How does one go about getting disability for depression?
Author: I have struggled with depression since about 1st grade, and I have never been able to hold down a job for more than about a year. I feel that I would be a good candidate for disability, but I don't even know where to begin (not to mention feeling overwhelmed by it). Can someone please help?
Thank you for the people who have tried to ANSWER my question, rather than spout off their opinions of what I should do instead. Yes, depression is as disabilitating, if not more, than someone who needs a walker, etc. Some people's legs don't work, and deserve disability. My brain does not work right, it apparantly never has. It IS a physical problem. (Really, I am probably Bi-polar, if giving it another name makes it more "real.") I have tried every type of therapy, and almost every medicine available. The REASON I am depressed is because I have a medical condition. Many people have "struggled with depression" and may have even been on anti-depressants and still have no clue what it is to have a true physical disorder of the brain. Please, if you know of what forms I need to fill out, what kind of doctors need to help with those forms, etc., I welcome your help. If you want to tell me to go take a walk, please save your "help." I know more about how to fight it than you.
yes depression is debilitating and it can affect a person's ability to hold down a job, so take no notice of anyone who says otherwise.
What I did was talk to my doctor first of all. he wrote a letter to the social security offices, who then requested further information from the doctor at the hospital whom I see every three to four weeks and who is generally responsible for adjusting the doses of my meds and also oversees what sorts of talking therpaies are available for me.
She was very helpful and wrote (with my permission) quite a lengthy detailed letter pointing out the restrictions the depression places on me in relation to work. She sent me a copy, and after I had gone through it and agreed to any disclosures she made relating to my treatments etc, she sent it too the social security office. After that it took only a matter of weeks before I was assessed and awarded the lower rate of disability.
They will send you quite a bulky form to complete before assessing you, but don't be intimidated by it, you can ask the local branch of MIND or your citizens advice bureau for help and they are very good at getting someone to go through the form with you to fill it in, mainly because it sounds stupid, but there are 'required' answers they look for. I was turned down the first time because I tended to make my depression sound better than it was because I felt that was what I should do. In reality you should complete the form giving details about how you feel on your WORST days, don't be afraid to tell it like it is, however difficult it might be, and do get help to fill the form in because they are experienced with this sort of form and know exactly the information to give.
Good luck