I applied online for SSDI and was approved in three months. This was in 2009. I'm grateful for SSDI but wish my MI didn't exist, of course. I'd much prefer to function better and resume my career. However, I accept it and I'm grateful.

I do live with a family member and pay very low rent. I tried an apartment but it was noisy and just too pricey. I'm a single mom and finances are tight but I manage ok.

Luxury home, nice vacations etc disappeared when I got divorced. But that's ok too.

I aim to return to volunteer work when my health improves. I used to facilitate a local bipolar support group and it was a great experience.