

Major depression and anxiety disorders (including agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder) almost certainly qualify as disabilities because of their effect on daily life. You're protected by the ADA if you have a disability: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of your major life activities. Depression and Anxiety as Protected Disabilities (Mental and psychiatric conditions often qualify as disabilities.) And, if you have a disability, your employer must provide reasonable accommodations that will allow you to do your job.

If you work for a private employer with at least 15 employees, your employer may not discriminate against employees with disabilities. The good news is that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may offer some help. The resulting problems at work and with supervisors can exacerbate these already very challenging conditions. Depression can cause extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and trouble with deadlines and attendance. Anxiety disorders can lead to intrusive thoughts, feelings of panic and fear, and difficulty handling changes and job-related stress.

For those suffering from an anxiety disorder or depression, it can be tough to get through the workday.
