Many of my clients suffer from depression, often in addition to chronic physical problems. Although I use the catchall word “depression”, there are many conditions, both mental and physical, that include some form of depression. One way to think about depression is to consider it as a state of low mood that can affect your thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of enjoyment of life. At its worst, depression may cause a person to feel suicidal or even to attempt suicide. But not all depression is a psychiatric disorder. In fact, depression can be a normal reaction to some of life’s events, such as the loss of a loved one. It can also be a side effect of some medications.
For social security disability purposes, depression must be a psychiatric disorder, diagnosed by an acceptable medical source, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. While there is a specific listing that covers elements that must be present, an individual can qualify for benefits without having all of those elements present.
If you’d like to see a recent video in which I discuss depression and how an individual who suffers from it may be approved for disability benefits, please check out our website.