Major depressive disorder can without question preclude an individual from working even a part-time, let alone full-time, job. Though there are many types of depression, severe depression of any form can be disabling in that severe disturbances in motivation and mood and feelings of worthlessness or self-loathing can make it extremely difficult for someone suffering from depression to get out of bed during the day, much less go to work and stay there eight hours per day, five days per week, fifty weeks per year, one of the minimum requirements of any full-time job.
Furthermore, depression can also cause more severe symptomatology, including suicidal ideation or thoughts of death. An individual who is so depressed that he or she experiences thoughts of self-harm on a regular basis likely will, in addition to being unable to maintain regular attendance, be unable to concentrate on completing work tasks in a timely manner, remember and follow a supervisor’s oral or written instructions, or use proper judgment to make simple work decisions, any of which alone precludes a worker’s ability to obtain and sustain even a simple job limited to completing repeated tasks.
Lastly, any or all of the above-described symptoms can make it difficult or even impossible for someone suffering from depression to relate effectively to other people, including even family member but especially coworkers and supervisors, who are charged with providing instructions, monitoring employee attendance and progress, and giving criticism or feedback on job performance. Because being able to relate effectively with supervisors and coworkers is a requirement of any form of substantially gainful activity, an individual who is unable to relate effectively to supervisors or coworkers because of symptoms caused by his or her depressive disorder is unable to obtain and sustain any substantially gainful activity.
If you or a loved one are unable to work as a result of the symptoms caused by a severe depressive disorder, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, either through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you would like a free consultation regarding your claims for disability benefits, please contact our office and one of our attorneys will evaluate your claim either at an in-person appointment or over the phone.
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