Myths vs. Facts about depression and work. Did you know...?
Myth: Employees with depression are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Fact: In 2008 Congress, revised the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to expand the definition of disability and make it easier for people with disabilities to obtain protection against disability-based discrimination. ADA covers both physical and mental impairments, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. According to the ADA, a disability is a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual.” These activities include but are not limited to performing manual tasks, learning, reading, concentrating, communicating, and working. Under the ADA, there are some cases where firing someone with depression is discrimination and can be illegal.
