Do you work now?

I work although I work for myself and from home which has helped a ton. I have been in the same profession for ten years and I really struggled before with my moods affecting my work, especially since I tend toward depression that I don't recognize until it's really bad.

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RxQueen-It doesn't always take 2 years to get disability. I was approved in 13 weeks. It might be worth trying to see what happens if you feel you can't work. And if it does take a longer time you get back-pay when you are approved so that money does help.

^Above poster is right, it doesn't always take that long. I got approved in 3 months

Wow that's quick! I got a small amount from SSD for a year that I couldn't work. It's called a closed period. Even with a lawyer it took 2 years. Maybe it's different in Michigan? Or maybe my lawyer was just lazy. I will be using a different lawyer if I ever do it again. I just don't know how is keep myself afloat financially while waiting. I'm already screwed in many aspects right now.

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It does vary state to state in how long approvals take, but they have things in place now to speed up the process as much as possible. I live in a state that was extremely far behind, so much that they were using webcam judges from other states to hear appeals for some time and where 3 years or more could pass. But when they got serious about speeding it up they really did so. To be fair my county had never had anyone with a mental illness "fast-tracked" by the computer system before me but it can and does happen. (The fast tracking happens if the computer scans your paperwork and determines there is no point in reviewing your claim b/c you are so clearly going to be approved). I think the average here is now closer to a year, 18 months, if you go to the appeals part.

This is my fifth year in the same job as a teacher. I haven't accomplished that since the mid-80's, when I was just a kid. Ever since then I averaged about 18 months at a job. Almost every time I lost a job, it was the result of being bipolar. I was always fortunate enough to find another almost right away, but it never lasted. Today, I am in a safe job that pays well. I'd like to go out and try something challenging and more exciting, but I can't take the risk.

I'm 23. I have bipolar II on top of narcolepsy. I have only ever been able to work part time. I just quit recently because the company was horrible and it was making everything I had a million times worse. The side effects of the medicines I was taking made me miss so many days too. Even working part time, it consumed all of my time because the narcolepsy forced me to sleep the rest. I don't want a life like that. I can't handle people anymore though because of the way I was treated at my previous job, so when I look for a job again, I will be finding something with as little interaction as possible.

I can't go to school anymore because I have no money and my parents cant pay for me. I did not qualify for any FAFSA. Even though I managed to get a 4.0 GPA for my first 2 years of college there's no financial aid for part time students or for my disabilities. I refuse to go into debt because I have seen what it has done to others. It's an awful messed up system we are in.

I'm very talented in writing and illustration, always have been, so now I am pursuing that from home. I'm so grateful my mom is such a good person and I am able to do this. I hate those disgusting parents out there that disown their kids due to health issues.

I feel like the most worthless human being out because I rely on disability to supplement my income. The general consensus here, is that if you recieve welfare you are lower than low and just sponging off the system. I know I am sick but they don't see my struggle. I've had heaps of people ask me how I got on disability so quickly and how they can do it too because they'd prefer not to work full time too.

Disability is not welfare! It's a benefit you paid for through your taxes and you don't need to feel ashamed for using it. I'm on SSDI too and I wish I didn't need to be, but I refuse to feel bad about it. If I could work, I would, but I can't. That's not my fault. Nor is it yours that you are unable to work. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Thanks BP nurse. I just feel like since no one can see its doesn't count as real. Something I am struggling with. People think I have this wonderful life because I don't have to work full time but they don't see how much I go without and how much stress I put myself under for a part time job. I'm really doubting my ability to hold this job at the moment. Usually I last 6 months but it's only been 4 and I'm struggling.

Barely..20 years at my job and barely hanging on, gone more than I'm there since about Feb this year. Depression has been debilitating, I'm taking my meds, going to therapy and still feel like an empty black hole most days. Will see how much longer I can pull this off

I'm not working anymore. I'm on disability but I worked for 40 years previously. I still worry about supporting myself because disability doesn't pay a lot.

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I have just completed my first full year of work in the past decade. I think a combination of meds, understanding my illness, and the perfect job are the only reason I have made it a year. I don't think I could have done it anywhere else.

I have not had a real job in 22 years. I have tried a few though and could not handle them. The shortest one was 6 days and the longest was 1 year with very few hours.
I am on disability and my wife works and I have no idea what will happen to us when she has to retire in a year or two. It really sucks being poor.

If u had a medical illness people would not question u. Let u have cancer perhaps, really bad asthma or chronic heart disease there would be no problem from people (society) abt if u didn't work. I have an uncle who is a vet. He is diabetic with chronic heart disease. He's had a bypass and a heart attack before. He started receiving SSDI which is money HE paid in. There would be no problems from people abt him not working and receiving. Society has a problem with the mentally ill getting disability and not working or working part-time. We have an illness too just because it does not show up on an x-Ray does not mean it's not real.

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I have worked since I was 16 years old. I am 45 now, and have not been able to work the last three years

Literally just told off my whole family because I'm not sick, I'm just too lazy to work. I jumped up and told my dad "f you I hate you!" Well I said a lot more. I'm walking home in the cold crying.

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So sorry...and I understand sometimes it feels like no one understands. I've gotten that too in the past and chin up, just get up and go to work. It's hard not to be hurt and angry. You are not alone and you are understood here! Hugs

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I haven't really ever had a job. I am always stressed out about it because I want to contribute more. I'm 22 and have a 1 year old daughter. Her dad / my bf works and pays the bills. On a good day I think I'll do something great with my life and be successful and I'll start looking for jobs. Before I even go for an interview I will have an episode change and think there's no way I can do this. This is even with my medications. I applied for disability and then had a very ambitious day and cancelled my application. I can't even do that part right lol.

It took me a long time to accept that I am unable to work. Felt a lot of shame about that. But I have realized that there is no reason to feel ashamed about not working. Now I have the energy to be a good parent (I am a single parent). I can't work because I have a cronic illness and there is no shame in that.

I'm currently working but have had 11 jobs in the last 8 years. This one is pretty good as it's flexible and it kind of suits me. Before that I had 10 years that I couldn't work after I was originally diagnosed with BP I.