[summer327]

Just wondering if anyone else here has had to go on disability due to bipolar, anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder etc...? I lost my job due to these things and am extremely stressed out because of it. I tried to get on disability once and was turned down, now trying for a second time. I don't want to be on disability but I'm hoping I can get on it and eventually get healthy enough to be able to live a somewhat normal life. Has anyone been unable to work ?

[gayleggg]

I had to quit work. It was just too stressful. I just found out I've been approved for disability and I read so many posts about people being rejected that i"m not sure why my went through the first time, but I'm real glad it did. My therapist seemed to think that it's my age as I am close to retirement age. But that doesn't really make sense to me. So I'm not sure why I was approved and some aren't. Of course, I don't know what my doctor and therapist reported.

[Ripose]

I was classified as "not expected to work" for a few years for I was finally transferred to full disability. The extra money was definitely needed. But as far as getting off goes, I can foresee no future there.

Remember when you do start to work again you have to ensure your job has the same or better benefits than disability does or a high enough wage that you would have no problem in covering everything yourself.

BTW I was placed on disability for severe, chronic, treatment resistant depression.

[faerie_moon_x]

My MIL is on disability for bipolar and chronic degenerative bone disease. It took her three tries to get on disability despite having had a major psychotic break. I don't know what causes them to deny or accept people.

[BipolaRNurse]

I filed for disability this past summer on the basis of my bipolar and my arthritis 2* being severely overweight. I can't hold a job.....I'm too scatterbrained and anxious. I can no longer multitask nor manage competing priorities, I get overstimulated and become irritable, and EVERY work environment seems to be fast-paced these days (like employers are proud of that!). I can't stand and walk for very long. I can't reach over my head or climb ladders.....there's a whole list of "I can't" and it just pisses me off. I don't like being this messed up both physically and mentally. But it is what it is.

[summer327]

Originally Posted by gayleggg

I had to quit work. It was just too stressful. I just found out I've been approved for disability and I read so many posts about people being rejected that i"m not sure why my went through the first time, but I'm real glad it did. My therapist seemed to think that it's my age as I am close to retirement age. But that doesn't really make sense to me. So I'm not sure why I was approved and some aren't. Of course, I don't know what my doctor and therapist reported.

I'm happy for you that you were able to get it. I was actually on it for a year and a half when I was in my 20's, I got on it first try. It's more difficult now for some reason. I'm actually going through Allsup for help in getting on it. They get 25% of whatever I get from back pay, but after that I get 100%. So hopefully it goes through this time. Did you have to do a functional capacity test?
There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason why some get it and others don't.

[summer327]

Originally Posted by Ripose

I was classified as "not expected to work" for a few years for I was finally transferred to full disability. The extra money was definitely needed. But as far as getting off goes, I can foresee no future there.

Remember when you do start to work again you have to ensure your job has the same or better benefits than disability does or a high enough wage that you would have no problem in covering everything yourself.

BTW I was placed on disability for severe, chronic, treatment resistant depression.

I have the same problem with being resistant to treatment. One med did help get me out of my darkest time, but now I can't seem to get above that. I''ll be okay one minute then depressed or anxious the next and I have an extremely hard time being out in public or even going to visit a friend.
That's the problem with getting off disability once you're on because you lose the benefits and it's hard to find a decent paying job especially one that will accept someone with bipolar, depression, etc.

[summer327]

Originally Posted by faerie_moon_x

My MIL is on disability for bipolar and chronic degenerative bone disease. It took her three tries to get on disability despite having had a major psychotic break. I don't know what causes them to deny or accept people.

I'm glad she was able to eventually get on it. Hopefully I'll get lucky this time. It's hard to understand how they choose who to give it to.

[summer327]

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

I filed for disability this past summer on the basis of my bipolar and my arthritis 2* being severely overweight. I can't hold a job.....I'm too scatterbrained and anxious. I can no longer multitask nor manage competing priorities, I get overstimulated and become irritable, and EVERY work environment seems to be fast-paced these days (like employers are proud of that!). I can't stand and walk for very long. I can't reach over my head or climb ladders.....there's a whole list of "I can't" and it just pisses me off. I don't like being this messed up both physically and mentally. But it is what it is.

