Everyone has bad days now and then. But, when bad days turn into bad weeks, and bad weeks into bad months, there may reach a point where what was a person’s temporary sadness may become a continued reality.
Unlike a physical injury or an illness that may be easy to diagnose with various tests or scans, determining depression can be far more difficult. But, there are many signs and symptoms that may help a victim or a doctor determine whether or not a person is suffering from depression and not just a bout of sadness.
Depression and many other mental conditions can make it difficult or even impossible for people to carry out their day-to-day activities, including working. This is why the Social Security Administration acknowledges depression as a mood disorder that may qualify a Georgia resident for Social Security disability benefits for illness.
Negative feelings such as self-hate, worthlessness, irritability, mood swings and anxiety could be signs of depression. Certain actions could be signs as well, such as losing interest in things that you previously enjoyed, an increase in fatigue, lack of energy and a willingness and want to sleep all the time also could be signs of depression. Lastly, a person’s weight and appetite could be affected by depression as well.
Determining depression is not easy. Those who believe they may be suffering from depression or another mental condition may need to get more information about Social Security Disability claims to see whether or not they qualify and to help them through the application process to maximize the potential for getting the application approved.
Source: Healthline, “Signs of Depression,” Accessed April 17, 2017
