Social Security Disability for Depression

Dallas Attorneys Assisting With Disability Benefits for Those With Major Depressive Disorder

Mental health issues can be debilitating, but they are not always outwardly obvious. Fortunately, both medical authorities and the general public have become more aware of how mental illnesses can affect people. This means that those who struggle with these conditions are more likely to be considered disabled. Major depressive disorder, which is usually referred to simply as "depression," is one of the most common mental illnesses, and it can significantly affect a person's ability to maintain employment. Because of this, those who struggle with depression may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

While the likelihood that a person will be able to receive disability based on depression and other mental illnesses has increased over the past few decades, it can sometimes be difficult to prove that these issues have met the requirements to be considered a disability. To ensure success when applying for disability benefits, those who suffer from depression will need the assistance of a skilled and experienced lawyer. The Law Offices of Coats & Todd can provide legal help in these cases, and with over 60 combined years of experience, we know how to demonstrate that a person qualifies for Social Security disability benefits.

Disability Benefits for Major Depressive Disorder

While many people experience some form of depression, major depressive disorder is a much more serious condition that can affect a person's ability to perform daily tasks, make it difficult to maintain relationships with others, and limit their enjoyment of life. Major depressive disorder may involve extreme sadness, irritability, lack of energy, problems with concentration, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, lack of interest in activities that a person had previously enjoyed, low self-esteem, loss of appetite, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The listing of impairments used by Social Security includes depressive disorders, and it states that these disorders will cause a person to be disabled if they exhibit at least five of the following symptoms:

• A depressed mood involving negative thoughts that occur more often than normal
• Lack of interest in nearly all activities, including work-related tasks and personal activities
• Changes in appetite that have resulted in weight gain or weight loss
• Problems with sleep, including difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than is normal
• Increased levels of restlessness or physical agitation or diminished physical capabilities, including sluggishness or decreased reaction times
• Lethargy or lower levels of energy
• Guilty feelings or a belief in one's own worthlessness
• Difficulties with concentration or forming rational thoughts
• Suicidal thoughts or a focus on death

Along with the symptoms of depression, a person must have experienced issues that have limited their ability to perform work-related tasks. They must show that their mental functioning has been affected either through a severe limitation of one type of mental function or a "marked" limitation of two mental functions. These functions include:

• Understanding, remembering, and applying information
• Interacting with other people
• Concentrating on tasks and maintaining a consistent pace while working
• Adapting or managing oneself

Alternative, a person with major depressive disorder may be considered disabled if their condition is serious and has persisted for at least two years. In these cases, they will need to provide evidence that they are receiving ongoing medical or psychological treatment that has diminished the harmful effects of their symptoms, as well as demonstrating a marginal or minimal ability to adapt to changes in your environment or to demands that are not already part of your daily life.

Contact Our Frisco, TX SSDI Application Lawyers

Demonstrating that depression is severe enough to be considered a disability will require extensive documentation and medical evidence. At the Law Offices of Coats & Todd, we will make sure you follow the correct steps during the Social Security disability application process while also helping you address any issues that may affect your ability to receive disability benefits. Contacting our office by calling 972-671-9922 to arrange a free case evaluation with our attorneys. We represent clients in Social Security disability cases in Plano, Allen, Collin County, Dallas County, Lewisville, Frisco, Denton County, McKinney, Denton, and Dallas.