I totally understand. It stinks big time! I have the same problem with getting over stimulated. I want to be able to be around people, but if it's more than a couple people, I just get very overwhelmed. I've always been very sensitive to things.....I also have several health problems like type 1 diabetes, gerd, joint pain, etc...
Were you able to get on disability?

[Nikkinums]

I am on disability for that and depression, it's not permanent I have to go for reviews every three years. I unable to work to my severe depression and constantly volatile actions in the workforce.

[restlesssoul83]

I have been on disability all of my life. I was diagnosed on the Autism spectrum as a child. But I am going to school now, starting out part-time and I plan on getting a job as soon as I graduate. I can't work and make enough money to live off of unless I go back to school. I got my GED because high school was so tough that I ended up dropping out, but in the past I was also diagnosed (I think misdiagnosed) as having Bi-polar disorder also. I do not think I have Bi-polar but I do have a lot of anxiety and depression. A lot of the things in my life that cause my depression and anxiety I feel are beyond my control. Like the fact that I am lonely and I feel alone because not a whole lot of people understand me and I want to be in a relationship but they haven't worked out for me and I feel hopeless about this in the 21st century.

[Resident Bipolar]

Originally Posted by faerie_moon_x

My MIL is on disability for bipolar and chronic degenerative bone disease. It took her three tries to get on disability despite having had a major psychotic break. I don't know what causes them to deny or accept people.

Tbh: targets. If they've gone over their numbers they'll refuse as many people as possible. Also, the way you fill in the forms and what evidence you provide makes a huge difference. It sorta comes down to luck I suppose.

Mine is up for review next month

For me, the hope that I will get awarded ssdi is the only positive in my life that has kept me alive for the last almost 2 years. To be honest, a warm death chill climbs up my spine every time I think about getting denied as I await my hearing. I am convinced I will be denied, and I see a horrible outcome from my reaction following a denial. I've already told my therapist I will desperately need him when that time arises. I want to hope for the best, but preparing for the worst.

The folks making the decisions just need to watch the news on tv regularly for a month, and they will see just how hard mental illness affects our actions.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I am, but not forever. I want to be healthy and the last couple yrs have been insane. I can barely function with regular life stressors.

[crubba67]

I am on SSDI for bipolar and anxiety. I had to take my case all the way to the hearing stage where I was a approved on the spot (a bench decision). The whole process took about 2 years. Remember, it's not enough just to meet a disability listing, you have to PROVE that your disability keeps you from working. Not just in your previous job but ANY job in the national economy. In their mind, if you can push a mop, answer the phone, use a computer etc. you can work. Good luck to all of you that are applying and I hope you get the benefits you deserve.

[summer327]

Originally Posted by Nikkinums

I am on disability for that and depression, it's not permanent I have to go for reviews every three years. I unable to work to my severe depression and constantly volatile actions in the workforce.

Were you able to get on disabililty the first try, or did you have to keep applying?
Thank you for your response, I hope you're doing well.

[summer327]

Originally Posted by crubba67

I am on SSDI for bipolar and anxiety. I had to take my case all the way to the hearing stage where I was a approved on the spot (a bench decision). The whole process took about 2 years. Remember, it's not enough just to meet a disability listing, you have to PROVE that your disability keeps you from working. Not just in your previous job but ANY job in the national economy. In their mind, if you can push a mop, answer the phone, use a computer etc. you can work. Good luck to all of you that are applying and I hope you get the benefits you deserve.

I'm kind of scared that it will go to the hearing level. Sounds stressful. But I was told if it gets to that point that I will most likely be accepted.

[summer327]

Originally Posted by HALLIEBETH87

I am, but not forever. I want to be healthy and the last couple yrs have been insane. I can barely function with regular life stressors.

