Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States, with around 16 million Americans suffering from it every year. If you suffer from depression, you may be wondering what your rights are when applying for a job and when you are up for promotion – what laws protect you and when to hold your company liable. What constitutes a disability? A person qualifies as disabled if (1) he or she has a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities or.