When does depression becomes a disability?

Depression can become a disability when it significantly impairs an individual's ability to perform essential daily activities, including those required for work. This is typically determined by a licensed medical professional or mental health expert.

For depression to be considered a disability, it must meet certain criteria:

Duration and Persistence: The depression must be severe and long-lasting, often for a period of at least one year, despite receiving appropriate treatment.

Impact on Daily Functioning: It must substantially limit a person's ability to engage in basic life activities like maintaining personal hygiene, managing finances, or carrying out household chores.

Impact on Work: The depression must significantly impede an individual's capacity to perform tasks related to their job, even with reasonable accommodations.

Medical Documentation: There should be thorough medical documentation and evidence from healthcare professionals to support the diagnosis and its impact on daily life.

Legal Determination: In some cases, individuals may need an official determination from a government agency or medical board to qualify for disability benefits.

In depression, negative thoughts, which occur when things do not work out as planned, like considering yourself loser or feel you are not good enough, become overwhelming. These feelings makes depression a disability.

Depression is not related to the strength of someone’s character; just like asthma or diabetes, it is a serious medical condition. It is also a chemical imbalance in the brain which can be treated.

Person who suffers from depression losses a lot of energy. It is common that person loses interest in usual activities and should not be misunderstood as laziness.

Expressing your feelings allows you to diminish your problems, seek confidence and find solutions. This may require a trained counsellor who can help you get out of depression. The information that you give is kept strictly confidential ie not disclosed.

Also Read- What is depression .What are the different types of Depression ?

Depression becomes a disability when it is severe enough to significantly interfere with your ability to work, go to school, or perform other major life activities. This means that your depression must be more than just feeling sad or down for a few days. It must be a persistent condition that causes significant impairment in your daily life.