Disability for depression

[SaintMarie]

Has anyone applied for and gotten disability for depression? Can you tell me about the process? I have thought about applying for a long time, but I have heard that it is very difficult to get it for depression. I have suffered with clinical depression most of my life. My depression is biological rather than situational or trauma related. I also suffer with some anxiety and from work related PTSD, but depression is primary. I have been on about 17 different drugs over the course of my life, and I have done just about every type of therapy. I failed intravenous ketamine, and I seem to be failing TMS now, though it helped for quite a while. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[hypercat54]

No one can help with this until you say what country you are in as the rules are different everywhere.

[SaintMarie in reply to hypercat54]

USA

[Dolphin14]

Mental Health is listed as a reason for disability. You have to have a good paper trail. Sounds like you've been dealing with it for a long time so your Dr's will have plenty of info to submit

I'm sorry you have been through so much. It does sound like you have a good case.

Get the forms and start the process. It can take many months for an answer. If you get denied... which happens... you file again

Best of luck

🐬

[SaintMarie in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you for the information and support. I have been feeling pretty intimidated about the entire process. But, I am going to work on compiling the necessary paper trail as you suggested. All the best to you, and thank you again.

[Dolphin14 in reply to SaintMarie]

Try not to be intimidated. Remember you have paid into this and it's your right to apply and hopefully receive your benefits.

It is stressful waiting for someone else to make the decision about your life. When you write your statement be honest about how it has affected your quality of life and ability to function.

[Sarahjane1968 in reply to SaintMarie]

Hiya, I'm on disability, one of the reasons why, I suffer with severe depression and anxiety, so I know exactly how anxious your feeling. What happens. Before you phone the DLA because they assess you over the first phone call. Before they send that dreaded form.

If you haven't done it yet .

Over the next couple of days, write down all your medication.

Every doctor or consultant any mental health doctor you have seen, if you can remember the dates that helps.

When you're writing things down always write about the bad days when you're having a bad day if you can write everything down. Tell Them how it affects your anxiety, if you can't go out that day, if you can't sleep or talk to anyone. How many times a week this happens. If you haven't got the energy to wash or shower. If you have difficulties doing forms, even if you cant open your mail.

Basically you've got to tell them everything about you and your disability.

I know this as I've had to do the forms every 2-3 years. You can get advice from your local council. It could take months, but they do pay you from the day you phoned them.

I hope I haven't put you off, it's what you deserve. If you write things down before you phone them. It will be easier. If you need anymore info let me know.

[Hidden]

I live in the USA and I receive disability. I have been diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. I will tell you up front, it’s NOT very easy to get!!!! You basically have to prove you have a very hard time holding and keeping a job. And I have been hospitalized many times. I had to apply twice before I received it.

[SaintMarie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for offering this information. I want to be realistic about the level of difficulty involved in the whole process before I begin. I had to leave my professional feild because of my depression. I have held a couple of part time menial labor jobs since, but it is a struggle. Like you, I have been hospitalized. I am sorry about your trials with your bipolar illness/ hospitalizations. Take care of yourself, and thank you for sharing your experience/info with me.

[Hidden in reply to SaintMarie]

No problem. It sounds like you have a good chance of qualifying for it. But every case is individual. It is a tough process.

[Raggedy-Ann]

Hi, When I applied I was told they turn everyone down at first. I have a lifetime of severe depression fully documented. I was initially turned down, I am in the appeal process now and I won't get an answer until December. So, don't get discouraged, it's along process.

[SaintMarie in reply to Raggedy-Ann]

Thank you fir sharing. It means a lot.

[Sarahjane1968 in reply to Raggedy-Ann]

Hi, I've been to the appeal department, and if it's the same as the UK, I advise you to take someone professional or a friend, before you go in they've got bloody cameras on you. They might not look, but I've known them to. There's normally 2-3 people there and you're sat on a table facing them. The one person that was on the panel for me, was a woman that has some of my disabilities. And a doctor, and the chairwoman. They try and make you feel at ease, The only person in that room that knows you, is you. And you known you deserve the disability. You keep positive but don't go all dressed up 👆. You will be fine. Good Luck

[Raggedy-Ann in reply to Sarahjane1968]

Great information, thank you

[Sarahjane1968 in reply to Raggedy-Ann]

no problem, if I can help anyone, or if you need anything else please contact me. Thanks for your reply, as it made me feel a lot better. Xx

[bethelbee]

Six years ago I applied and was fortunate to have a great attorney; was approved the first time. Had lots of documentation and it also helped that I was in the hospital a few times. It's not always easy to get approved. Many go through the appeal process and get turned down. It can be a long and arduous process. A friend was initially turned down but won on appeal. Best of luck!

[SaintMarie in reply to bethelbee]

Thank you for your encoursgement and insight!

[bethelbee in reply to SaintMarie]

You're welcome! Hope it works out for you!

[Blue_81]

Hello SaintMarie

Were you able to qualify for disability?

[GavraM]

Applying for a disability for depression can be a complex and challenging process, but it is possible to receive disability benefits if you meet the eligibility criteria. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits for individuals with a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents them from working.

To qualify for disability benefits for depression, you must provide medical evidence that supports your claim. This may include documentation from your treating physician or psychiatrist, hospital records, and other medical reports that describe your symptoms and how they impact your ability to work. I got the necessary documents from my wonderful therapist Alexandra Kagan. You can read more about her at riviamind.com/. Eventually, The SSA will consider the severity and duration of your symptoms, as well as how they affect your ability to perform basic work-related tasks.

If you decide to apply for disability benefits, you can begin the process by completing an application online or by visiting your local Social Security office. You will need to provide detailed information about your medical history and work history, as well as any medications or treatments you have received.

After submitting your application, the SSA will review your claim and may request additional information or medical records to support your case. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and request a hearing with an administrative law judge.