Depression can take a devastating toll on your life and livelihood. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in ten U.S. adults report depression. People 45-64 years old, women, minorities, the divorced and individuals who are unable to work or unemployed are more likely to have major depression. Found here.
Frequently clients have a hard time describing their depression to me. Just the mention of it brings overwhelming emotion to the surface. Tearfulness, loss of interest in life, problems sleeping and fear of others are a few of the symptoms.
The Social Security Administration evaluates depression under Listing 12.04, Affective Disorders. This listing, as with most listings, is difficult to meet. You must have symptoms from Section A that result in at least two of the marked requirements in Section B (or meet Section C alone).
If you are experiencing depression that prevents you from working, you should first seek mental health treatment. Psychiatrists and therapists may be able to help you work through your depression. They can prescribe medication and counseling that can help as well. If you have sought treatment and your depression has not improved, you need to file a claim for Social Security Disability as soon as possible.
Resources: