The thing with SSI is you have to keep trying, I hear. My mother in law is on SSI for BP 1 and she was denied the first time. Her lawyer told her it's unusual to be approved the first time, and she had to get a second opinion and then was approved.

As for your family... it probably has a lot to do with generation. My dad is 75 years old. He doesn't believe that mental illness is a real thing except for things like schizophrenia. His first cousin has schizophrenia and he doesn't see it as 'mental illness' exactly but more like downs syndrome. I think he feels this way because his cousin had to be hospitalized, on medication, and has been unable to work and lived at home his whole life. . He's now around 60 years old, and everyone wonders what will happen when he mom passes.

But, something like "Bipolar Disorder" is different. I think a huge factor is because it is labeled as a "mood disorder." People think it's like you say, "happy then sad." Yes, everyone has mood swings. I can deal with mood swings. That's not my problem. It's the loss of concentration, the inability to read, the racing thoughts, pressured speach, poor judgement, inability to make decisions, loss of organizational skills, forgetfulness, degraded functioning, delusions and paranoia of persecution, grandios thinking and behavion, suicidal ideation and SI, and hallucinations that bother me the most.

So many people do not understand, will not understand, and refuse to believe. It is a horrible truth about illnesses such as Bipolar, depression, and ADHD. People think we are making excuses.

I highly doubt they would go to a psychiatrist, either. Most people with those beliefs think that psychiatrists are charlitans who are after the money of the "easily fooled." Like snake oil salesmen. I would find research you find helpful to you and print that out, or purchase books. Point them toward NAMI. I'm sorry if I seem cynical, but I would be amazed if they actually take the time to read or listen or educate themselves, and if they do then it would surprise me if they believe it. I work with a registered nurse who doesn't even believe bipolar is real.

Anyway, I feel for you. I haven't bothered to tell my family beyond my husband and mother in law.