Some Reviews Of Betterhelp Counselors Who Helped With Similar Experiences:
Georgette has been my therapist since the end of August. And not only has BetterHelp connected me with a therapist, theyve found someone that I can connect with very easily. Ive found that therapy isnt this linear thing we expect it to be, and that there are ups and downs to it . Therapy works, if youre actively seeking help/change. If youre resistant, youre not going to think it helps. I was terrified of going to therapy, largely due to my job and because of the huge stigma associated with mental health. But, Georgette has made that a non issue. Ive enjoyed therapy. Im learning new things every week. And Im beginning to love human interaction again.
Kate was a blessing to have as a counselor she has given me the tools and skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Her knowledge, advice, and caring personality gave me so much hope and helped navigate me back to feeling like myself again. Thank you Kate for being a friendly counselor who cares for everyone you work with! 🙂
How To Apply For Disability Based On Depression
If you’re applying for Social Security disability insurance , you can file your whole claim online on Social Security’s website. Applying online is generally the fastest way to apply for benefits, but you can fill out the application at your own speed. Most individuals filing for SSI only can’t file the entire application online, but they can get started on Social Security’s website. If you’re not comfortable online, you can call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to start your claim. For more information, see our article on applying for Social Security disability benefits.
If you’d like help with your application, or you just can’t get started, think about working with an SSDI expert. According to a survey of our readers, applicants who filed an initial application without expert help were denied 80% of the time. Click for a free case evaluation with a legal professional to determine whether your depression is severe enough to qualify for benefits.
Working With Postpartum Depression: Know Your Rights
Postpartum and peripartum depression are the most common mental health disorders experienced after childbirth. New mothers deal with hormonal changes chronic exhaustion changes to relationships, routines, and priorities and the stress of returning to a workforce that can seem hostile to working moms. This situation creates a whirlwind of emotion and can feel like overwhelming. For these reasons, between 10 to 15% of women are diagnosed with PPD after childbirth.
Women returning to work often are afraid to request additional leave or other accommodations for PPD. They may worry that their employers think they are choosing their child or no longer want to work. Unfortunately, these attitudes exist in some workplaces. But new parents suffering from PPD can arm themselves by understanding their rights.
If you work in California and want to understand your rights, learn more through our extensive resources collection or download or free guide and toolkit.
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Fathers Also Experience Postpartum Issues
Check in with the new dad to see how hes doing, too. According to a 2017 article in the American Journal of Mens Health, more than 10% of fathers experience depression and anxiety during the perinatal period. About one in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression and anxiety.
When moms are having a hard time, dads usually have to pick up the slack, taking care of mother and the baby, making sure theres food and doing what seems like mountains of laundry.
And here are some things not to do:
Dont tell the struggling mother that her baby needs her so she has to pull herself together. She wants nothing more than to be there for her child. Schlesingers father told her she had to snap out of it.
In those days, they didnt understand that it was an illness, she says. People thought you had control and that you could talk yourself into feeling better. It made me feel like a failure when I couldnt.
Dont panic if the mother is having intrusive thoughts, such as fears about intentionally or unintentionally hurting the baby. Shaw says, We need to normalize these thoughts, which are very common in overwhelmed mothers and are a red flag that the woman is really struggling. The vast majority of women with these worries are at no risk of acting on them.
Yes, being a new mom can be challenging. But even with a difficult start, motherhood can end up being a beautiful experience. If you can help make that experience a reality, then that, too, is a very special thing.
What Are Ways To Cope With Postpartum Depression
It’s OK to feel overwhelmed. Parenting is full of ups and downs and having a baby isn’t easy. If you have depression, you don’t have to suffer alone. Your healthcare provider can help find a treatment that works for you.
Here are some things you can do to help cope with postpartum depression:
- Find someone to talk to â a therapist, friend, family member or someone who will listen to you and help you.
- Join a support group for new parents.
- Try to eat healthily and find time for exercise.
- Prioritize rest for yourself.
- Go out with friends or talk to them on the phone.
- Find time for self-care and doing things you enjoy, like reading or other hobbies.
- Get help with household chores or errands.
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The Right To Take Leave For Postpartum Depression
Women employees in Ontario have the right to take maternity leave of up to 17 weeks, which may include late-stage pregnancy and the few weeks after childbirth.
Parents of a newborn child may also take parental benefits that last for up to 40 weeks or extended parental benefits for up to 69 weeks. These benefits will provide a portion of a parents income to support them in the period after childbirth, especially if they cannot make it back to work due to symptoms of sadness or postpartum depression.
