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Above all, remember this is the first step of a long process. You can't mess this up because they'll just come back and ask for more information if they need it.

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What she said!

One of the most important things I learned was to keep records of each doctor's visit, T visit, shrink visit! If they'll do it for you, get a copy of what they put in THEIR file! The thicker YOUR file, the better! Be seen for EVERYTHING, including hang nails! Have your T write up a report stating why he/she thinks you need to be on disability. If you have any weight related problems, have your MD write a report up, too.

If you're asked to see "their" doctors, play up every little thing! BUT don't worry when they say that THEY don't find any problems. That's what they're paid to say.

Keep track of everytime you try to work, like your last stint in a beauty shop. Write down "how hard" it was for you and any adverse effects it had on you like anxiety and anything physical. Even things that you normally try to play down, DON'T! Remember to switch gears in your mind. You're not applying for a job here! You're trying to prove why you CAN'T work. This one was a toughy for me. I was used to playing down my difficulties but this isn't the time, Beth. It's time to really bring up those seemingly little things that we normally try to hide... like FORGETTING proceedures and/or instructions. It's not that you're stupid, it's that ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION keep you from remembering! Meds will also do that to you, but you NEED to be on your meds.

This is for the long run, ok? It's not for just today. Don't remember ever having a phone interview but it can't be that demanding, I wouldn't think. Jan has some pretty good pointers. You might want to write them down or print out her post.

BEST OF LUCK, BETH!!!
XXXXXXXXXX <-- that's all my fingers and toes crossed for you!