Helping People Dealing With Depression
Depression is a serious mental condition that makes it nearly impossible to function normally. This disorder can make it difficult for you to sustain any sort of gainful employment. At the law firm of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, we understand this and will help you apply for Social Security benefits from any of our five office locations throughout northern Illinois, including in Chicago.
Depression may be a Disabling Disease Under Social Security
Depression is a serious mental illness and may make you eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Like all other medical conditions listed under Social Security's guidelines, you will need objective medical evidence to show that your depression makes it impossible for you to engage in gainful employment.
Even if a psychiatrist, therapist, counselor or other mental health professional diagnoses you with a major depressive episode, we still have to produce sufficient evidence to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to prove that your mental condition is disabling. Evidence that we commonly collect that can be used to prove the severity of your depression includes personal testimony, attempts to work, mental status evaluation, psychological testing and other relevant information.
Determining the Full Effect of Your Depression
In order for you to receive Social Security benefits, you will have to do more than just show that you have a diagnosed mental illness; you will have to demonstrate:
- How it affects your activities of daily living like cooking, cleaning, bathing
- The extent your depression influences your social functioning
- The changes in your concentration, persistence or pace
- Evidence of decompensation, relapse or increased severity of symptoms
At the law firm of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with depression and dysthymia. We will sit down and work with you and your doctor to document how this mental condition affects your ability to work.
If you suffer from debilitating depression, isn't about time you hire an attorney who will help you apply for Social Security benefits? To learn more, contact our office today to speak with one of our lawyers.
