Can depression be a disability? 

On Behalf of | Feb 5, 2021 | ERISA Disability Benefits

Physical disabilities are often easier for an outsider to see and understand than mental or emotional disabilities. These “invisible” conditions are often hard to grasp for those who do not have the same experiences. 

Depression is a prime example. Clinical depression is not the same as feeling blue or temporarily depressed. Some people suggest that a person shouldn’t be depressed because their life is good or they have a loving family, etc. But these suggestions miss the point. Clinical depression often has very little to do with these external factors. It is not just feeling a little “down,” and it isn’t something that’s a normal — and temporary — response to negative events or losses.

Depression can reach disabling proportions

Depression can qualify as a disability. It is definitely possible for depression to keep you out of work or to limit your career options. Many people have long stretches of time where even daily tasks like getting out of bed or taking a shower almost feel like too much to bear. 

Medical professionals certainly agree about the severity of this condition, even if the general public at large does not always fully understand what it’s like for someone else. In fact, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines it as a psychiatric disability. Even when people have the proper medication and treatment, there is no guarantee that they will not have times when the condition worsens. The unpredictability of it makes it hard to work or make future plans. 

What are your options?

If you have clinical depression, you absolutely need to know what your options are regarding disability. Whether you have an ERISA disability plan or something else, we are here for you every step of the way, and our firm can guide you through the process of fighting for the benefits you need.