Filing for disability and accepting the "disabled" label was probably the hardest adjustment for me to make in my life. Doing this made me feel worthless, a failure, hopeless and suicidal. I had no problems with the process, I was granted disability without a hearing, etc. Overcoming my own thoughts and feelings about this was extremely difficult.

My story is a lot like Jennifer's, in that I had a goal, did the schooling, was thrilled to be "on track," excited about my career and then had my feet knocked out from under me, big time. I've never been able to go back to work, much to my dismay. I was disabled in my late 20's.

I am glad disability was available as a back-up. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened?

My family highly values "hard work," true to the old "Protestant Work Ethic." Anyone out on disability is "suspect" and is cheating the system. I never had any family support for having to live on disability or disabled.

It's tough, psychologically, to apply. Yet, it's meant to be a part of our "safety net." We pay for this disability coverage through taxes.


WC