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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:12
Have you or anyone ever tried going on Social Security disability for depression for awhile, getting intensive treatment and going back to work.
I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD ten years ago. Last year, I was found to have ADD as well. I have gone to grad school and had 2 jobs in the past 3 years. I had trouble with concentration and focus and think that this affects my ability to hold a job. I have been on imaprimine, zoloft, prozac, trazadone, and effexor for depression. Prozac worked really well for a year then stopped working.
I lost my job in November and currently in a major depression. I went off the Effexor when I was really broke and got very sick. My last job left me without COBRA coverage so I don't have insurance to pay for meds, and therapy. I have been able to get a psychiatrist friend to write me a script and am trying to taper down to 37.5 mg a day and then stop the Effexor. I can hardly get out of bed many days and lack motivation in looking for a job or going back to school right now.
If anyone has gone on Social Security, was it hard to do? Was it hard to find work after being on it? Do you think it is a good thing to do until your depression is manageable rather than risk losing another job.
Thanks to everyone on this website. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone.
Posted by N on April 26, 1999, at 19:34:54
In reply to Social Security disability for depression, posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:12
> Have you or anyone ever tried going on Social Security disability for depression for awhile, getting intensive treatment and going back to work.
Call your local social security office and make an appt.
>
> I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD ten years ago. Last year, I was found to have ADD as well. I have gone to grad school and had 2 jobs in the past 3 years. I had trouble with concentration and focus and think that this affects my ability to hold a job. I have been on imaprimine, zoloft, prozac, trazadone, and effexor for depression. Prozac worked really well for a year then stopped working.
>
> I lost my job in November and currently in a major depression. I went off the Effexor when I was really broke and got very sick. My last job left me without COBRA coverage so I don't have insurance to pay for meds, and therapy. I have been able to get a psychiatrist friend to write me a script and am trying to taper down to 37.5 mg a day and then stop the Effexor. I can hardly get out of bed many days and lack motivation in looking for a job or going back to school right now.
>
> If anyone has gone on Social Security, was it hard to do? Was it hard to find work after being on it? Do you think it is a good thing to do until your depression is manageable rather than risk losing another job.
>
> Thanks to everyone on this website. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone.
Posted by Torrey on April 27, 1999, at 3:37:08
In reply to Social Security disability for depression, posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:12
Nikki, the thing you should understand is that Social Security Disability is designed for cases of "permanent and total" disability, meaning that there is no likelihood of recovery in the foreseeable future. You need to make a judgement call for yourself, before you even begin the often long and difficult process of applying for it. If all you need is "time-out" - six months, say - I would look for another solution.
If your State has a shorter-term disability insurance, that would be the place to start, in any case. It is vastly easier to qualify, and you can get benefits quickly. The dollar amount is based on how much you earned in your last job, and it is a time-limited program. The assumption here is that you will get better and return to work, but there is nothing to prevent you from applying for Social Security Disability in the meantime.
If the truth is that your mental illness prevents you from being able to sustain *any* kind of employment, that is something you need to come to terms with. There is nothing shameful about it, it is like any other form of disability. And if that is the case, you should apply for Social Security Disability without delay. Be prepared to have your application denied, and for possible lengthy appeals in order to qualify. Be sure you have your doctor's approval and support - you will need it.
Good luck and best wishes,
Torrey
Posted by saintjames on April 27, 1999, at 15:25:42
In reply to Social Security disability for depression, posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:12
> Have you or anyone ever tried going on Social Security disability for depression for awhile, getting intensive treatment and going back to work.
>
James here....I'm considering going on SS/SSI for medical benifits only. I don;t qualify for general disibility because I am very functional but if I don't take meds I'm not functional. My HMO costs over 300 $/mo (I codra'ed from my last job) I don't want any money, just state medical benifits
which are the same as my present HMO. I don't think anyone has tried this b4 in this state so I'll let you know how it goes. I am waiting for a few job interviews, as all of these jobs have benifits.
james
Posted by mila on April 27, 1999, at 15:54:45
In reply to Social Security disability for depression, posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:22
I'm in the process of applying for disability also. It's been extremely difficult having to worry about insurance and paying for meds.
I think it is probably a good idea to focus on getting better and stopping work and grad school for a while. I myself am deferring admission to grad school for a year. Good luck.
