Posted by Kar on May 18, 2002, at 7:17:06
In reply to In defense of paxvox » Kar, posted by Mair on May 17, 2002, at 23:02:08
> Kar - I think pax was just responding to my situation
Hey Mair- yeah, I think I'm super-sensitive about it; his post was supportive and encouraging, I know. I just never liked the idea of having to go on disability (talk about a blow to your ego, mister) and i think there's a real stigma that people are just giving in or giving up. I'm a speech pathologist and work with wee ones so I couldn't hide in my office unfortunately...was missing appointments and not able to provide the services that I needed to.
>both tangible and in terms of my own self image.
Ooh, I think that you really touch on something here. I'm not saying that *everything* is colored by your perception, but I know that when I was working and feeling fuzzy and stupid and ineffectual, some of the mistakes I was making and how I was feeling were going unnoticed. It's amazing what we can hide! Because you are obviously typically very productive and smart, you have high standards for yourself. When you start messing up (as I think someone said) you merely drop to the level of (gasp) normal and human. Which for now ain't that bad.
I don't know what your position is or how you feel about this, but I actually told my boss. Stigma be damned! She tried to make allowances wherever she could and for a little while, it really helped. I'm in kind of a touchy feeling field tho.
>it's not like I can't do my work
That's probably why you guys determined that you wouldn't qualify for SSDI. It's true; it's tough as hell. They ask you things like whether you can follow simple directions, get dressed, etc. Arggh- I could tie my shoes, but I still couldn't work! I ended up appealing (hadn't even gotten a lawyer yet) and got it! My therapist had spoken to the person handling my claim whom was forthcoming enough to tell us exactly what they look for when deciding on your case. Poof- a few weeks later I had a check. It ain't that easy for most tho. Something's gotta change with this system. Not likely with GW in office tho.Well I just can't shut up this morning. It's a cozy, rainy day here and I have nothing else to do.
I hope you're feeling better soon...things are looking up here (go Lamictal, go Lamictal!) so I hope to get back on my feet soon...thanks for your interest...
Take care
Kar
poster:Kar
thread:23983
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020517/msgs/24032.html