Depression is a debilitating illness that affects the lives of millions of people across the world. It can be so severe that it can result in those it affects to lose days of work. Depression can cause a total social withdrawal, so much so that it is impossible to hold a job at all. In some cases, it is possible to get social security disability benefits for depression. However, it can initially be a hard sell to the Social Security Administration, so be prepared for a drawn-out process. There are some aspects about your condition and illness that you will need to prove in order to be given social security benefits.
Determining The Cause
The first thing you will have to prove is what is causing your depression. This will impact your case as to whether or not you will see any money. If your depression is linked to abusing an illegal substance or overindulging in alcohol, it is likely that the government will not see that as an appropriate use of social security benefits. Part of the reason why depression due to substance abuse is not deemed a good factor in getting benefits is the fact that the side-effects of using substances can mimic the same symptoms of depression. Exhaustion, withdrawing from the public, and the inability to care for oneself, are just a few symptoms shared by both depression and substance abuse. It will be difficult to determine which illness is actually to blame for your condition, therefore making it harder to win your case.
The Doctor's Notes
In just about all social security cases, medical evidence from your doctor will be required to help provide proof of your depression, along with the root cause. Your physician will be asked whether or not your are physically and mentally able to hold a job based on his or her assessment of your mental health. If you are deemed capable of working, the odds of getting social security benefits are quite low. You can, however, get a second opinion.
Your Medical Treatment
The Social Security Administration will also take a look at how you are treating your depression. They will look at your list of medications you are taking for your illness, if any. If you are not on medication, whether by choice or because your physician does not think it is necessary, they may decide that your depression is not debilitating enough to keep you from working.
The best bet of getting disability for depression is to work closely with a social security lawyer. You can expect an initial denial, but the attorney will work with you on an appeal that will hopefully yield you some benefits.
For more information, contact companies like Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law.
Share9 May 2017
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