Is depression with anxiety a disability.?

Question

I am 34 with depression and anxiety. I am on Effexor and started that about a month ago. Before that I was on Zoloft 100mg. When I began feeling as if the Zoloft wasn't working anymore I had the doctor change my meds and they suggested Effexor. It works, but in the past 4 years I have felt as if my condition is just getting worse and not better. What will I be like when I am 40, 45, 50. I don't handle stress well at all. How can I handle a job. I don't work right now cause I have one of those wonderful husbands who allows me to stay at home. Is my condition considered a disability and should I be able to collect disability for it.

Answer 1

If you are seriously considering filing for disability, tuck in for the long haul. You will need a lot of documentation of your disability and Dr.'s support that say you are unable to work. If you go to social security's website they have a lot of info on there. Also if you do go for it, the first time you can usually try on your own but after that if you are turned down you are best to get a lawyer. You sound possibly young so don't be surprised if you get turned down more than once. Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, if severe, those can certainly be a disability. Usually, the criteria to get disability is you have to prove that your condition prevents you from keeping a job.

Of course, it's easier said than done, but we can learn to handle stress better. I'd like to point out that when I was on effexor, my anxiety increased. It made me so irritable and made my pulse race, so I had to stop taking it. You may do better on a different med. Discuss these issues about meds and the possibility of disability with your doctor. And get a good counsellor!

Answer 3

You could possibly get disability for it since a disability doesn't have to be physical. Though I wouldn't give up and I wouldn't rely on meds. There are different programs out there that may help. Each person's reason for depression and anxiety is different. If it is truly all a chemical imbalance then you will have to keep trying to find the meds that work best for you. My mom did the best on welbutren... if i spelled that right. Everyone acts different on different meds and always keep in contact with your doctor because most people I know have had strange side effects from any anti-depressant.

Answer 4

Very rarely, due to the fact that you should recover enough to live a full life. I'm in the UK and over here, when suffering from depression, people have been offered 'Incapacity Benefit' along the lines that they are, if only temporarily, incapable of working. The problem is, in order to be medically signed off for life, you would have to undergo quite a few tests and psychiatric assessment. My worry for you would be that in order to sign you off and for you to be able to claim any benefits, they would have to brand you 'mental health'.You would have to think seriously about the implications of such an action.

It's always worth enquiring though and the relevant telephone numbers will be listed. Perhaps you should make an appointment with a benefits advisor who will not only tell you if you are entitled, but will also help you to form a claim.

Good luck, take care x

Answer 5

YES!!! It is a disability!!!! I also am Bipolar, have PTSD and another undiagnosed personality disorder. I applied for SSI/SSD over a year ago and am still waiting to hear. After I was turned down the first time, I got a lawyer. I do work part time now, and my boss will be asked to give a deposition. She knows my boundaries best, not counting my husband and 2 close friends. The lawyer also asked for a copy of my journal. (yikes, very personal!!) People who arent bipolar or effected by some sort of mental illness simply DO NOT UNDERSTAND! I am in a constant state of "pain". It is hard to live a normal life when you are chasing demons all day. I wish you the very best of luck!!!! If you ever need someone to talk to, just IM me!!!

Answer 6

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person is considered to have a disability if they have a "physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment." Depression and anxiety can be disabilities -- or they may not. It depends on the severity and if they interfere with something considered a "major life activity" under the ADA. Being depressed but still able to function on a day to day basis may not qualify. Being depressed to the point that you cannot get out of bed, take care of yourself, etc. probably would.

To get more information on what the ADA says about what qualifies as a disability and what legal protection is there for people with disabilities, contact the ADA & IT Technical Assistance Program. This is a free, grant funded program that has lawyers and other ADA professionals on staff to help you. Their web site is www.adata.org or you can call them at 1-800-949-4232 (V/TTY)

Answer 7

Depending on the severity of symptoms, some people definately get granted disability for such conditions. It is usually a bit more challenging to get your initial approval for benefits and you may have to go through the appeals process. Most communities have trained advocates to help people with their disability applications. If you really want to work at some point, I would contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services. They help people with depression and anxiety all the time. They can work with you on managing job stress and also in placing you in the right job that you CAN handle with your set of circumstances. I think its at least worth contacting your social security office to look at applying for disability.

Answer 8

Sorry to hear of your mental illness. I do not think you can collect any disability for it though. One must prove they are insane....we are talking hospitalization here before a disabliltiy check could be given. Mental illness is a terrible condition to have. I am speaking from experience. I hate it when people think you can just "snap out of it"....NOT....It is an illness but many have to try many meds to figure out what one could even be right for them. Continue to talk to your doctor until you can find the right kind of medication that will work for you. Until then, and I know this may not be something you want to try, but exercise....Just take a walk, get plenty of sunshine...It will help you out alot! I wish you the best of luck. Like I said before.....I know what you are going thru!

Answer 9

Your husband is wonderful. However, we need exposure to outside events and traumas to counter-act and create balance for those of us with these symptoms. I am 38 and have been diagnosed with pstd, postpartum, manic depression, anxiety and other mental issues. I lost my mom 6-07-06, have an 18yr old nephew in a coma since 5-6-06, haven't worked since 2003 when I mentally melted. I don't watch tv or read the news because of all the horrible things we as man do...I feel that I need to go to work so that I have something positive in life..not all negative. Trouble is that I can't get my head balanced enough to get through an interview without another event rocking my boat. I clearly could get disability but feel that then I have given up on myself and thrown in the towel. We are ALL crazy deep inside. I suggest getting a job if only part time but doing something you like, rental store, coffee shop, pet groomer, day care, - really, something that would make you happy to go each day since the money isn't a problem. Even volunteer work might help. You will find that you are NOT alone...trust me. Want to contact directly you can...might be good for us both. HANG IN THERE...I was given medication too and choose not to take it because being emotional is what I am. It's other people who need help to deal with me not me with them. LOL

Answer 10

Depression and anxiety can be disabling, but I don't think you should be able to get disability ($) for it. Do you really feel you are incapable of performing a low stress job, like grocery bagger, or mailing flyers from home? You could also get a hobby, join an interest group, do some charity work, or go to group therapy. This shouldn't be about getting something for free, it should be about you taking the initiative to help yourself.