When To Return To Work
If you are suffering from postnatal depression, and thinking of returning to work, you need to seriously consider all the options open to you. You are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave and although the last 13 weeks are unpaid, some further time off work may assist recovery. Many women do not realise that they accrue holidays whilst on maternity leave and you could, therefore, speak to your employer to see whether this can be added on to the end of your maternity leave, meaning you do not have to return to work as soon as you previously thought. You can take parental leave, which is usually unpaid although some employers do pay employees during this leave. You can also make a flexible working request, to ask your employer whether your hours or working days can be reduced, in a way which would assist you. And, as I said above, if you have taken all other leave available to you and you are not well enough to return to work, you can take sick leave.
If you are experiencing discrimination in the workplace, maternal or otherwise, speak to one of our expert employment law solicitors who can advise you on what the best course of action will be. Contact our Employment Law team on , e-mail or fill in our online form and we will call you back.
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Coping With Postpartum Depression Tip : Create A Secure Attachment With Your Baby
The emotional bonding process between mother and child, known as attachment, is the most important task of infancy. The success of this wordless relationship enables a child to feel secure enough to develop fully, and affects how he or she will interact, communicate, and form relationships throughout life.
A secure attachment is formed when you as the mother respond warmly and consistently to your babys physical and emotional needs. When your baby cries, you quickly soothe him or her. If your baby laughs or smiles, you respond in kind. In essence, you and your child are in sync. You recognize and respond to each others emotional signals.
Postpartum depression can interrupt this bonding. Depressed mothers can be loving and attentive at times, but at other times may react negatively or not respond at all. Mothers with postpartum depression tend to interact less with their babies, and are less likely to breastfeed, play with, and read to their children. They may also be inconsistent in the way they care for their newborns.
However, learning to bond with your baby not only benefits your child, it also benefits you by releasing endorphins that make you feel happier and more confident as a mom.
How Does Depression Qualify As A Disability
When determining if depression is a disability, the Social Services Administration asks for evidence to support the disability claim. Every applicant must provide three types of documentation:
- Medical documentation of a diagnosis of MDD or PDD
- Documentation of the life limitations faced and marginal adjustment
- Indications of ongoing treatment with therapists and marginal adjustment
Evidence in any of these categories may include:
- Confirmation that depression has been severe enough to cause financial hardship
- Indications that youve tried unsuccessfully to work
- Proof of functional struggles such as simple decision-making, following instructions, concentrating and remembering information
- Demonstrations of difficulties relating to people, including supervisors and coworkers
- Documentation that youve been living in a highly structured setting and/or have had extensive medical treatment or therapy yet are still unable to function well
Sometimes, people dont need social security benefits for depression, yet depression still disrupts their lives. In that case, it might be possible to receive accommodations from work or school.
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Applying For Disability With Depression
Basic requirements for disability claimsdepressiondisability evaluation processrequirements for SSI and SSDISGA level work activitysevere medically verifiable mental or physical conditionDepression is evaluated under the criteria of listing 12.04 Affective Disorders.Impairment listing 12.04 criteria may be satisfied by the following methods.andrepeated decompensationsorfiling for Social Security and/or Supplemental Security disabilityMore about the conditionMost popular topics on SSDRC.com
How Do I Know If I Have Baby Blues Or Postpartum Depression
Many people have baby blues after giving birth. Baby blues and postpartum depression have similar symptoms. However, symptoms of baby blues last about 10 days and are less intense. With postpartum depression, the symptoms last weeks or months, and the symptoms are more severe.
You may have the baby blues if you:
- Have crying spells.
- Have trouble sleeping.
- Have sudden mood changes.
Remember, it doesn’t hurt to share your symptoms with your provider. They can assess if you need treatment for your symptoms.
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Proactive Measures To Treating Depression
Depression can be effectively treated with a positive outcome if caught and treated early. Here are some ways depression can be treated:
Through Medication: Depression has been linked to chemical imbalances, especially in regard to the neurotransmitter serotonin, but medication can often help provide significant symptomatic relief. The most common types of prescribed antidepressants are SSRIs . This medication increases the amount of serotonin a patients brain produces, which can help to improve their mood. According to the Mayo Clinic, SSRIs prevent the reabsorption of serotonin, so the brain has what it needs to feel happy and uplifted.
However, it may take several weeks to see improvement, which is why you may also employ other avenues. Please consult with your doctor or primary care physician before considering any medication options.
