Depression is one of the most common medical conditions listed by applicants on Social Security disability benefits applications. Depression is a mood disorder that causes sadness, crying spells, isolative behavior, lack of motivation and feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. In addition, depression often leaves sufferers feeling fatigued and uninterested in things that were previously enjoyable, such as interacting with friends or going to work. If you are one of the thousands of people who are unable to work due to depression, you could certainly qualify for disability benefits. Please review the information below, and contact a Michigan disability law attorney for additional guidance.
Qualifying for Social Security disability benefits for depression
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects people all over the country. In Michigan, thousands of residents suffer from depression and struggle to work while looking for ways to improve their mental health. Although some people are able to hold a job while suffering from depression, many cannot, and those whose depression is disabling may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, an applicant must submit significant medical documentation and proof of his or her disability. For depression, an applicant must be able to prove that he or she suffers from depression symptoms and that the symptoms either preclude any ability to work on a substantial basis under SSA’s strict rules or that this diagnosis meets or medically equals a Listing. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Sadness and crying
- Decreased energy
- Lack of motivation
- Anhedonia
- Trouble sleeping
- Guilt and feelings of worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
Generally speaking, applicants must be able to demonstrate that depression negatively affects their ability to concentrate or use information, attend work, alter their behaviors to fit into new situations, and generally function overall. Regardless of whether your depression is the only condition affecting your functioning and ability to work full-time, or whether there are other mental and/or physical impairments, you may be eligible to collect disability benefits.
The importance of legal assistance
Anyone who suffers from depression and is unable to hold down a job should speak to an attorney about applying for Social Security disability benefits. The application process is often complicated and time-consuming. Do not let your depression, or other health problems, keep you from availing yourself of the benefits you deserve. Often, Social Security disability benefits denials are based on mistakes made during the application process—not the individual’s underlying medical condition. Our attorneys help individuals with depression and a wide-range of medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability benefits from the very start by filing an initial application and standing by your side every step of the way. With the assistance of an experienced Michigan disability law attorney, applicants can avoid such mistakes.
Contact our experienced attorneys today for legal assistance
If you are unable to work due to depression, the skilled disability law attorneys at Disability Law Group are here to help. At Disability Law Group, our experienced Michigan attorneys will assist you with applying for Social Security disability benefits for your depression, and we’ll appeal any denials if necessary potentially through the U.S. District Court. If you live in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, or elsewhere in Michigan and would like to apply for disability benefits or fight a denial, we are on your side. At Disability Law Group, disability is all we do. Please contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.