Posted by Annie on April 27, 1999, at 18:52:49
In reply to Social Security disability for depression, posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:12
I have been on Social Security Disability because of depression for several years. There was alot of paperwork and bureaucratic red tape, and yes, like 75% of people who apply I was rejected the first time. The hardest part was coming to grips with the fact that while I had been a highly functioning professional, there was a distinct possibilty that I might not be again. The questions asked, sounded demeaning to me and I was embarrassed to admit the real difficulties I had making it from day to day. My first rejection stated that while they "agreed" I had depression and could no longer do a high powered job, I could get a job earning at least $500 a month and that was their cutoff at the time. I appealed their decision and then my application was accepted. It took over a year from start to finish and it was extremely stressful at a time when stress of any kind was deadly. I periodically try doing volunteer work to see if I can handle a working environment. Not yet. I would suggest you apply for Disability (after discussing it with your doctor and being assured of his/her support) and if during the long wait you find you can return to work, so much the better.
> Have you or anyone ever tried going on Social Security disability for depression for awhile, getting intensive treatment and going back to work.
>
> I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD ten years ago. Last year, I was found to have ADD as well. I have gone to grad school and had 2 jobs in the past 3 years. I had trouble with concentration and focus and think that this affects my ability to hold a job. I have been on imaprimine, zoloft, prozac, trazadone, and effexor for depression. Prozac worked really well for a year then stopped working.
>
> I lost my job in November and currently in a major depression. I went off the Effexor when I was really broke and got very sick. My last job left me without COBRA coverage so I don't have insurance to pay for meds, and therapy. I have been able to get a psychiatrist friend to write me a script and am trying to taper down to 37.5 mg a day and then stop the Effexor. I can hardly get out of bed many days and lack motivation in looking for a job or going back to school right now.
>
> If anyone has gone on Social Security, was it hard to do? Was it hard to find work after being on it? Do you think it is a good thing to do until your depression is manageable rather than risk losing another job.
>
> Thanks to everyone on this website. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone.
Posted by Nancy on April 27, 1999, at 22:00:31
In reply to Social Security disability for depression, posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:22
> Have you or anyone ever tried going on Social Security disability for depression for awhile, getting intensive treatment and going back to work.
>Hi Nikki, I've read some of the discouraging stories. But don't worry. I was not rejected. I was allowed SSI and recieved benefits within a few months. Have your local SS office send you info in writing of the paperwork that you'll be required to present. If you are too depressed to help yourself at this time and need assistance filling out forms and gathering info, get ahold of your local mental health clinic and get an appt. to be assigned a case manager. I was so incapacitated when I applied for SSI, I had to move in with my parents and let let them do everything.
Don't be ashamed to ask for help while you need it, and also, if you anticipate that you may need help in the near future. Don't wait until you're out on the street begging for change to begin to believe that you might need help, please!
Respectfully,
Nancy> I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD ten years ago. Last year, I was found to have ADD as well. I have gone to grad school and had 2 jobs in the past 3 years. I had trouble with concentration and focus and think that this affects my ability to hold a job. I have been on imaprimine, zoloft, prozac, trazadone, and effexor for depression. Prozac worked really well for a year then stopped working.
>
> I lost my job in November and currently in a major depression. I went off the Effexor when I was really broke and got very sick. My last job left me without COBRA coverage so I don't have insurance to pay for meds, and therapy. I have been able to get a psychiatrist friend to write me a script and am trying to taper down to 37.5 mg a day and then stop the Effexor. I can hardly get out of bed many days and lack motivation in looking for a job or going back to school right now.
>
> If anyone has gone on Social Security, was it hard to do? Was it hard to find work after being on it? Do you think it is a good thing to do until your depression is manageable rather than risk losing another job.
>
> Thanks to everyone on this website. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone.
Posted by Rhainy on August 14, 2000, at 16:20:39
In reply to Social Security disability for depression, posted by Nikki on April 26, 1999, at 15:47:12
Nikki,
I can understand Exactly where you are coming from...I was diagnosed with Degenerative Osteoarthritis and Severe Depression followed shortly after that diagnosis...I am only 38 and was told I would be in a wheelchair within about 10 years. Add to that, my Father (59) was diagnosed with terminal Cancer adn will most likely not live to see this Winter and the fact I am Morbidly Obese by medical stadards....
> Have you or anyone ever tried going on Social Security disability for depression for awhile, getting intensive treatment and going back to work.
> Thanks to everyone on this website. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone.I am also glad to have found this site and the knowledge I am not alone is very comforting.
I have seriously considered applying for SSI because I am at the point where I cannot focus enough to work in my *usual and customary* work, which is as a Dispatcher. It has been terribly hard not being able to work and I have been also trying to find a good doctor during all of this.
I have been on many Anti-Depressants, and tho they worked to a point, I had so many side affects which were *Totally* Unacceptable to me, I gave up on them.
