If you have a mental condition such as severe anxiety or depression which significantly affects your ability to work, then you should seriously consider applying for Social Security Disability.
Because applying for disability can be a difficult task, you should from the beginning seek the services of an attorney who has worked with such cases over a long period of time. He can assist you in gathering all your medical records and generally guide you through the entire procedure.
One of the main rules that Social Security states is the fact that your problem, called an impairment, must last at least 12 months. As an example, you may be very disabled from performing your work at the beginning of treatment, but by one year you might have improved significantly.
Regarding mental limitations such as depression or anxiety, in general, if your condition makes it difficult to perform even simple and routine tasks on time, then your chances of approval is increased. Also, if you have difficulty working with others or with those in authority, the possibility of being approved for benefits is better. Another reason might be if you are having severe side effects from prescribed medications from you doctor. Such medications may severely interfere with your ability to concentrate on your work.
It is most important that your treating doctor document your limitations in his progress notes since this is the evidence that will support your case.