Can You Get Disability for Depression?

Munira Electricwala

Psychologist | Researcher | Psychological Scientist | Writer

25 Sep 20245 min read

woman in wheelchair at the office - Can You Get Disability for Depression?

Introduction: Unpacking the Heavy with a Light Touch!

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For many, it can be debilitating, significantly impacting daily activities and the ability to work. This raises an important question: Can you get disability for depression? The answer is yes, but qualifying for disability benefits due to depression involves navigating complex regulations and meeting specific criteria.

Understanding Disability and Depression By Definition

Disability is generally defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Depression, on the other hand, is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. Symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, and suicidal thoughts.

Can Disability Cause Depression?

Yes, there is evidence suggesting a bidirectional relationship between disability and depression. Individuals with disabilities may experience higher rates of depression due to the challenges they face in daily life. Conversely, those suffering from severe depression may find their ability to function effectively in the workplace diminished.

Depression may qualify you for disability benefits if it significantly impairs your ability to work or perform daily tasks. Clinical depression, postpartum depression, and depression with psychotic episodes are some types that can qualify. To improve your chances, thorough documentation and evidence from healthcare professionals are crucial.

Present Research Findings on the Connection Between Disability and Depression

Studies Suggests: Research (2021) indicates that people with disabilities often report higher levels of depressive symptoms due to social isolation and reduced opportunities for engagement in meaningful activities.

Some studies (2016) argue that while individuals with disabilities may experience depression, it is not solely due to their disability but also influenced by other factors such as socioeconomic status and support systems.

Studies on Treatment-Resistant Depression: Individuals with treatment-resistant depression often find it challenging to maintain employment, leading to financial instability and potential disability claims.

Impact of Chronic Illness: Chronic illnesses often co-occur with depression, complicating the ability to work and increasing the likelihood of applying for disability benefits.

Demographic Variations: Research (2019) shows that demographic factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status can influence the prevalence of depression among disabled individuals.

To qualify for disability benefits due to depression in India, applicants must adhere to specific criteria established under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 and related guidelines. Here are the key points:

Medical Documentation

Applicants need to provide a disability certificate issued by a competent authority, which assesses the level of disability. This certificate is typically issued by authorized government hospitals and is necessary for availing various welfare benefits. The assessment includes the use of the Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS), which helps in quantifying the disability caused by mental illnesses, including depression.

Severity of Symptoms

To be eligible, individuals must demonstrate that their mental health condition significantly impairs their daily functioning. According to the IDEAS scale, a score of 7 or above indicates a benchmark disability. This reflects severe limitations in daily activities due to symptoms such as persistent sadness, difficulty concentrating, or other related challenges.

Functional Limitations

The applicant must show that their condition results in extreme limitations in one area or marked limitations in two areas related to understanding information, interacting with others, concentrating on tasks, or self-management. This aligns with the broader definitions of disability under the RPWD Act, which recognizes various degrees of impairment.

Duration of Impairment

The RPWD Act does not specify a minimum duration for mental illness; however, it is generally understood that the condition should be persistent and significantly impact the individual's ability to function in society. Many applicants may need to demonstrate that their symptoms have lasted for an extended period, often interpreted as several months or longer.

Government Benefits

Individuals qualifying for disability benefits due to depression may access various government schemes, including:

Disability Pension: Monthly financial assistance is available based on the percentage of disability.
Travel Concessions: Reduced fares on public transport for persons with disabilities.
Employment Reservations: Certain job quotas are reserved for individuals with disabilities in government sectors.

Overall, while there are provisions for mental health-related disabilities in India, many individuals face barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness regarding their rights and available benefits.

Symptoms of Depression to check. This will help you understand when to seek help:

Recognising the symptoms of depression can help determine when to seek help and consider taking personal leave or vacation time.

Emotional Symptoms

Persistent Sadness: A continuous feeling of sadness or emptiness.
⁠Irritability: Increased frustration or anger over minor issues.
Feelings of Hopelessness: A belief that things will never get better.
⁠Guilt or Worthlessness: Excessive feelings of guilt or a sense of being a failure.

Physical Symptoms

Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or sleeping too much.
Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
⁠Aches and Pains: Unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches or digestive issues.

Cognitive Symptoms

⁠Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Negative Thinking: A tendency to dwell on negative thoughts or events.

Behavioural Symptoms

⁠Withdrawal from Social Activities: Avoiding friends, family, and previously enjoyed activities.
⁠Decreased Performance: A decline in work or academic performance.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and considering applying for disability benefits, reaching out for professional assistance is an essential step toward navigating this challenging journey. Consider taking support from professionals like Mave Health and their resources on tDCS that provide valuable guidance for navigating these challenges.

Do Read More About Depression

Conclusion

The relationship between disability and depression is complex and multifaceted. While many individuals do qualify for disability benefits due to severe depression, it is crucial to consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance through the application process. Seeking help from legal experts specializing in disability claims can also enhance your chances of approval.

References

Arvind, B. A., Gururaj, G., Loganathan, S., Amudhan, S., Varghese, M., Benegal, V., Rao, G. N., Kokane, A. M., S, C. B., K, D. P., Ram, D., Pathak, K., K, L. S. R., Singh, L. K., Sharma, P., Saha, P. K., C, R., Mehta, R. Y., & M, S. T. (2019). Prevalence and socioeconomic impact of depressive disorders in India: multisite population-based cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 9(6), e027250. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027250
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Noh, J., Kwon, Y. D., Park, J., Oh, I., & Kim, J. (2016). Relationship between Physical Disability and Depression by Gender: A Panel Regression Model. PLoS ONE, 11(11), e0166238. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166238
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