Reoccurring episodes of feeling sad may generally not cause long-lasting harm. Severe or clinical depression, however, may affect your ability to work or perform everyday activities. You may, for example, have problems remembering things or sleeping.
As noted by PsychCentral.com, the Social Security Administration may consider depression a disability. By meeting the SSA’s requirements, you may qualify to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
How may I apply and qualify for SSDI if I have clinical depression?
If you apply for SSDI, you may need to submit medical records showing a diagnosis of depression. A psychiatrist, for example, may verify that he or she treated you during recurrent depressive episodes.
The SSA may require documentation showing at least five symptoms of a serious depressive disorder. Symptoms may include fatigue, an inability to concentrate and changes in sleeping or eating habits. Signs of a major depressive disorder may also include a doctor assisting you to reduce thoughts of self-harm.
Which symptoms may prove depression caused a disability?
The SSA requires applicants to prove their inability to perform routine work tasks. A doctor may need to provide documentation showing your depression caused limitations to your work-related abilities.
Symptoms of disabling depression include problems interacting with individuals you see regularly. If you have memory problems or can no longer concentrate on your regular activities, depression may prevent you from working.
If you develop a persistent medical condition that produces recurrent episodes of depression, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. While depression alone may not always cause a disability, the combination of depression with an additional impairment may also prevent you from carrying out routine work activities.
