Social Security Disability for Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety can have a profound and marked impact on a person's life and career. Those who are depressed may be lethargic, disinterested in life, unmotivated, self destructive, and even suicidal. Those who are anxious may have a hard time leaving their home or meeting people, may be unable to concentrate, and may react with extreme adverse reactions in social and professional situations.

Having severe depression or anxiety can make it impossible for an individual to work or to earn a living. For this reason, it may be possible to collect disability for depression and anxiety through the Social Security Administration's disability insurance program (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. However, to qualify medically for SSDI or SSI benefits on the basis of depression and anxiety, you must show Social Security that your mental condition is severe and precents you from living a normal life. For more information, see our articles on disability for depression and disability for anxiety.