Is Depression a Real Disability?

Depression is a mental disability that affects millions of Canadians. The effects of depression can be so severe that the person suffering from it is no longer able to function at work. When a person is suffering from depression, they may find that the illness dictates the way they eat and sleep. It affects their self-confidence. Depression alters a person's outlook on the world.

Although many non-depressed people offer pep talks with the best intentions, it is very difficult for a person who has been diagnosed with depression to “snap out of it" without proper medical intervention. And, even with the very best medical help, snapping out of it may not be possible.

There are a variety of reasons why a person might become depressed.

A leading theory is that depression is a genetic disorder. A person who comes from a family with a history of mental depression is likely to require treatment for depression at some point in their life.

Another theory is that people who have a grim outlook on life tend to experience symptoms of depression. Some medical professionals believe a pessimistic attitude could be an indicator of depression.

Stress is often a trigger for depression. When a person is going through a traumatic event such as a divorce, environmental upheaval or loss of a parent they may experience depression. Surprisingly, it is not unusual for a happy event such as a graduation or a child’s marriage equally to cause such an emotional upheaval resulting in the person becoming depressed.

A person's physical health plays a huge role in their mental health. People suffering from serous medical conditions such as amputation, heart conditions, and cancer often find that depression is a side affect of their condition.

People who have substance abuse problems, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders commonly suffer with depression.

For some reason women appear to be more susceptible to depression then men. Women are two times more likely to be diagnosed with depression.

Many experts believe that the reason depression affects women more than men is because of hormonal changes. It is not unusual for women to become depressed during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Women seem to be particularly susceptible to depression after giving birth. Depression that occurs after the birth of a child is called post-partum depression.

Although they are not as likely to be affected by depression as women are, many men do have problems with the disability. Elderly men appear to be particularly susceptible to depression. The suicide rate among men spikes when they reach the age of seventy, peaking at age eighty-five.

Fifteen percent of depressed people commit suicide.

People dealing with a depressed person need to understand that the person is dealing with a disability -- a potentially life-threatening disability. Depression makes it difficult for a person to perform the day-to-day tasks that are needed to get through each day. In some cases depression can make it impossible for the person to work or even to live on their own.

People suffering from depression should seek a doctor’s assistance. Doctors may be able to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and therapy.

Despite stout resistance from insurance companies, more and more people suffering from long term depression are receiving long term disability benefits. But it often takes a fight.

In the event that your insurance claim is denied, do not hesitate to contact David Share Associates, a leading disability lawyer, health insurance and personal injury claims lawyer firm in Toronto. They also specialize in death & accidents claim.