“What to do if you can't work because of depression?”

I know this is a conundrum that many people face and for that I am sorry because my heart goes out to you in the fight against depression. Many times people are trying to get over a small event or episode that is momentary and many others go through a major fight against depression. In many cases jobs are lost, people are on medicines they have never been on before with side effects they have to try to figure out as well as dietary changes due to medicine and it's cognitive and physiobiological effects on the bodily systems. In any case, a case worker or case manager can help with the application process to assist with state benefits in your state of residence such as TANF (temporary assistance for needy families), EBT food benefits also disability such as SSI or SSDI. A lawyer can assist with the latter two, SSI and SSDI because one SSI involves social security disability from the SSA and is for those who have no earned income credits and have never worked, while SSDI is for those who do have earned income credits for working at jobs throughout their lives. Often these two accompany Medicaid and Medicare type health insurance while the person is off of work. Sometimes this can just be temporary and a few months and other times this can be lifelong disability situation depending on the diagnosis. Please be sure to notify your mental health practitioner, case manager, or nurse practitioner of any life changes or circumstances that would require this type of assistance. As always, wishing you well.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ryan Koryciak

The very best treatment for Major Depression is outdoor physical exercise. Nothing works better. First line medications might include Zolaft, Paxil, or Prozac

The most important step is to go to aa psychiatrist for a diagnosis, treatment, and then, as s/he deems appropriate, they can certify your application for disability insurance to give you time to rehabilitate. Best to you, Sally Raymond, LMFT

Take olanzpine it works with it well and you can work only if you choose to