Filing for disability the 2nd time

I was denied my disability case the first time around because i didnt have enough proof mental illness.(only seen the disability psych doctor who told me i look normal...lol) Most of its based off major depression/social anxiety/joint problems and other health issues.I think the main thing that killed it was not having any proof from a psychiatrist.

So i started to see a counselor on a regular basis and i have seen them 4 times so far.The issue is, when is the right time to bring up if they will write a note about the diagnosis or whatever to send with the disability paperwork?

In my head i feel like its getting the wrong impression so soon, but i dont feel like im gonna be able to function well enough to work and live a normal life.Even when i was working, it was extremely tough to stay at a job and not just walk off.I have a hard time explaining that to my counselor on how bad i feel.

I have seen a psychitrist once recently in order to try to find meds that work but that will be another 2 weeks from now.(that was a one time thing)I would love to not have to be on disability but having TRD makes me think its my only option.So, does anyone have any good advice about a time frame to bring up that topic? Anyone one there case with a lawyer? Any good companies to call like B&B? thanks

You need to have an MD [psychiatrist or GP but in your case preferably both] who is willing to back you up about the need to be on disability.

If they don't believe you need to apply for disability or have a disabling condition, it is a huge blow to your case. Essentially, you can't win.

Having a therapist provide documentation is helpful as a supplement, but not enough.

The thing is, even if you do reapply... SSA will likely look at your case and wonder why you haven't sought treatment for so long, follow up being that since you haven't sought treatment in a significant way, you can't really conclude that you are disabled in a significant manner?

[I'm not judging this to be true or not, but this is a fairly likely conclusion on the part of the SSA]

Thanks for the reply. I can't see a psychitirst on a regular basis since she is pretty much booked up all the time, since im living in a small town. I do have my regular doctor and a counselor (LMHC)but that is about it for right now.Maybe i will just hold off on it for right now.thanks

I have to drive 45 minutes to see apsych that can get me in when I need, or at last not too long a we wait. Right now I have to see her every 1-2 weeks. And counselor I drive close to an hr. I live in the country. But Ihave to do those things to take care of myself. I think it helped wihtmy disability case.

Hi, pl2a5, and welcome to Psych Central! I do not recommend holding off for too long. Do you or do you not believe that you need disability?

Meanwhile, I recommend talking to your therapist about it and getting the documentation started again. Be specific about HOW your problems keep you from being able to hold a job. For instance, "I am unable to concentrate for over two minutes. I am not able to stand at the stove to cook, and have to sit on a stool." whatever.....

Good luck!

I was just afraid coming in there and asking for disability straight up was gonna make me look like i was just doing it for the money.No, i Really do believe i need it.I have bad social anxiety that has plagued me from the beginning of my life resulting in not being able to hold a job for very long.Even though i have held jobs upto 4 years there has been many problems where i just ended up leaving cause the stress was too great for me.(SA).I Know for sure i have a diagnosis of PTSD and dysthymia (from my psychiatrist appt)but my counselor says PTSD and Major depression. so im not to sure which they will go for.

My psychiatrist and counselor are about 50 mins away and my doctor is about a 20 min drive.Yesterday when i went for my counselor appt i finally got my clinical report that the psychiatrist did and had it send to my regular doctor to look at for changing my medications(Its a small town and they want just one person prescribing medications)

So i think i will try again and apply for disability.Since my GP now has the report,i will ask her as well if she will do what ever it needs to release the forms when that time comes.So when i file the disability paperwork,do i still need to see the state run psych doctor even though im going to my own?thanks

The more medical documents you have the better! Last time I called in for my status they said they just got my medical documents in and will be making a decision soon. They are taking a long time with mine, I hope that means I have a lot of medical documents proving my disability. On the other hand I am also afraid of how many problems I have. (Chuckle)

Dont waste your time with disability. It's a pain in the @$$ and if you do get it, you'll be in so much debt that most of your back pay will have to go to your debts.

That's not true. I had medical documents up the *** and I still got denied! You know why they denied me? For three reasons: I go to AA, I buy food and clean my bathroom. So that was considered a very active social life, and if I can do "all that," I can work. And taking long4r ususally means your not gonna get ut===it

I just dont know anymore if it's worth all the trouble now but i dont know what else to do.I have some documentation but only seen a psychiatrist 1 time.(I'll be lucky to see her again)I wish everyone else luck with applying for it. Living in a really small town is making it that much more difficult.

I apologize for getting such an attitude; I was just so frustrated with everything; but honestly, do not give up.

p.s. I live in a small town also-so yes, it does make things harder.