[robcalher]

Does anyone else here feel there depression and anxiety are bad enough that they can't work? Just doing anything is hard for me. My brain is scattered. I'm pretty much like this all day everyday. Exercise used to help but doesn't really anymore. I did apply for disability. In the state I just moved to I finally got a psych evaluation by a therapist. I told her I have just applied for disability. She gave me a look like that was ridiculous. She wouldn't answer if she thought I would qualify. Any thoughts?

[gayleggg]

I have suffered from depression that was bad enough that I couldn't work. I am currently on disability because I am bipolar II. I stay mostly depressed so I understand the trouble you are having.

I'm sorry the the therapist wasn't more sympathetic.

My doctor and therapist both suggested the I go on disability because of the stress that working was putting on me. Right now I'm fairly stable but the least bit of stress and I'm depressed again. I hope you get it worked out.

[robcalher]

That's how I feel but I'm just not bipolar. A small amount of stress makes everything worse. In the last state I lived the Dr, therapist, and vocational rehab were more supportive. FL is just completely different. Haven't built a relationship with a Dr yet. Still trying. Thanks for the response gayleggg.

[hpocus]

Oh yeah. Luckily I have a career that I basically have total control over. When I can work, I work, and when I can't, I try to focus on what I need to do to get back to that point.

Disability can be rough for a psych reason. They will reject the first claim - they reject all first claims. Keep track of all your interventions, doctor visits, etc, and reapply. Expect it to take a while - a long while - but as stressful as it is, it's worth it. The crazy thing is, if you get it, if you get the validation that you really are as low as you feel you are, it might be enough of a boost to let you start working again.

[robcalher]

Yes. I have applied before but after getting denied, appealing, and waiting two years, I had to to start working again. I ran out of money. I've had about 5 jobs this last year. So this is the second time applying, just now I'm in a different state so don't know if the first would count. I do keep track of all appointments etc. I also don't plan on being on disability forever. Till I get the right treatment and feel better. 1-2 years hopefully. I've also heard that you need an attorney. Does anyone know if this is true? Thanks for the responses everyone.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by robcalher

Yes. I have applied before but after getting denied, appealing, and waiting two years, I had to to start working again. I ran out of money. I've had about 5 jobs this last year. So this is the second time applying, just now I'm in a different state so don't know if the first would count. I do keep track of all appointments etc. I also don't plan on being on disability forever. Till I get the right treatment and feel better. 1-2 years hopefully. I've also heard that you need an attorney. Does anyone know if this is true? Thanks for the responses everyone.

I had to get a lawyer to get disability, and I have schizophrenia. So I'd say yes. Some people seem to just waltz in on their own and get approved, but most need a lawyer. Good luck!

[robcalher]

How does someone go about getting a lawyer and do you have to pay?

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by robcalher

How does someone go about getting a lawyer and do you have to pay?

Look in the phone book (yellow pages) for lawyers who handle SSDI, or ask around. They take their fee out of the lump sum you receive.

[puglover48]

I can tell you one thing. If you are working you will never get ssdi. By definition, it means you can't work. So there is your first mistake. If you are working you will be denied by everyone including an alj. You need to find a way to stay home, live with a friend or parent etc.

If you can do that, then you can get a lawyer (most lawyers will not take your case if you are working because you can't win and they only get paid if you win). And that is how the lawyer is paid. They only take cases they think they can win and when you do get approved they get a percentage of your back pay you would be do. I hope that helps. I actually have a forum on disability benefits but it is not very active anymore. Just so anyone knows, you have to be able to do less than gainful employment or less than sedentary work in order to be disabled. That means I you can just sit and file papers, answer the phone or watch people go in and out of a dressing room, then you can be employed. You have to prove you cant do that. Just a few hints on what you need to show if you want disability. You can look up what you have to prove at the ssa.gov site and search for blue book and then your problem.

[robcalher]

I'm not working right now. I do not feel I can work. What was saying is that I tried to work again because I needed money. I had a hard time working. That's why I went through several jobs this year. I'm also having trouble finding/getting a Dr or psychiatrist here in Florida because I don't have insurance. Healthcare here is terrible. I did move in with my mom for help and support. It's not working though. She said she would pay for my meds and treatment but now doesn't want to. She also wants me to work even though I feel I can't. It's a sticky situation. Thanks for the response and info. Trying to get things figured out.

[breakmystride]

I feel that way sometimes, but other times I feel like I NEED to work, because not feeling productive makes my anxiety so much worse. One of the many things that sucks about having depression and anxiety at the same time.

I would look up what the laws are in your state, because they're not the same everywhere. In my state, I believe you have to already be out of work for several months before you can be considered for disability.