Now I need to find a Doctor who can see what can be done without meds and will work with me to get the SSI application pushed thru.
Any ideas from anyone on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated.
BLessings,
Rhainy
Posted by anita on August 14, 2000, at 20:39:01
In reply to Re: Social Security disability for depression, posted by Rhainy on August 14, 2000, at 16:20:39
Hi Rhainy,
I think the most important part of getting SSDI is to get a very good lawyer. You can ask your doctor or therapist for recommendations. DO NOT use the big law firms, especially Binder & Binder, who sat on my application for over 6 months and messed up the little that they did do. You won't have to pay anything up front for a lawyer; they get a small percentage of your settlement, and nothing if you don't get SSDI.
Good luck! If anybody has any questions, feel free to email me, I've been thru this and succeeded.anita
Posted by Rhainy on August 15, 2000, at 8:53:18
In reply to Re: Social Security disability for depression, posted by anita on August 14, 2000, at 20:39:01
Anita Wrote:
> I think the most important part of getting SSDI is to get a very good lawyerAnita,
THanks, Yikes, I didnt realize I would have to get a Lawyer...will keep you posted once I find the new doctor...a nightmare in itself...
Rhainy
Posted by Oddzilla on August 15, 2000, at 18:32:33
In reply to Re: Social Security disability for depression, posted by Rhainy on August 14, 2000, at 16:20:39
Rhainy,
I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time.
This is a link to Dr. Ivan's tips for applying for SSDisability.http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.tips.html
This is a section of psychiatric disability links from the web and from the archives of Psychobabble.
http://www.egroups.com/links/psycho-babble-tips/Psychiatric_Disabili_000963331476/
It isn't necessary to have a lawyer to apply however you must be disabled at the time you apply and expect the disability to continue for a considerable time (I'm not sure how long).
If you are turned down after the first application it might be useful to have a lawyer at that point to appeal.It is possible to apply over the telephone. I would suggest you call the SS office locally and ask for information.
The procedure for SSI is somewhat different and I am not familiar with it. It is income based whereas SSD is not. It might be possible to qualify for it if you are disabled enough to limit your income but not enough to be totally disabled.
I'm very sorry about your father. Is he recieving hospice care? Sometimes they have counseling available for family members.
Do you have an Arthritis foundation where you live? Maybe they could help you find a good doctor.
I hope things will work out for you.
Oddzilla
> Nikki,
> I can understand Exactly where you are coming from...
>
> I was diagnosed with Degenerative Osteoarthritis and Severe Depression followed shortly after that diagnosis...I am only 38 and was told I would be in a wheelchair within about 10 years. Add to that, my Father (59) was diagnosed with terminal Cancer adn will most likely not live to see this Winter and the fact I am Morbidly Obese by medical stadards....
>
> > Have you or anyone ever tried going on Social Security disability for depression for awhile, getting intensive treatment and going back to work.
> > Thanks to everyone on this website. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone.
>
> I am also glad to have found this site and the knowledge I am not alone is very comforting.
>
> I have seriously considered applying for SSI because I am at the point where I cannot focus enough to work in my *usual and customary* work, which is as a Dispatcher. It has been terribly hard not being able to work and I have been also trying to find a good doctor during all of this.
>
> I have been on many Anti-Depressants, and tho they worked to a point, I had so many side affects which were *Totally* Unacceptable to me, I gave up on them.
>
> Now I need to find a Doctor who can see what can be done without meds and will work with me to get the SSI application pushed thru.
>
> Any ideas from anyone on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated.
>
> BLessings,
> Rhainy
Posted by Rhainy on August 15, 2000, at 18:58:03
In reply to Re: Social Security disability for depression » Rhainy, posted by Oddzilla on August 15, 2000, at 18:32:33
Odzilla,
Thanks for your welcome!> I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time< snip >
Thanks for the ideas and so on, will follow up on them.
>I'm very sorry about your father. Is he recieving hospice care? Sometimes they have counseling available for family members.
Yes he is, but in a very limited way. The way they provide Hospice here is not to His liking..Stubborn old Brit he is..gotta Love Him!
> Do you have an Arthritis foundation where you live? Maybe they could help you find a good doctor.
The OA issue not as big an issue as finding a Good MD or PsychDoc at the moment..the pain is tolerable so far.
My main concern is trying to find a doc who understands *All* of the combined issues has made it very difficult to do my real job. Which therefore disables me from properly working and functioning within the Normal (whatever That is) range of my life.
Thanks for the support I sure need it right now!
Blessings,
Rhainy
This is the end of the thread.
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