Advised to apply for SSDI by my doctor and very scared.

My doctor had me sit down with a social worker and get some information about applying for SSDI. I have been severely in despair over a recent failure in an employment situation. The prospect of trying to succeed in getting SSDI intimidates me tremendously. Not because I don't have a decent shot at it. I was advised by others in the past, including lawyers, that I do. I just don't know how I will survive while I am trying to get approved, which I know can take years.

I will turn 62 in the year 2015. That's less than 3 years away. I desperately wanted to be able to earn enough to manage until then. It's not looking too good at all. My doctor encouraged me to try accepting that. (This doctor is not a psychiatrist, but he is a very good, seasoned doctor.)

I know that, among PC members, there is a huge store of wisdom and experience relevant to what I am facing. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

It just came to me like a stroke of lightening that there isn't much to be lost by starting the process. At least, I think I should call the law office that I spoke to a year and a half ago. I am coming apart at the seems. I was hospitalized in mid-January.

Mainly, I am wondering about what other members might have to say about just the stress of starting to face this. I am in despair at times.