My bipolar II disorder has gotten worse in recent years, my meds have increased, and I'm finding it increasingly hard to concentrate and get any work done in my professional field. I'm depressed a lot, don't sleep well, my mind is fuzzy, find myself missing important appointments and deadlines, and can't deal with conflict well anymore. Recently I've had to turn work away just because I knew I couldn't handle it.

I've always worked hard, and it goes against my grain, but I'm thinking of applying for disability compensation under a private disability policy I've carried for almost 30 years. Has anyone gone this route, and if so, what hurdles have you encountered?

I'm not even sure I can handle the details and stress of going through a probably adverse claims process.