When you are struggling with bipolar disorder, you may find yourself at a point where you are having trouble with your daily life and maintaining a job. If this has happened to you, you may be looking into the possibility of filing for disability. The social security disability application process can be challenging and confusing when you are going through it for the first time. Get to know a few of the important facts that you should know about filing for disability, so you can have a better experience with the disability application process. 

Disability Can Be Granted for Bipolar Disorder

One of the biggest fears that you may have about applying for disability for your bipolar disorder is the fear that the government does not grant disability for bipolar disorder or mental health disorders in general. However, the truth of the matter is that a mental health disability is just as legitimate and debilitating as a physical disability.

You can qualify for and be granted social security disability for your bipolar disorder. You just need to meet the criteria for bipolar disorder according to the official DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual) and the government's standards. This means you must be proven to have bipolar disorder (based on your medical records) and must also suffer from symptoms and episodes that qualify as limiting your ability to perform basic work tasks and job responsibilities. 

While it can be challenging to prove that a mental disorder causes an inability to work, it can be done. You can get help from social security disability for your bipolar disorder and should not fear that you cannot just based on the fact that it is a mental health issue. 

Most First Applications Are Denied

Given the fact that you can get social security disability for your bipolar disorder, you may think that you will be granted social security disability benefits quickly and easily. However, it is important to know that many if not most first applications for disability are denied. It can be very challenging to properly fill out and document your symptoms as well as get all of the medical information in to the social security offices when you are unfamiliar with the process. 

Because of the challenging nature of the process and the fact that most first attempts at applying are denied, your best bet may be to hire a social security attorney, like one from Gordon & Pont, that can help you through the process. They can help you complete your initial application and can help you with the appeal process if and when that application is denied. 

Now that you know a few of the important facts about applying for social security disability for bipolar disorder, you can be sure that you are going about the process in the best way possible.