You may have spent most of your life trying to understand your mental illness, and now you feel like you have to convince the rest of the world how serious it can be. If you suffer from bipolar disorder or another chronic affective disorder, you know how it can interfere with every aspect of your life. It may disrupt relationships, taint your interests and hinder you from making plans for the future.
A mental illness may also make it difficult to hold down a job. You may have depressive or manic phases that make concentrating on workplace tasks next to impossible. You may be fortunate if doctors have found medications that works well for controlling your symptoms, but, while medications are improving, many of them have side effects that can be debilitating. For this reason, you may be wondering how to apply for Social Security Disability.
Qualifying for Social Security benefits
The sad fact is that obtaining SSD benefits for a chronic affective disorder is very difficult and complicated. Nevertheless, about 45 percent of those who obtain benefits suffer from a mental health issue. A successful application requires intense documentation and the medical opinions of specialists. The advocacy of a legal professional is often helpful as well.
Some of the requirements for eligibility for SSD benefits for a mental illness include evidence of persistent episodes of the following:
- Significant depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
- Paranoia
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Hyperactivity
- Racing thoughts
- Risky behavior
These are only a few of the symptoms you may deal with on a daily basis. If you have suffered with the symptoms of a mental illness for two years or more, and your illness has limited your ability to complete basic and essential duties in a work environment, you may be eligible for SSD benefits.
Someone who understands you
Obtaining those benefits can make a tremendous difference in your life. Many in your situation find it advantageous to have a legal professional to guide them through the SSD application process to reduce the chances of delays and rejections.
Because you have spent your life fighting to get the help you need for your mental health, you likely don’t want to struggle to make yourself understood by a legal advocate. This is why you would certainly benefit from the assistance of an Indiana attorney who has experience helping those dealing with mental health issues.