Same here, it's been a hell of a year. I've never felt worse in my life. I would love to just be able to have a typical normal every day life, nothing fancy. It's just such a struggle when your brain chemicals are going crazy. I hope you find some peace for yourself. Hugs

[summer327]

Originally Posted by Lunatic Fringe

For me, the hope that I will get awarded ssdi is the only positive in my life that has kept me alive for the last almost 2 years. To be honest, a warm death chill climbs up my spine every time I think about getting denied as I await my hearing. I am convinced I will be denied, and I see a horrible outcome from my reaction following a denial. I've already told my therapist I will desperately need him when that time arises. I want to hope for the best, but preparing for the worst.

The folks making the decisions just need to watch the news on tv regularly for a month, and they will see just how hard mental illness affects our actions. I'm just praying that when they deny me, I don't wind up on tv with the police's help and use one of my alternative methods.

I really hope you're able to get it. I feel your pain. I'm scared too if I'm not able to. I try not to think about it until they actually make a decision. It would definitely help if they would let us get on disability so that we have time to heal and work on getting better at least. Good luck to you.

[summer327]

[quote=Resident Bipolar;4188380]Tbh: targets. If they've gone over their numbers they'll refuse as many people as possible. Also, the way you fill in the forms and what evidence you provide makes a huge difference. It sorta comes down to luck I suppose.

Mine is up for review next month [/quote

Ya, I was really nervous about putting the correct answers and making sure I don't leave anything out. If they could only see what I've gone through and continue to deal with every day, it would help. I hope your review goes well.

[summer327]

Originally Posted by restlesssoul83

I have been on disability all of my life. I was diagnosed on the Autism spectrum as a child. But I am going to school now, starting out part-time and I plan on getting a job as soon as I graduate. I can't work and make enough money to live off of unless I go back to school. I got my GED because high school was so tough that I ended up dropping out, but in the past I was also diagnosed (I think misdiagnosed) as having Bi-polar disorder also. I do not think I have Bi-polar but I do have a lot of anxiety and depression. A lot of the things in my life that cause my depression and anxiety I feel are beyond my control. Like the fact that I am lonely and I feel alone because not a whole lot of people understand me and I want to be in a relationship but they haven't worked out for me and I feel hopeless about this in the 21st century.

Well, it sounds like you're making a lot of effort in your life. That's awesome! I know how hard it is with the depression and anxiety. It's definitely lonely and hard to have relationships when dealing with these types of things. So many people don't understand. I hope you are able to find some people in your life to help with the loneliness. This site isn't as good as real life interaction, but it definitely helps to know that we're not alone.

[shortandcute]

I can't work either, but I don't qualify for disability. I have bipolar I, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and have been diagnosed with personality disorder, NOS with the following traits: histrionic, dependent, borderline, and depressive. I have also been dx'ed with social phobia, but there's a possibility it may be either avoidant personality disorder or agoraphobia. I am also in pain a lot, but I cant get it because: I go to AA, go grocery shopping, have gone to church occasionally, I clean my bathroom on occasion, I graduated from high school and went to college.

[Resident Bipolar]

Originally Posted by shortandcute

I can't work either, but I don't qualify for disability. I have bipolar I, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and have been diagnosed with personality disorder, NOS with the following traits: histrionic, dependent, borderline, and depressive. I have also been dx'ed with social phobia, but there's a possibility it may be either avoidant personality disorder or agoraphobia. I am also in pain a lot, but I cant get it because: I go to AA, go grocery shopping, have gone to church occasionally, I clean my bathroom on occasion, I graduated from high school and went to college.

It's ridiculous how they decide - some that don't need it get it, while a lot that do need it don't. Have you tried getting a written statement from your pdoc explaining the worst case scenario and his/her thoughts about the effect of work on your mental state?

[memson]

I very reluctantly agreed to apply for disability on the advice of my pdoc. He filed the initial documentation and I've recently been notified of my acceptance. I'm hoping that this will give me a chance to fully stabilise and get the med' cocktail just right. Then, I hope to return to work.

[cool09]

Bipolar. SSDI several yrs in 1990s after multiple hospitalizations/ECT, worked FT for several yrs and back onto SSDI the last ten yrs. Mental energy has been shot last 35 yrs, meds of little help, stuck between rock and hard place. Spent well over $200K on mental health treatment last 28 yrs. Hope less than dwindling.