Many people suffering through the hardships of depression or other debilitating mental disorders, may look at Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income and ask themselves why they even deserve it. This sort of self-worth issue may even be a serious symptom proving they have it.
The truth is that anyone who tests and qualifies for SSD or SSI, for any reason, deserves it. The biggest hurdle is admitting there is a problem and pursuing support.
Proving depression
According to Healthline, the WHO estimates that 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, which is the leading cause of disability. Anyone suffering from depression may experience sadness, sleep disturbances, trouble concentrating or even suicidal thoughts.
Depression happens to many adults between the ages of 18 and 25, but several older adults often go undiagnosed due to their older age or reluctance to pursue a diagnosis.
Securing support through the Social Security Administration for any disease or disorder requires medical evidence of it. Proving depression specifically requires a documented history of at least two years with major depression dysthymia.
Residual functional capacity
Another factor in proving depression disorders that merit SSD/SSI assistance is determining a patient’s residual functional capacity. According to the SSA, anyone’s residual functional capacity is the most they can still do despite their limitations, mental or otherwise.
This evaluation involves any medical history gathered up to that point. It also includes consultative examinations from the SSA to make every reasonable effort towards a final determination.
Depression is not a weakness, nor is it something a person gets over in a night. Identifying the signs of depression and documenting a medical history of the symptoms are the first steps. Complying with all SSA paperwork and processes is the next for someone to get the support needed to live with the reality of depression.
