talk to your healthcare provider. If you notice signs or symptoms of depression in someone you know, encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional.
Is depression considered a disability?
According to research, it is proved that depression is not the same as disability.
Kinds of depression
Your insurance company may want to know what type of depression you are suffering from. Several types of depression can have similar symptoms, but are classified according to duration and severity. There are typical symptoms of other types of depressive disorders.
Some types of depression include:
Major depressive disorder
Also known as ‘major depression’, this is a type of generalized depression characterized by classic depressive symptoms, with episodes lasting from weeks to months.
Persistent depressive disorders
This is a type of depression with symptoms similar to major depressive disorder, but lasting two years or more. However, symptoms can vary in severity and may be more severe than Major Depressive Disorder – another major depressive disorder.
Bipolar disorder
Unlike Major Depressive Disorder or Chronic Depressive Disorder, those with Bipolar Disorder experience episodes of mania along with periods of depression.
How do you prove you can’t work because of depression?
Anyone who has experienced clinical depression understands that it can wreak havoc on your career and relationships. However, insurance companies do not necessarily understand how your individual symptoms will affect you and your business.
For example, during a depressive episode, you may not be able to get out of bed because you are so depressed and tired that you cannot call in sick. You may be preoccupied with your weakest symptoms and cannot focus, concentrate, or concentrate on an important meeting or phone call with your biggest client. Or your lack of interest, low energy, and feelings of hopelessness can make daily tasks too stressful or delay tight deadlines.
There are many ways that depressive symptoms can impair your ability to function. This should be clearly stated in your evidence when you submit your claim.
Get appropriate treatment for depression
Medication:
Your doctor can prescribe mood stabilizers; Antibiotics; antidepressants; and anti-anxiety medications. It may take some time (trial and error) before you and your doctor find the right medicine or treatment.
Psychotherapy:
Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, which may include individualized counseling (to help you address specific problem areas, recognize your symptoms, and manage your stress); cognitive behavioral therapy (to help you identify negative thoughts, change your behavior, and develop coping strategies); and individual and social rhythm therapy (helping with activities of daily living such as sleep, eating, nutrition, and exercise).
Day care program
Your doctor may recommend a hospital day care program designed to help you recognize and control your symptoms.
Hospitalization
Inpatient care can help resolve your symptoms, stabilize your mood, and keep you comfortable and safe while doing so.
Electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy, although rarely used, can help if you are experiencing severe depression that is not relieved by medication or other treatments. Get appropriate treatment for depression
Medication
Your doctor can prescribe mood stabilizers; Antibiotics; antidepressants; and anti-anxiety medications. It may take some time (trial and error) before you and your doctor find the right medicine or treatment.
Psychotherapy
Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, which may include individualized counseling (to help you address specific problem areas, recognize your symptoms, and manage your stress); cognitive behavioral therapy (to help you identify negative thoughts, change your behavior, and develop coping strategies); and individual and social rhythm therapy (helping with activities of daily living such as sleep, eating, nutrition, and exercise).
Is it difficult to acquire disability paybacks for depression?
The SSA often looks at several factors when deciding benefits. For example, you must show at least five of the following symptoms:
- Energy is reduced
- Excessive sleep or insomnia
- Depression
- Decreased interest in activities
- Slow speech or physical movement
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Suicidal thoughts
- It is difficult to think about or to conclude
- Poor appetite with fatigue or overeating with excess weight
- You must also provide evidence from your doctor that your depression has lasted for at least twelve months. A disability attorney can take steps to review your situation to determine if you are eligible to file a claim.
How much compensation can you get for depression?
The amount of SSDI you are offered for depression depends on your pre-tax income. Generally, the SSA bases your income share on your median income. People with higher average incomes may receive more SSDI benefits.
Your attorney can review your employment history and provide more information about disability benefits.
How much SSI do you get for depression?
SSI benefits work differently than SSDI benefits. The SSI system is not linked to your previous wages. Instead, it’s available to you even if you haven’t worked or paid into Social Security. Therefore, SSI benefits do not change based on your average salary.
Instead, he will receive $841 per month in SSI benefits in 2022. Spouses receive $1,261, and those with disabilities or caregivers receive $421.
To receive SSI benefits, you must meet the eligibility criteria and only qualify for this fund if you have a limited amount of assets. Your attorney can review your financial situation to determine if you qualify for this type of compensation.
How long can you get SSDI for depression?
Once you are eligible for SSDI benefits, you can continue to actively receive them until you become disabled. However, if you continue to receive benefits until retirement age, your benefits will change to Social Security retirement benefits.
Note that the number of years you can draw SSDI benefits does not guarantee payment. You may recover or be well enough to return to work. In this case, your benefits may be terminated or reduced based on your changed circumstances.
In some qualifying cases, you may be eligible for SSDI and SSI benefits due to severe depression. A disability attorney can file a claim to secure these benefits.
There are several types of mental health conditions that can cause disability, including:
- senile
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- schizophrenia
Conclusion
Depression is a severe medical disorder that can lead to disability. Knowing how to prove your claim will increase your chances of approval. To approve your depression long-term disability claim, you must support your claim with sufficient medical evidence and evidence of appropriate treatment. It is also important to explain (in detail) why your symptoms are preventing you from performing your job duties.
