[Meebs]

Im tired of trying to prove to everyone that Im depressed and that it effects every single day of my life. Im tired of trying to convince disability and even my own non supportive husband of how I feel and that my moods are extremely disruptive to all areas of my life including my ability to work, drive a car, and especially to interact with difficult people.
I dont get what people want, Ive been hospitalized twice and it didnt make a bit of diffrence to anyone, no visits, very few phone calls (none from spouse) thank god the place was equipped with laundry facilities or it wouldve been a very smelly week to boot. I know there are people in worse places than I am and I am sorry for that but my patience is wearing thin and I dont understand why you have to do something dramatic to get people to wake up and pay attention.

[Perna]

What did they say? If you have not worked enough to get Social Security benefits and your husband works and you have "enough" food/shelter/clothing, etc., then I don't know what you are expecting from disability? One has either earned Social Security or needs the Supplemental Security income. It might not be whether you are disabled or not but whether those programs fit your situation.

[yellowfrog268]

I get what your saying Meebs and you shouldn't have to resort to anything dramatic nor should you be pushed to the point of meltdown because people aren't believing you when you tell them how you feel. I know this situation very well

Sometimes it may appear to others that you are managing or that you are now ok but only you know for sure if this is the case.

As for a disability claim, I hear that it is harder now to get approved. Maybe that's why I see all these commercials on tv for lawyers and agencies that will file claims on your behalf and even fight for claims that have been denied.

Is getting approved for disability benefits a necessity right now? If it isn't why add more stress and anxiety? If it is, maybe a third party (friend or relative) can help review the claim with you and the reason for rejection. Perhaps file an appeal.

[ThisWayOut]

I have heard that getting disability for a mental illness is VERY difficult. I recently applied and am waiting to hear back, but everyone is telling em to expect to be denied at least the first time, if not the second also.
I hear you about being frustrated by turning blue in the face trying to explain to everyone that it really DOES effect your functioning, and just because some days are ok (or some weeks) doesn't mean you can necessarily work or be productive because it always comes back. I tend to present well, so when I finally break, everyone is wondering what the heck happened, but I was screaming the whole time trying to tell them I was falling apart. (hugs)
I have heard getting a disability lawyer (one that specifically deals with disability claims - they don't charge you unless you get it, and then they take a percentage of your award is what I understand, tho I have yet to look into it) helps a lot because they know how to respond to things, and how to keep on top of filing deadlines and such.
I'm sorry your husband is also not supportive. That must be even more difficult to deal with. I know I would have been lost during my last 2 hospital stays if my wife did not call me and come visit. (some of the previous ones, they had me so drugged up I just slept and found it hard to keep up with the constant demand of phone calls and visits).
Anyway, I hope you can appeal and maybe get a lawyer this time. It's a difficult process to keep fighting for the things you need and deserve. Good luck!

[dillpickle1983]

I'm not bragging. Just saying.
I got SSDI in 2 months for one reason.
I continually went to a hospital, checked in for depressive episodes. My depression and associated psychotic symptoms disrupted my life so bad that I was in the hospital every month last year. I filed in May 2012, I was awarded SSI in July 2012 and SSDI August 2012. You need major major documentation of recurring disruptive depressive episodes. The hospital is the best and fastest way to do this, however it is most expensive. I was on medicaid at the time and still am so my copays were virtually non-existent. The reason why I say the hospital is the best way, psych units must document each patient every so many minutes. Usually every 15-30 minutes. You don't know they are looking and evaluating but they are. It all ends up in a file. Social Security will eventually get that file. Mine was 11 inches thick. My Social Security case worker said they didn't even bother going thru it all. Not bragging at all. I'm not don't take it the wrong way please. But at least here in Pennsylvania, the hospital is the quickest way to SSDI because of acute and rapid collection of mass documentation.

[SongofDeborah]

"Im tired of trying to prove to everyone that Im depressed and that it effects every single day of my life."

I don't know if it helps but, you are not the only one who feels this way.

My SSDI claim was last denied by the ALJ a year ago and I was told that it may take another year or two before they get back to me. The entire SSDI process is enough to make anyone depressed.

[newtus]

i also got mine in two months. no lawyer. first try.
as chandlerT660 said too
i also had major documentation spanning 5-6 years. more than that but for my specific diagnoses only that many years.

[knwurself]

So the DDS office called me asked did I get my adl and work history report I said no so they sent that out to me I did it but I was in a horrible mood when I was soon so I just took everything out on that paper work sent it off called her back and she asked me did I sign the medical release and I told her yes I asked her did she get some info on my medical report and she said yes that I was suppose to go to a psychiatrist when I got out the hospital I said I was but didn't go she said that's ok that I was going to be set up with an psychologist exam at an later date she asked me if I had transportion and I said I would HuTu get someone to go with me

but I heard that most ppl dnt even get a exam so is this good or bad

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[anneo59]

have been on mine a while now, before recession. am old so worked many years before and met those requirements. But had hospital and treatment documentation dating back years. That may have been helpful. However, though I know today's climate is different, I do know a few people who have managed to get approved. The only thing in common they had was all their ducks were in a row, re treatment, documentation, attorney, etc. Only one of them had a lengthy history. The best and good luck!

[Andrew1]

I'm sorry to hear about your challenges and what you've all gone through to get financial support. I was in a similar situation but mine was just a quick but fatal punch to the financial gut.

"You quit? Sorry, you're not entitled."

Well, I had to quit or else I would've gone worse. I still think I made the right decision and would choose financial hardship over extreme mental torture at work. Good luck all. Keep trying!