The Definition of DAILY LIFE:
The context of my overall situation which needs to be maintained in order to be considered healthy enough to perform gainful employment. The Social Security Administration uses several criteria relevant to one's daily activities, social functioning, concentration, and periods of decompensation as evidence in deciding the severity of a mental illness when granting a disability claim. At its lowest level, my definition means I am managing all of the social transactions which stand between my home and a successful trip to the grocery store. If my full definition of DAILY LIFE is not currently identical to the Social Security Administration's standards of functioning, it parallels theirs and includes:
Activities of Daily Living-- this includes all adaptive activities such as cleaning, shopping, taking public transportation, paying bills, maintaining a residence, caring appropriately for grooming and hygiene, using telephones and directories, and using a post office.
Social Functioning-- the capacity to interact independently, appropriately, effectively, and on a sustained basis with other individuals. Social functioning includes the ability to get along with others, such as family members, friends, neighbors, grocery clerks, landlords, or bus drivers. Impaired social functioning could be demonstrated by a history of altercations, evictions, firings, fear of strangers, avoidance of interpersonal relationships, or social isolation. Strength in social functioning is, for example, exhibited by the ability to initiate social contacts with others, communicate clearly with others, or interact and actively participate in group activities. Cooperative behaviors must be considered, as well as a consideration for others, awareness of others' feelings, and social maturity. Social functioning in work situations may involve interactions with the public, responding appropriately to persons in authority, or cooperative behaviors involving coworkers.
Concentration, Persistence or Pace-- the ability to sustain focused attention and concentration sufficiently long to permit the timely and appropriate completion of tasks commonly found in a work setting.
Episodes of Decompensation-- exacerbations or temporary increases in symptoms or signs accompanied by a loss of adaptive functioning, as manifested by difficulties in performing activities of daily living, maintaining social relationships, or maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace. Episodes of decompensation are demonstrated by an exacerbation in symptoms or signs that would ordinarily require increased treatment or a less stressful situation (or a combination of the two).
Activities of Daily Living-- this includes all adaptive activities such as cleaning, shopping, taking public transportation, paying bills, maintaining a residence, caring appropriately for grooming and hygiene, using telephones and directories, and using a post office.
Social Functioning-- the capacity to interact independently, appropriately, effectively, and on a sustained basis with other individuals. Social functioning includes the ability to get along with others, such as family members, friends, neighbors, grocery clerks, landlords, or bus drivers. Impaired social functioning could be demonstrated by a history of altercations, evictions, firings, fear of strangers, avoidance of interpersonal relationships, or social isolation. Strength in social functioning is, for example, exhibited by the ability to initiate social contacts with others, communicate clearly with others, or interact and actively participate in group activities. Cooperative behaviors must be considered, as well as a consideration for others, awareness of others' feelings, and social maturity. Social functioning in work situations may involve interactions with the public, responding appropriately to persons in authority, or cooperative behaviors involving coworkers.
Concentration, Persistence or Pace-- the ability to sustain focused attention and concentration sufficiently long to permit the timely and appropriate completion of tasks commonly found in a work setting.
Episodes of Decompensation-- exacerbations or temporary increases in symptoms or signs accompanied by a loss of adaptive functioning, as manifested by difficulties in performing activities of daily living, maintaining social relationships, or maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace. Episodes of decompensation are demonstrated by an exacerbation in symptoms or signs that would ordinarily require increased treatment or a less stressful situation (or a combination of the two).
