The Links Between Disability And Depression

Living with a disability that interferes with your ability to perform everyday tasks can be a challenge. Disabilities can come in a variety of forms and arise out of numerous mental and physical health conditions, which may help explain their high prevalence.

Disability and depression are related in several ways. Not only can many common disabilities lead to comorbid depressive disorders, but depression itself can be considered a disability. Further linking the two is the fact that depression can also cause other disabilities, such as anxiety disorders. In this article, we’ll discuss the connections between disability and depression, how they may affect you, and what you can do to address them.

Defining disability and depression

Understanding more about disabilities and depression can help explain their relationship. Below, we’ll outline the criteria and common conditions associated with disabilities, along with the characteristics and symptoms of depression.

Disability

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Major life activities typically include tasks related to bodily functions, work, self-care, and other parts of life that are necessary for healthy functioning. There is an array of physical and mental health conditions that qualify as disabilities, including:

Physical health conditions

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Respiratory disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Digestive disorders
• Hematological disorders
• Autoimmune disorders
• Skin disorders

Mental health conditions

• Schizophrenia
• Depressive disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists several other physical and mental illnesses that fall under, or can be added to the above conditions. For this article, we will consider disabilities as they are defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act and listed by the Social Security Administration. 

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that comprises several disorders, including major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and seasonal affective disorder. It also frequently co-occurs with other health conditions like multiple sclerosis. Depression can affect individuals mentally and physically. Symptoms of depression include:

• Low or depressed mood
• Agitation or irritability
• Loss of interest in things formerly enjoyed
• Trouble focusing
• Sleep disruptions
• Hopelessness or worthlessness
• Emotional numbness
• Slowed physical movements
• Excessive crying
• Low energy/fatigue
• Rumination
• Social isolation or withdrawal from other people
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available 24/7.

It’s recommended that individuals talk with a healthcare provider and seek support for depression when these symptoms last for two weeks or more. 

What are the links between them?

Disability and depression are often connected through a bidirectional relationship. This means that depression can lead to a disability, and vice versa. This connection is perhaps most obvious when depressive disorders qualify as disabilities themselves. The above symptoms of depression can seriously impact an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks, potentially interfering with their ability to work, perform self-care, and engage in other vital facets of life. Therefore, some individuals who live with depression may qualify to receive Social Security disability insurance from the Social Security Administration, state-based disability benefits or accommodations through work or school. 

On the other hand, mental and physical disabilities can also lead to depression. Depression is more common (at least three times as likely) in those with physical disabilities. It is also comorbid with a variety of other mental illnesses that can be considered disabilities, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. Is PTSD a disability? The SSA considers PTSD a disability. Research shows that around 50% of people who live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 40% of those who have Parkinson’s disease will experience major depressive disorder (MDD) at some point. Hearing loss or impairment, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and cancer are other examples of disabilities that are linked to a higher likelihood of depression.

So, whether a depressive disorder qualifies as a disability itself, leads to another disability, or develops as a comorbid condition alongside an existing disability, it has strong links to impairments that can limit major life activities. 

What is the overlap?

Why is there such an overlap when it comes to disability and depression? Much like depression can interfere with major life activities, which we described above, different disabilities can have varying effects on a person’s life that may contribute to depressive symptoms, including:

• Workplace discrimination and/or loss of work
• Financial difficulties
• Less independence
• Loneliness and/or disconnection from others
• Symptoms and/or medical complications
• Discrimination
• Feeling misunderstood
• Stress
• Low self-esteem

Living with a disability can produce challenges that often differ based on how long the individual has experienced it, how severe it is, and what aspects of their life it affects. For some, a disability means losing work. This can create financial insecurity, a loss of social support, and complicated feelings related to a sense of purpose or self-esteem. 

Having a disability can also mean a loss of self-sufficiency. Having to rely on others for help with care tasks or household chores can be a difficult adjustment. With disabilities in which symptoms progressively get worse, the individual may experience a lower level of functioning as time goes on, which can lead to or worsen sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue. If there is a risk of death, a disability could produce difficult emotions surrounding mortality. While these challenges are often complex, many disabilities, including depression, are very treatable.    

Managing comorbidities

The following are useful methods for addressing symptoms arising out of depression and many other mental and physical disabilities. Because these symptoms can vary widely, it is recommended that you consult with a professional to find the best treatment plan for you.  

• Talk Therapy: Talk therapy is a research-backed treatment for depression and other common mental health disabilities. It can also be a way to address concerns related directly to physical disabilities. In addition to individual therapy, group therapy is an effective modality that can put you in touch with others who live with depression or another disability. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most widely utilized methods to treat various mental health disorders, but other techniques, like acceptance and commitment therapy, can also be utilized.
• Community/Social Support: Research shows that social support can be beneficial as a coping mechanism for those who are experiencing depression and a comorbid disability. One study found that social support not only decreased depressive symptoms in elderly participants but also increased their ability to cope with the disability. Your support network can provide support with tasks that may be difficult to perform due to a disability, in addition to being a valuable source of social interaction. Consider adding friends, family, or a mental health professional to your network. You can also look for local support groups that are specific to your disability, join online support groups, or volunteer with an organization that has a mission related to your condition.
• Lifestyle Changes: Daily activities that promote self-care can play an important role in managing depression, alleviating complications related to a disability, and improving your overall health. These may include developing healthy morning and night routines, engaging in appropriate physical activity, eating a balanced diet, utilizing stress management techniques, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in hobbies. Since depression can range in severity and produce varying symptoms— while potentially developing alongside other mental health concerns— treatment often looks different for everyone. So, you may find that certain methods work better than others. 

Online therapy with BetterHelp

If you live with mental health challenges related to depression or another disability, or you want to address similar concerns, help is available. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, mental health care can be convenient and affordable. If a disability like depression makes leaving your home difficult, you can connect with a licensed BetterHelp therapist from home, through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. The licensed mental health professionals at BetterHelp can give you useful tools and valuable support as you manage complex life challenges. 

The effectiveness of online therapy

Studies show that online therapy can effectively address both depression and a comorbid disability. In one study, researchers found that online cognitive behavioral therapy could decrease symptoms of depression while simultaneously decreasing the effects of a disability— in this case, epilepsy. They also noted that participants reported high satisfaction with treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns that can lead to or intensify symptoms of mental health conditions like depression.