Texas residents who suffer from depression know that it is more than just a bad mood. Depression is a major medical condition that severely disrupts your daily life.
You are likely familiar with some of the most common symptoms of clinical depression, which is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Some of these symptoms include fatigue, inability to concentrate or focus and inconsistent sleep patterns.
These symptoms can make it difficult or impossible for you to do your job. Depending on your circumstances, your depression could be considered a disability and you may qualify for long-term disability.
An official diagnosis
Your insurance company is going to want proof of your depression and how it affects your ability to work. Therefore, before applying for long-term disability, you should visit your doctor and obtain an official diagnosis of your depression.
The diagnosis process may not be as simple as you think. Even if you know your symptoms are caused by depression, a doctor must rule out any other potential causes. You must also likely go through a full mental health evaluation.
Once you have an official diagnosis of depression, you must prove why this diagnosis prevents you from working. This can be incredibly challenging.
Insurance companies may be resistant or reluctant to grant long-term disability benefits to you because of your depression unless you can show them why each of your symptoms prevents you from performing your job duties.
Evidence to prove your case
It is important to gather as much evidence as you can showing you cannot work because of your depression. Potential forms of evidence include the testimony of your treating physician and your own detailed testimony about how your depression impacts your daily life.
Additionally, your insurance company is going to want to see that you are treating your depression. For example, if your doctor recommends a certain medication and you are not taking it, you may not receive long-term disability insurance.
Depression is a serious medical condition and a legitimate disability in some cases. Knowing how to prove your claim for long-term disability can increase your chance of success.
