Posted by Janelle on March 21, 2002, at 18:22:56
In reply to Re: BCat: a wee bit more questions (sorry): » Janelle, posted by BarbaraCat on March 21, 2002, at 17:59:40
Barbara,
I'm glad that you're not bothered by my questions and I also enjoy our chats.
I'm still a bit confused about the SS Disability - based on one of your earlier posts, it sounded like the amount a person gets is based mostly on number of years worked, but in your most recent post you said "the amount you're given seems to mainly depend on the total dollars you earned" so I wonder which one is the main factor in the award money?
As for the geography, I think you may not have caught it but I feel like such a duh - I had asked if you lived in the western US or western Canada, and right after I clicked to post the message I realized you MUST live in the US because you're applying for SS disability! If Canada has the equivalent it is probably called something else! Woops!
You asked me when I'm having a bad spell, do I have any physical symptoms and believe it or not, that's hard to answer because I'm not sure what you mean by "physical symptoms"!
I'll answer as best I can and don't hesitate to ask more specific questions and define what you mean by physical symptoms.
Here goes: when I have a bad spell of depression it is totally DEBILITATING - all I want to do is sleep or lay down (be horizontal!) - I can't get out of bed for most of the day, I lose my appetite (that has the fringe benefit of taking off a few pounds which I can surely afford!). I feel lethargic, apathetic, tired, foggy, feel like I'm in a haze and this inability to think clearly or concentrate makes me feel overwhelmed, like I can't cope with even the simplest things. I always get anxiety on top of the bad depression, which brings racing, obsessive thoughts (worrying, pessimism).
Sometimes I find it hard to breathe, my throat tightens (I find myself breathing very shallow) but I do NOT have full blown panic attacks.
I don't think this is what you're asking for in terms of physical symptoms - could you give me some examples of YOUR physical symptoms from depression (not the fibromyalgia) and then I can get a better feel for what you're asking.
Thanks!
-Janelle
poster:Janelle
thread:98599
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020318/msgs/99302.html