Many Americans struggle with their mental health. Fortunately, increased awareness of this fact has decreased the stigma attached to mental health issues and increased acceptance of mental health treatment. Yet, those who suffer from severe mental health issues still struggle to live what many would consider a normal life. In fact, their mental health can be so severe that it impacts their ability to work and earn a wage.
Bipolar disorder and disability benefits
Some people who suffer from bipolar disorder, a condition that causes an individual to experience episodes of sometimes drastic mood swings, find themselves in this situation. Although that can be enormously stressful, the good news is that if you suffer from that disorder, you may be able to get relief from the Social Security disability system.
In order to qualify for disability benefits, though, if you suffer from bipolar disorder, you must demonstrate that you are disabled as defined by the federal government. When it comes to bipolar disorder, this means providing medical evidence that demonstrates that three of several identified characteristics exist, including the following:
- Inflated sense of self-esteem
- Pressured speech
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty keeping and focusing on ideas
- Engagement in risky behavior that has a high probability of leading to pain
In addition to showing some of those characteristics, as a bipolar disorder sufferer, you must demonstrate how the condition causes extreme or marked limitations in the ability to manage yourself, concentrate, interact with other individuals, or understand and remember information. Alternatively, as a disability applicant, you must be able to show that the condition is serious and persistent, meaning that it has lasted for at least 2 years and that you receive medical treatment to reduce the effects of the illness.
Are you ready to navigate a disability claim?
If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you’re well aware of the challenges that it can present. But you don’t have to let it strip you of your financial stability. That’s why legal teams like ours are here to help you develop the claim that you need to position yourself for success. If you’d like to learn more about the process, please feel free to reach out to a legal advocate who is right for you.