[NorthernLight]

Hi. I was diagnosed bipolar 3 times by different dr's and along with anxiety disorder and clinical depression. My first psychologist at the age of 15 diagnosed me bipolar with anxiety. I have seen 4 or 5 psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists since and i am now 39.
I am in the process of filing for disability for several health reasons. I went to a mental exam yesterday and i cant shake the memory of it. I would like to know your take on it.
I did not rehearse for this exam. I did not prepare or bring notes for this exam. I could barely make eye contact because i didnt trust this person. I didnt offer up much of anything because i felt defensive and embarrassed. I did become overwhelmed twice and once was when asked what i dont do now that i use to enjoy - the other being when i was asked repeatedly a few times what i did that made me think i was bipolar. I didnt have an answer. I am not the one who labled or diagnosed myself. I prefer not to think of myself in that way. I teared up and felt like i walked into a wall of fire.

Lastly I was asked some memory questions. I was told three words and i was to remember them for I would be required to repeat them later. Well I only remembered one word after only a few minutes.
I really felt like an idiot after i was done and went out to the car where my husband was waiting and i realised that i told her the wrong time of the day. It was 10:15 or so and i guessed 1:30.
I hope I dont ever have to do that again anytime soon.

[Ocean Swimmer]

I was reading about an organization that helps people fill out disability forms over the phone. I saw an article on NPR. They even coach you to say the right things.

[Skeezyks]