Is Severe Depression a Disability
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Is Severe Depression a Disability?
If you find yourself in the grip of unrelenting depression, you may be struggling to perform at work. Depression affects your energy level, your mood, your ability to concentrate, and so much more. If depression is starting to impact your job performance, you may wonder, “Is severe depression a disability?” Let’s examine the criteria for qualifying for disability.
Can You Receive Disability Benefits for Depression?
Depression impacts people of all ages, whether someone is just starting out at their career or heading toward retirement. If the depression is severe enough to affect your ability to work, it may be time to consider collecting disability benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal assistance program for individuals that cannot work due to a health challenge. This includes both physical and mental health conditions, including depression. However, it is important to note that only about 32% of applicants were approved for disability payments.
Can You Lose Your Job Due to Severe Depression?
So, what if you are denied disability benefits, but need time off to deal with the depression. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 is a federal program designed to help in these situations. The FMLA allows workers to take up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave from work without losing their job.
To qualify for FMLA you must be employed by a covered employer and worked 1,250 hours during the prior year. Covered employers include those with fifty or more employees. Also, a mental health provider must have seen you at least twice a year for depression over an extended period.
During the leave, you are free from work duties and able obtain treatment for the severe depression. Although there are no financial benefits, the law protects your job until you return from the leave.
How to Qualify for Disability for Depression
To pursue SSDI, you must meet strict evaluation criteria, according to the Social
Security Resource Center. These include:
- The individual’s condition must have prevented the performance of “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) for at least one year. This means that if you are still working and earning over what the SGA limit, your claim will be denied.
- You must have a severe medically verifiable mental or physical condition that is verifiable through medical sources, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or physicians. Once they acquire this data then SSDI determines the severity of the depressive disorder using their criteria.
Some states have disability programs that provide short-term leaves, including for severe depression. If your paycheck shows an SDI deduction, then your state has such a program. Each state with SDI may have its own eligibility requirements, so check with your state’s SDI website for details.
About Depression
Depression is the second most common mental health issue in the U.S. impacting about 21 million adults. Depression occurs in many forms, each with its own unique features. Treatment planning for depression takes into account the specific type of depression plus any unique features.
The most prevalent type of depression is major depressive disorder (MDD). Symptoms of MDD include:
- Feelings of sadness or despair
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Fatigue
- Loss of interest
- Trouble making decisions
- Sleep problems
- Changes in eating habits, weight changes
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Other types of depression include:
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Prementstrual depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Bipolar depression
Treatment Options for Depression
If you have been missing work due to depression, it is time to seek the help of a mental health professional. Start by finding a therapist or psychiatrist who is in network to access your insurance benefits. After meeting with the doctor, you will be directed toward one of three different levels of care:
Private practice mental health services. Most patients start their treatment via a local mental health provider who prescribes antidepressants and psychotherapy sessions. For many patients, this is adequate treatment for the managing of symptoms.
Outpatient mental health program. When a higher level of care is needed, an outpatient program is a good option. Intensive outpatient programs provide mental health support for about 9 hours per week. Day programs are more intensive and feature about 25 hours of therapeutic services per week.
Residential mental health program. If neither of those levels of care is effective in treating the depression, a residential mental health program is appropriate. These are inpatient programs that provide all-day care and support while you participate in a wide array of therapies. For those asking, “Is severe depression a disability,” the residential setting is an excellent treatment option.
Residential Treatment for Severe Depression
Severe depression can lead to a cascade of adverse events, such as relationship disruption, parenting problems, and sinking job performance. When so much is at risk, it makes sense to seek out the professional support needed to overcome this serious mental health challenge.
During your stay at a residential treatment center, you will enjoy taking a break from the stress of daily life. Without those distractions, you can focus entirely on learning new coping skills and working through emotional issues. Surrounded by expert support, you will feel safe and cared for as you seek to improve your mental health.
Treatment plans are highly individualized, allowing targeted therapies and medications to help you achieve your recovery goals. Treatment of depression includes:
- Individual psychotherapy. Includes evidence-based treatments like CBT and DBT.
- Antidepressants. SSRIs or other types of antidepressants are prescribed to help reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
- Group sessions. In small groups, you can discuss your own journey with peers in recovery, and learn from others.
- Holistic. Activities that reduce stress and enhance spirituality include grounding techniques, meditation, massage therapy, trauma-based labyrinth, yoga, and art therapy.
If a severe bout of depression has caused disruption in your work life, please know that help is available. Reach out today.
Robles Ranch Mental Health Residential Treatment for Depression
Robles Ranch Mental Health is a trusted mental health provider that offers highly effective residential treatment for depression. If you are asking, “Is severe depression a disability?” then you may benefit from our program. Please reach out today at (866) 840-3841.
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