I got earlier this year a lump sum payment from veterans' affairs. I have seen that dwindle as I have lived off the payment as a source of income (we can't survive solely off my boyfriend's income and my moving in defaulted my disability). So this is why work is a necessity.

I have gotten a great deal of crap from everyone for spending this money. My VA caseworker, pdoc, T, and family all insisted I invest/save it. They interpret my spending it as a sign I am manic. Honestly, can't they see I am forced to do things because I have no other choice?

WHich brings us back to coping or must. It looks like this is a lingering problem for many of us. Now, how do we manage to convince those around us of this?