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Depression is a serious mental health condition recognized by medical professionals worldwide. With a variety of physical and psychological symptoms and often debilitating effects on a person’s personal and professional life, depression is a legitimate reason to ask for accommodations at work and even apply for long-term disability benefits. But is depression legally recognized as a disability?
If you have recently been diagnosed with this condition, understanding your rights and options is essential for your recovery. In this blog, we will explain whether depression is classified as a disability, review the laws protecting people with depression, and offer a few tips on qualifying for disability benefits.
Is Depression Legally Recognized as a Disability?
Individuals with depression are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—this law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including mental health conditions. Moreover, the Social Security Administration (SSA), which provides disability benefits, has included depression in its List of Impairments, recognizing the right of a person to qualify for financial support based on their mental disorder.
There are several definitions of “disability,” yet in general, this term is understood as the inability to participate in major life activities. Depression certainly fits this definition—this mental health disorder affects a person’s mood and energy levels and leads to physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea.
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What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law enacted in 1990 to outlaw discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The goal of this legislation was to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as those without—for instance, employers are supposed to provide reasonable accommodations to their employees if they suffer from a condition like depression that may hinder their professional performance.
Besides mental health support in the workplace, the ADA applies to public transportation, construction of commercial facilities accessible to people with disabilities, and equal participation of all people in state and local government services.
How to Disclose Your Depression to Your Employer?
While it may feel uncomfortable to open up about your mental health struggles to your boss and colleagues, in certain cases, disclosure is beneficial and even necessary. If your depression impacts your work, your employer should know about it—this way, you will be able to make a few changes to your work environment and schedule to accommodate your mental health needs.
Schedule a meeting with your manager or someone from the human resources department to talk to them in private. You may bring a friend or a mental health professional to support you during the conversation. Focus on the ways your employer can help you—whether you need a more flexible schedule, a few days to work from home, or extended breaks during the workday, it is possible to find a solution together.
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Can You Qualify for Disability Benefits Due to Depression?
It is possible to receive disability benefits if you suffer from depression. The SSA criteria for mental health disability include the limitation of normal functioning and difficulty adapting to changes in life. You will need to submit medical documentation that proves your diagnosis and shows your mental health history to certify your claim.
Besides the medical records from your therapist, it is important to fill out the SSA forms where you list your symptoms, explain how depression has negatively affected your life, and describe your treatment. If the SSA approves your claim, you may be entitled to disability benefits for a period of several months or longer, depending on your progress.
FAQs
What Is Depression?
Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent low mood and lack of energy, as well as feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
The symptoms of depression are psychological (apathy, irritability, and anxiety) and physical (fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite).
Is Depression a Disability?
Depression is considered a disability under both the ADA and SSA, which means you may be able to ask your employer to accommodate you and even apply for disability benefits.
What Is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is a law that was introduced to protect individuals with disabilities, including mental health conditions such as depression, from discrimination.
Should You Tell Your Employer About Your Depression?
If depression negatively affects your work, it may be a good idea to talk to your employer, let them know about your struggles, and ask them to adjust your work environment to help your recovery.
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Find Support and Understanding for Depression
We hope that this guide was useful, whether you or someone you know suffers from depression—this mental health disorder is considered a disability, and you have the right to be accommodated at work and claim disability benefits. Remember to familiarize yourself with the ADA provisions and reach out to your employer to let them know about your mental health struggles.
If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to get in touch with Dallas Mental Health. Our team will be able to advise you and support your journey to mental health recovery.
