Per Healthline.com, there are 121 million people who currently suffer from depression worldwide. Depression is a mental health condition that when in extreme cases, can make it very hard to function in daily life. Per the National Institute of Mental Health, depression can be caused by both environmental and genetic factors and by the way a person has learned to deal with stress. In clinical depression cases, depressed feelings and hopelessness become overwhelming and last for long periods of time. If this describes you or someone you know, Social Security disability for clinical depression may be an option.

Symptoms to look for per the DSM-V by the American Psychiatric Association include:

• Depressed mood most of the day, every day
• Insomnia or hyposomnia
• Psychomotor agitation
• Fatigue
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of interest or pleasure in many activities
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating an indecisiveness
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Social Security has recognized that these symptoms may be severe enough to prevent individuals from withholding a job or consistently working. Major depression is included in the Social Security listings as an affective disorder, meaning if your illness has been diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner, and is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may have the opportunity to receive benefits.

Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist who can document the progression of your illness. Ask friends, family or anyone who you spend time with consistently, to document how your behavior has changed over time as well. Your case depends on your compliance to following the course of treatment that you are given. Noncompliance can lead to a denial of benefits.

Improving your chances:

• Keep a detailed journal and calendar that notes how you feel each day
• Consistently record how your illness impacts your job
• Remember that regular use of marijuana, alcohol, or narcotics can hurt your chances of having your disability claim approved.
• Note unusual activities that you could not participate in on any given day
• Regularly see a health care professional to track the course of your symptoms and keep a record of such

Receiving Social Security disability for depression requires solid evidence and determination overall. For more information or assistance regarding depression and benefits, contact the experienced Social Security disability attorneys at Disability Associates, LLC. today.