Consider using the first day you were unemployed as the "date you [most recently] became disabled." This way you will probably get back-pay going all the way back to May.

Make sure you think through each question carefully on your application - so you don't seem more capable than you really are. For example, if they ask if you have trouble cutting your hair. Don't just mark, "no," because it feels like the millionth question on their list. Think about your very worst episode and whether or not you would have difficulty cutting your hair at that time. If so, explain.

Some people find it easier to sit with a therapist and discuss the application question by question. This way you really think through the answers and the answers might not be as toxic as they can be when you're filling this out alone, if that's a problem for you.

Think hard about ALL the reasons why you have a "spotty" treatment record. You will probably list all the reasons, but either put the best ones in bold or explain the best ones first. An attorney can help you select the best reasons and help formulate your final answer to that question.

It may or may not make sense to go back to a doctor or therapist you saw last time your symptoms were really bad. This way that person will have at least a partial history of you and can vouch for your current condition.