Depression is about far more than just feeling unhappy. It can feel like an insurmountable weight, impacting every part of your life. At its most severe, depression can interfere with your ability to work, connect with others, or even care for yourself.
When depression becomes this debilitating, it’s reasonable to wonder if this means depression is a disability, and if so, whether there are benefits or other forms of support you might be entitled to?
The short answer is yes, depression can sometimes be classified as a disability and there is help available. However, because everyone experiences depression differently, it’s not always a straightforward determination.
The most important thing to remember is that depression can be treated. With the right support, it’s possible to manage symptoms and regain your quality of life.Below, we’ll look at when depression is considered a disability, what help you might be entitled to, and how therapy and treatments – including innovative options like Spravato – can help you regain control.
What is depression?
Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), is much more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a complex mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and function.
Both the symptoms and the severity of depression can vary hugely from person to person. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness
- Depressed mood
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Sleep disturbances
- A loss of interest in activities that once brought joy
- Irritability or frustration
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Fortunately, depression is treatable. Every person’s journey to recovery is unique, and what works for one may not work for another, but evidence-based approaches like talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication are usually the first steps.
When is depression considered a disability?
Both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognize depression as a disability in certain cases – namely, if it significantly impacts daily life, such as the ability to work, think, or care for oneself.
The exact criteria vary for each, and they also both serve different purposes: the ADA focuses on ensuring your rights in the workplace, while the SSA provides financial assistance if you are unable to work due to your condition.
Here is an overview of when depression qualifies as a disability in each case:
Depression as a disability under the ADA
The ADA defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”
Major depressive disorder (the most severe type of depression, also known as clinical depression) is considered a qualifying condition if it:
- Is long-term and ongoing.
- Severely affects tasks like working, concentrating, or interacting with others.
- Can be supported by medical documentation.
Depression as a disability under the SSA
The SSA applies stricter and more specific criteria when determining if your depression is eligible for financial assistance.
The full explanation of SSA criteria for depression as a disability can be found here. However, in short, you’ll qualify if your diagnosis includes:
- At least five symptoms: Such as persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep issues, difficulty concentrating, or recurrent thoughts of death.
PLUS:
- Impact on mental functioning: Severe limitations in areas like memory, comprehension, concentration, interaction with others, or adapting to changes.
OR
- “Serious and persistent” condition: Depression must be long-term (at least two years), with evidence of necessary ongoing treatment and a limited ability to adapt to new changes in your daily life.
Applications require thorough documentation, including detailed medical records, diagnoses, and treatment history.
If you’re unsure whether your depression qualifies as a disability, speaking with a healthcare provider or legal expert can help you understand your rights and options.
What kinds of disability benefits or support are available for depression?
If your depression qualifies as a disability, several forms of support may be available to you. These include financial assistance, healthcare coverage, and workplace accommodations.
Social Security benefits for depression
There are two benefit programs available for people with depression that is recognized as a disability by the SSA:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides financial support to individuals with a work history (i.e. have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes for at least 5 out of the last 10 years) who are unable to work due to their condition.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Offers financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
The exact payouts vary depending on your individual circumstances. You can find out more information, and see if you qualify, from the SSA links above.
ADA workplace accommodations for depression
Under the ADA, employees with depression have the right to request reasonable accommodations from their employers. These might include a quieter workspace, modified deadlines, adjustments to workload, flexible working hours, or the option to work remotely. These adjustments can make it easier to manage your condition while maintaining employment.
Medicaid for depression
If you qualify, Medicaid provides free or low-cost healthcare for individuals with disabilities, including depression and other mental health conditions. This program can help cover the costs of therapy, medication, and even advanced treatments like Spravato.
Knowing whether you qualify for any of this support, not to mention the process of applying, can be overwhelming for many people. Your healthcare provider or therapist will usually be able to give you some guidance on whether you’re likely to qualify, and what to do if you are, so it’s always worth speaking to them first to see how they can help you.
What if my depression doesn’t qualify as a disability?
Not everyone with depression will meet the criteria for disability benefits, and that’s okay.
What’s most important is taking steps to treat your condition and improve your quality of life. And remember – effective treatment can help prevent depression from becoming disabling and allow you to regain control.
If you’re worried about the cost of treatment, know that most insurance plans cover a range of treatments for depression, including talk therapy and medication. Here at REACH Behavioral Health Ohio, we accept all major insurance plans and will help you check your policy and walk you through everything with your insurer to make it as simple and stress-free as possible for you to get the help you need to treat your depression.
How to overcome depression
Overcoming depression begins with seeking the right treatment for you.
Here are some of the most effective options available today:
Talk therapy (or counseling) for depression
Talk therapy is a vital part of overcoming depression. By talking with a trained professional, you can explore the root causes of your depression and develop strategies to cope with your symptoms. Therapy for depression provides a safe, supportive space to share your feelings without judgment.
Medication
Medication is often a key component of depression treatment. Antidepressants can help regulate brain chemistry and reduce symptoms like sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. While medications may not work for everyone, many people find significant relief through the right prescription and dosage. A psychiatrist or your primary healthcare provider can assess your needs and guide you through options, adjusting as necessary to find what works best.
Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression
If traditional treatments haven’t worked for you, innovative therapies like Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray – also known as ketamine therapy – may offer hope. Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and works differently from typical antidepressants, acting rapidly to reduce symptoms with proven success. We offer this revolutionary treatment at REACH as part of our commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive mental health care.
Holistic approaches
In addition to therapy and medication, lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing depression. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can improve your mood and energy levels. Practices like mindfulness meditation and yoga can also help reduce stress and build resilience, complementing other treatment methods.
How does therapy help in the treatment of depression?
Therapy is a cornerstone of depression treatment, offering a personalized approach to both understanding and managing symptoms.
There are various types of talk therapy (sometimes referred to as counseling) that are proven to be effective in treating depression, with techniques tailored to each individual’s needs.
One of the most effective types is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps you identify and reframe negative thought patterns that fuel depressive feelings. By replacing these thoughts with healthier perspectives, CBT can lead to lasting improvements. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is another effective approach – this focuses on the connections between relationships and mood, helping you to resolve conflicts, strengthen connections, and navigate life transitions that may contribute to depression.
Therapy also involves setting meaningful treatment goals for your depression, so that you can measure your progress and acknowledge and celebrate every small step along the way. This is a critical aspect of successful therapy.
Beyond specific techniques, therapy or counseling for depression provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore feelings, address unresolved issues, and develop tools to better manage your mental health. With the guidance of a compassionate therapist, therapy can empower you to take meaningful steps toward recovery.
Get treatment and counseling for depression at REACH Ohio
Recognizing depression as a disability can open the door to vital support, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. What’s most important is seeking treatment that works for you, whether that’s talk therapy, medication, or advanced options like Spravato.
With the right care, depression is not only manageable – it’s possible to overcome.
At REACH Behavioral Health, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team offers personalized care, from traditional therapy to innovative treatments for treatment-resistant depression.
If you’re in Ohio and ready to take the first step toward healing, contact us today. You don’t have to face depression alone – support is just a phone call away.