Is Severe Depression a Disability?

Is Severe Depression a Disability?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex mental health disorder that afflicts over 21 million U.S. adults every year. Someone suffering from severe depression is likely to also struggle at work as the condition starts to impact job performance. Their depression can also affect coworkers due to frequent absenteeism, and even when present is unable to keep up the pace. When it becomes too difficult to work they may begin to wonder, “Is severe depression a disability?”

Understanding Depression

Depression is the second most prevalent mental health disorder in the U.S. The rates of depression are about three times higher among women than men, which may be attributed to hormonal fluctuations. 

Depression occurs with various features. Types of depression include:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Dysthymia
• Postpartum Depression
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Premenstrual Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Depression

The cause or causes of depression are still up for debate, as research into this serious mental health disorder continues. However, identified risk factors for depression include:

• Substance abuse

• Family history of depression or mental illness

• Being a female

• History of trauma or abuse

• Personality traits that influence how you deal with adversity or loss

• Being under chronic stress

• Unresolved grief after the loss of a loved one

Symptoms of Severe Depression

Depression is both complex and mysterious. Depressive disorder presents differently in each individual with varying symptoms or combinations of symptoms. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria require that five or more symptoms be present and have lasted two weeks or more.

• Here are the symptoms of depression:

• Thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or death

• Feeling sad or hopeless; low mood

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Insomnia or over sleeping

• Slowed or agitated thoughts or movements

• Trouble making decisions

• Difficulty concentrating

• Change in eating habits that result in weight gain or loss

• Fatigue

• Irrational feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or shame

Is Having Major Depressive Disorder a Disability?

The symptoms of depression can become so severe that it becomes a challenge to even get to work. Even if the individual is able to show up at their job, they may struggle to perform the job duties. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, low mood, and loss of interest in the job can negatively impact their productivity.

Is severe depression a disability? Possibly. When severe depression prevents the individual from being able to function at work, they may qualify for disability benefits. These payments are administered through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.

How to Approach an Employer About the Disability

When it becomes clear that depression is impacting someone’s ability to function at work, they probably need some time off. Because depression treatment may last several weeks to months, a medical leave of absence is required.

Chances are, if the depression is causing impairment at work asking for a leave will not be a surprise. Indeed, depression is responsible for a great deal of absenteeism from work, and it is a similar situation once someone decides to get treatment. Data show that people who take a medical leave of absence to obtain treatment for depression are absent for months. 

Existing laws protect employee privacy, so there is no need to worry about the employer discussing the reason with others. The employer will provide the paperwork to complete prior to granting the leave of absence.

Fortunately, the Family and Medical Leave Act protects a person’s job for up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave if they meet the requirements. Although FMLA is unpaid time off, employees with accrued paid time off may access those benefits during their leave. 

When an employee anticipates only needing a few weeks off for treatment, they can access the short-term state disability insurance (SDI) benefits. States that offer SDI include CA, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.

To receive long-term disability benefits, the individual must first abide by a five-month waiting period before receiving payments. Approval of benefits is based upon specific criteria, which is outlined below.

How to Qualify for Disability Due to Depression?

If you are wondering, “Is severe depression a disability?” you are likely struggling with severe depression and need to seek treatment. If severe depression is going to require at least one year off of work, you can apply for SSDI benefits.

To be eligible for SSDI you must have accrue enough credits over a period of years of employment. Currently, you need about 40 credits to qualify for benefits, which equates to ten years employment.

To qualify you must first meet the definition of disability:

• You cannot do work at the substantial gainful activity level due to the medical condition. For depression, you are required to submit medical records that show you have at least five symptoms of depression.

• You cannot do work you previously did, or adjust to other work, due to the medical condition. For a mental health condition like depression you must note the specific limitations of the condition.

• Your condition must have lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year.

Getting Treatment for Severe Depression

Individuals struggling with severe depression will benefit from a residential mental health treatment program. Depression treatment features a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Medication. Antidepressants continue to be the industry standard for the treatment of depression. The psychiatrist selects what he or she believes is the best fit from the many antidepressants available. On average, these drugs begin to reduce the symptoms of depression within 4-6 weeks.

• Psychotherapy. Individual therapy sessions allow the individual to explore any past traumas or emotional issues that may be factors. CBT is the type of therapy most prescribed for depression because it helps individuals change their dysfunctional thought patterns.

• Group therapy. Small groups of individuals in treatment meet with a therapist to discuss various topics related to mental health and recovery.
• Holistic. Holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, and art therapy help individuals learn to achieve a calm state of mind.

LifeSync Malibu Provides Residential Treatment for Severe Depression

LifeSync Malibu is a leading provider of primary mental health and dual diagnosis disorders, including major depressive disorder. If you are wondering, “Is severe depression a disability?” we are happy to provide the answers. Reach out to the team today at (866) 491-4426.