Lifestyle Changes: Healthy habits such as avoiding smoking and alcohol, adopting a better diet, and incorporating physical activity into your daily life can improve your mood. While depression can hinder your motivation to do these positive things, getting up and being proactive will be one of the best things that you can do for yourself.
Wondering If Depression Qualifies As A Short Term Disability?
If you ever have thoughts about taking your own life, call 911 immediately. First responders are trained in how to help you. You may also get immediate help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Do I Have Any Employment Rights
If you are suffering from postnatal depression you might be entitled to certain rights under the Equality Act, depending on its severity and length. To qualify, your condition needs to have lasted, or be expected to last at least 12 months and it must also have a substantial impact on your day to day activities. Whilst most women suffering from postnatal depression are not likely to meet this test at the point when they are due to return to work, in some circumstances, individuals may qualify. If this is the case, your employer will be under a duty to consider reasonable adjustments, if these would assist you and enable you to return to work. Reasonable adjustments may include being able to work reduced hours, on a part-time basis or returning to a less stressful role. You will also have the right not to be discriminated against because of your disability or because of a reason arising from the same unless this can be justified.
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Medical Reasons For Short
Does my high-risk classification or bed rest prescription qualify as a valid medical reason for a short-term disability during pregnancy?
How does the coverage work while recovering after childbirth? Can you extend maternity leave if postpartum depression delays your return to work?
The answers depend on where and when you obtained the coverage and why your doctor wants you to stop working or delay your return to work.
Learn what insurance companies look for when processing a claim. Enjoy wage replacement benefits while resting at home before your due date, while bonding with your baby, or dealing with your emotions.
Postpartum Depression Causes And Risk Factors
Theres no single reason why some new mothers develop postpartum depression and others dont, but a number of interrelated causes and risk factors are believed to contribute to the problem.
- Hormonal changes. After childbirth, women experience a big drop in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels. Thyroid levels can also drop, which leads to fatigue and depression. These rapid hormonal changesalong with the changes in blood pressure, immune system functioning, and metabolism that new mothers experiencemay trigger postpartum depression.
- Physical changes. Giving birth brings numerous physical and emotional changes. You may be dealing with physical pain from the delivery or the difficulty of losing the baby weight, leaving you insecure about your physical and sexual attractiveness.
- Stress. The stress of caring for a newborn can also take a toll. New mothers are often sleep deprived. In addition, you may feel overwhelmed and anxious about your ability to properly care for your baby. These adjustments can be particularly difficult if youre a first-time mother who must get used to an entirely new identity.
Risk factors for postpartum depression
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Is Depression A Disability Can You Get Accommodations
If you live with depression, you might wonder if depression is a disability. Depression can indeed be a disabilitysometimes. Lets look at when and how depression is considered a disability.
Two depressive disorders are eligible for disability consideration: major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder . The illnesses are similar, but in major depressive disorder, the symptoms are typically more severe whereas in dysthymia, the symptoms are longer lasting. Both can interfere in someones ability to function in important areas of their lives. When this happens, depression can be a disability.
When Depression Might Qualify For Disability
Clinical depression is one of the mental illnesses recognized as a disability by the ADA. Clinical depression, also called major depression or major depressive disorder, is a form of depression that is chronic and severe in nature and is crippling to those affected, leading to being a disability. Doctors typically diagnose clinical depression using symptom criteria found in the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders .
Individuals often work despite a diagnosis of clinical depression, often not taking necessary sick days because they do not have a physical illness. By the time depression reaches the point where an employee can no longer function at work, performance suffers, and the individual can be in danger of losing their job. To compound matters further, mental health conditions are not always clearly explained in the summary plan description of their health plans.
If the individual decides to take time off at that time, with or without the advice of a doctor, they fear losing their jobs. Its a catch-22.
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After You Apply For Benefits For Mdd
After you submit your application, your state’s disability determination services agency will assign your claim to a claims examiner for review. If your examiner doesn’t find enough evidence of your medical condition in your medical records, you may be required to attend an interview or undergo a “consultative mental exam” with an SSA-approved psychiatrist or psychologist to verify your condition. The process can take several months, but the more evidence and medical documentation you are able to provide, the better your chances of being able to get your claim approved.
If you receive a denial letter and feel your case is strong enough to win an appeal, consider contacting a disability lawyer. Applicants who go to an appeal hearing represented by a lawyer have a better approval rate than applicants who represent themselves.
3 Things You Must Know About Social Security Disability Claims
Are you eligible?