Depression
Last updated on November 17, 2021
Discover How An ERISA Attorney Can Help
Depression is more than just feeling sad once in a while. It invades all parts of your life and can affect your personal relationships, family and loved ones, and your ability to work and take part in activities you once enjoyed. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), depression may occur on its own or in conjunction with other serious illnesses or disabilities such as diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and heart disease. Depression can worsen these illnesses and vice versa. In the face of these challenges, you need all the help you can get.
If you have been diagnosed with depression and need to seek short or long-term disability benefits, you may run into problems along the way. Even if you are “on claim” and receiving benefits, you may be at risk of having your benefits terminated if the insurance company determines that you have recovered or are able to return to work. Fortunately, an ERISA lawyer can help.
At ERISA Law Center, we protect disability claimants’ rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). When health care, medical, disability and life insurance benefits are provided through private sector employers, they typically fall under the jurisdiction of ERISA. This federal law sets forth specific requirements regarding benefits and offers claimants recourse if benefits are denied or terminated, or if an insurance provider acts in bad faith in handling claims. Our disability attorney fights for our clients’ rights under ERISA to seek the benefits they need.
Major Depressive Disorder & Clinical Depression
It is perfectly normal to feel sad or “blue” once in a while, particularly in the face of a loss or any other challenging life event. When these feelings last for more than two weeks with no relief, one may be suffering from depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression).
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- Loss of interest in many activities
- Loss of pleasure in many activities
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling sluggish
- Fatigue
- Difficulty focusing and thinking
- Feeling restless or agitated
- Thoughts of death
- Suicidal thoughts
One who experiences these symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks may be suffering from major depressive disorder or clinical depression. It is important to seek professional help. A diagnosis is the first step toward receiving treatment.