Depression is a type of mood disorder that does qualify for short term disability and long term disability benefits, since it can significantly affect ones ability to work. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, 17% of Canadians reported that they had to take time off work to deal with a personal mental health issue. Many people experience episodes of depression after traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one, though these episodes tend to be situational and temporary. However, if an episode lasts more than two months it may be considered major depression, which can have serious effects on everyday functioning. Approximately 11% of men and 16% of women will experience major depression at some point in their lives, which can limit quality of life, strain relationships, exacerbate chronic health conditions and lead to lost time from work.
Depression is indiscriminate, as it affects all genders and demographics. There are many factors that cause depression, which can range from a combination of genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances and environmental factors. Environmental factors that may perpetuate major depression are death or illness of a family member, low self esteem, financial difficulties, addictions, and distress at work or with personal relationships. Stress has been shown to be a significant risk factor for major depression, where it can trigger initial episode for some individuals. Certain chronic medical conditions can contribute to major depression, such as stroke and heart disease, obesity, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dementia. Some people may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which causes depression during certain times of the year, usually during the winter months when there is less natural light.
The symptoms of depression can affect the way an individual’s thought process and behaviour, while also having physical effects. According to the Government of Canada, some of the symptoms of depression are;
– Feelings of hopelessness and despair
– Detachment from life and those around you
– Always feeling tired and having no energy
– Crying for no apparent reason
– Difficulties with concentration and decision making
– Thoughts of suicide
– Loss of appetite or a change in sleeping patterns
– Frequent headache’s or stomach aches
In Canada, approximately one third of all disability claims are related to mental health, while it accounts for 70% benefit payouts. Mental health disability claims are disproportionately denied by insurance companies, due to the invisible nature of the disease and incentives for insurance companies to make minimum payouts. Insurance companies may try to argue that the extent of your illness does not meet the requirements to receive disability benefits under their policy, which may not be the case.
At Kotak Law, our practice focuses on helping clients receive short term and long term disability compensation when their ability to work has been impacted by depression or anxiety. We have extensive experience in the resolution of claims stemming from mental illness, and because anxiety, depression and other psychological disabilities are far more difficult to diagnose than physical and objectively measurable injuries, familiarity with the legal process is paramount. Unfortunately, many individuals who genuinely suffer disabling symptoms due to anxiety and depression are denied short term and long term disability benefits by their insurance company.
KOTAK PERSONAL INJURY LAW/DISABILITY LAWYERS CAN HELP YOU
We understand that being denied short-term disability or long-term disability benefits can be frustrating and devastating. Your time to fight your disability insurance company is limited. Please do not delay in calling a disability claim lawyer at Kotak Personal Injury Law. We have successfully sued numerous disability insurance companies including Manulife, Sunlife, Desjardins, Great West Life, Canada Life, Blue Cross, Equitable Life, London Life, Empire Life, AIG, SSQ, RBC, Industrial Alliance and more.
Call your trusted long-term disability lawyers at 1-888-GOKOTAK (Toll Free for all of Canada), or (416) 816-1500 (Local Number for Ontario Residents), (403) 319-0071, (587) 414-1010 (Local Numbers for Alberta Residents). Our consultation is free and we don’t get paid until you do. We can meet you at our offices, a coffee shop, your home or a local court house. We can meet electronically though Skype, Zoom or WebEX. We represent disabled people throughout Ontario and Alberta, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Georgetown, Orangeville, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, St.Catharines, Niagara Falls, Stoney Creek, Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge, London, Windsor, Markham, Pickering, Oshawa, Peterborough, Keswick, Kingston, Ottawa, Banff, Brooks, Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Jasper, Lake Louise, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Saint Albert and other locations.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to supply general information to the public. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, as laws change quickly, the reader should always ensure the accuracy and applicability of such information with respect to their particular case. The information contained in this article cannot replace a thorough and complete review of the reader’s situation by competent legal counsel who has had an opportunity to review all of the facts.
