Mental health concerns like depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) should never be dismissed as simple “winter blues” or moodiness. Experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can lead to difficulty performing tasks during specific periods of the year. Meanwhile, getting help requires working with an experienced disability law firm that understands how to communicate your limitations effectively and needs to those who might not understand or be disposed to accommodate them.
If you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder and struggling with work, Pond Lehocky Disability may be able to help. Our firm is the largest workers’ rights and disability firm in the country. We specialize in getting workers the assistance and compensation they need and deserve.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is recognized as a mood disorder that is linked to the change of seasons. SAD flares up for most patients in the late fall and continues through the low-light periods of wintertime. However, at times, SAD can also involve summertime triggers and is not necessarily restricted to the winter months.
SAD can lead to symptoms like:
- Low motivation
- Difficulty accomplishing tasks
- Listlessness or sadness nearly every day of winter
- Loss of energy
- Lack of joy or loss of interest in activities
- Oversleeping or insomnia
- Overeating
- Suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling ongoing guilt or hopelessness
In some cases, SAD can be triggered in the summer, causing irritation, insomnia, disruptions to your diet or weight, and anxiety. SAD is especially dangerous for people who live with another mental health concern. For instance, for some people who live with bipolar disorder, episodes of mania or depression can also be linked to seasonal shifts.
How Seasonal Affective Disorder Interferes with Your Ability to Work
Seasonal affective disorder, like generalized depression, can have serious impacts on your ability to work. SAD has been linked to workplace problems such as:
- Difficulty focusing on larger projects as well as daily activities
- Impaired decision-making
- Time management issues
- Inability to complete tasks
- Problems with communication
- Needing time off work
- Oversleeping
Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Qualify as a Disability?
Yes, seasonal affective disorder can qualify as a disability. That said, between 11% and 49% of workers with depression do not reveal their diagnosis to their employer. Concerns about being treated differently, being passed over for promotion, or even being fired can all cause an employee to conceal their diagnosis of SAD.
Workplace Accommodations for Those with Seasonal Affective Disorder
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that mandates that employers must provide “reasonable accommodation” for employees with conditions that substantially restrict one or more of their life abilities. For instance, in October 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled that a school district had violated the ADA by not accommodating a teacher with SAD. The teacher was transferred to a classroom without exterior windows and requested a workplace accommodation to be transferred back to another classroom with natural light.
Under SAD, natural light plays a major role in the treatment as well as management of the condition. The court ruled that the school district either had to provide the accommodation to the teacher or illustrate that doing so was an undue hardship.
A workspace with available natural light is just one example of a possible reasonable accommodation under the ADA for SAD. Others might include:
- Leave for treatment under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Time off for doctor’s appointments
- Additional accommodations for project timing and assignments
- Work from home or telecommuting
- Flexible work hours
- Placement of a light therapy box on a desk or in a workspace
Medical Evidence Needed for a Successful SAD Claim
Diagnostic test results and up-to-date medical records are necessary when it comes to making a successful claim for accommodations as well as possible compensation. You will need a diagnosis from a medical professional to pursue your case.
Do You Have a Better Chance of Getting SSDI for Seasonal Affective Disorder with a Lawyer’s Help?
Working with an attorney is almost always advisable to ensure that you are applying for the right kind of funds. For instance, when it comes to applying for disability payments for SAD, because the diagnosis involves seasonality and temporary incapacity, it may be more successful to apply for short-term, and not permanent disability benefits.
The attorneys at Pond Lehocky Disability have a combined 100,000 successful cases attributed to our legal team. We can help you build the most powerful claim possible and connect you to medical experts who can help communicate your needs effectively. Our firm has a proven track record of getting our clients the results they deserve.
How to File a Claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for SAD
The Social Security Administration accepts applications online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. There is a 5-month waiting period, which means that SSDI benefits do not begin until after the sixth full month of disability.
Appealing a Denied SSD Claim for Seasonal Affective Disorder
If you have been denied reasonable accommodations or SSD benefits for seasonal affective disorder, contact an attorney with Pond Lehocky Disability. Our firm can help you build the right strategy to move forward, whether that is appealing your case directly, presenting your claim before a separate review board or administrative law judge, or filing a lawsuit.
Talk to a Lawyer if You’re Having Difficulty Filing an SSD Claim for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Pond Lehocky Disability is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your pain, suffering, and medical bills. Our attorneys have over 250 years combined experience advocating for employee rights. With over 100,000 successful cases under our belt, our expert lawyers are more than qualified to represent you in any state in the US, as well as in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team, call 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.
