The arthritis folks I think are one of the very best examples of the power of peer groups and self-help. Great support groups, web sites and books and pamphlets on coping, even Arthritis swims! I've been to a few of the arthritis swims, great exercise, and they always tell a good joke to get us laughing.

If you haven't done so already, hit up your public library too. Lots of good books on the subject, at my library we can place holds on books currently checked out.

Along with the advice to document everything and to keep good records, helpful to know to persist. Sometimes folks are approved for SS right away, sometimes not. SS has a whole series of procedures and persistence is key. Some of us aren't approved until a later level and it is all okay, it is quite worth it.

Regular folks like me might tell you a wide variety of things, take it all with a grain of salt and find out the truth before getting too anxious. There are a lot of misunderstandings about SS and chronic illnesses out there.

Keep copies of all your records documenting depression too. All part of the process. Many of us on SS have both physical and mental health problems.

There are attorneys that specialize in this, I eventually got one, they get paid only if we do, they get a percentage, very worth it for me.

If you can be in good therapy during at least part of the process, I encourage that. For me, the process of applying meant doing the opposite of what I want to do. Meaning I had to really really really focus on my experience, my chronic pain, all my feelings that I would really rather partially avoid and lift beyond. Having to document and describe things in detail wasn't always fun, but was necessary, and I do understand the need for it. Helped immensely that I had a therapist to talk with. About feeling guilty and bad and like I should not exist.

You will do fine, the journey is amazing and quite worth it.