![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by brynb on August 21, 2012, at 15:34:10
Hi All,
I'm wondering about going on disability but haven't a clue where to start or if it's even a good option for me. Sorry, this is long-winded, but if you can help, I appreciate feedback.
I'm a Writer and a Teacher, but haven't worked full-time in two years. For the past two years, I've freelanced and taught and collected unemployment in between. I last taught in June and have since been collecting unemployment. (I was at the end of a really bad depressive episode and just couldn't keep working.)
My depression started at 14 and worsened with age. I suffered a lot in college, but was still able to earn my Bachelors and Masters degrees in my 20s. I worked very hard as a Copywriter and Teacher throughout my 20s to my early 30s (I'm 38 now), but because of my depression, haven't been able to hold a steady job.
Over the last seven years, I've been to rehab for substance abuse three times, medical detox for substances six times, and to the psych ER twice. I had two substance-induced seizures and bounced around a lot with doctors struggling to find the right diagnosis and treatment. It was miserable. My existence was miserable. My relationships with family members became horrible, I isolated myself and never left my apartment.
I've been clean for two years (and realized I was basically self-medicating), but as of June, still had stubborn anxiety and depression (seemingly treatment-resistant). As of early July, I began working with a new doc, and I'm hopeful he'll work out. I'm currently on Lithium, Lexapro and Tramadol, and for the first time in years, I feel okay (even good, I think!). I get up and out of bed every morning. My relationships have been repaired. I talk to friends again. I'm even dating.
The thing is, I'm finally aware of the fragility of my brain chemistry and how important maintaining a steady regimen is (w/ meds, sleep, etc.). It's also VERY clear that I simply can't handle the stress I experience from work. I just can't anymore. It triggers episodes for me. I'm feeling good, but I know this can be fleeting, and I'm simply unreliable as an employee. I also think that while I'm currently doing well, I'm experiencing hypomania, and I've had some mania in the past (from meds), so this scares me. The unpredictability that comes with mood disorders is, well, unpredictable.
My pdoc is away and my next appointment with him is at the beginning of Sept. I'd like to discuss the idea of disability with him. If I do apply for it, I can see there being a problem in that my medical records (and memory of a lot of what's happened in the last 15 years) is shoddy at best. What to do?
If you've read all of this, thank you! Sorry to over share, but I'd love for some feedback.
Thanks so much.
-b
Posted by schleprock on August 21, 2012, at 18:36:12
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on August 21, 2012, at 15:34:10
> Hi All,
>
> I'm wondering about going on disability but haven't a clue where to start or if it's even a good option for me. Sorry, this is long-winded, but if you can help, I appreciate feedback.
>
> I'm a Writer and a Teacher, but haven't worked full-time in two years. For the past two years, I've freelanced and taught and collected unemployment in between. I last taught in June and have since been collecting unemployment. (I was at the end of a really bad depressive episode and just couldn't keep working.)
>
> My depression started at 14 and worsened with age. I suffered a lot in college, but was still able to earn my Bachelors and Masters degrees in my 20s. I worked very hard as a Copywriter and Teacher throughout my 20s to my early 30s (I'm 38 now), but because of my depression, haven't been able to hold a steady job.
>
> Over the last seven years, I've been to rehab for substance abuse three times, medical detox for substances six times, and to the psych ER twice. I had two substance-induced seizures and bounced around a lot with doctors struggling to find the right diagnosis and treatment. It was miserable. My existence was miserable. My relationships with family members became horrible, I isolated myself and never left my apartment.
>
> I've been clean for two years (and realized I was basically self-medicating), but as of June, still had stubborn anxiety and depression (seemingly treatment-resistant). As of early July, I began working with a new doc, and I'm hopeful he'll work out. I'm currently on Lithium, Lexapro and Tramadol, and for the first time in years, I feel okay (even good, I think!). I get up and out of bed every morning. My relationships have been repaired. I talk to friends again. I'm even dating.
>
> The thing is, I'm finally aware of the fragility of my brain chemistry and how important maintaining a steady regimen is (w/ meds, sleep, etc.). It's also VERY clear that I simply can't handle the stress I experience from work. I just can't anymore. It triggers episodes for me. I'm feeling good, but I know this can be fleeting, and I'm simply unreliable as an employee. I also think that while I'm currently doing well, I'm experiencing hypomania, and I've had some mania in the past (from meds), so this scares me. The unpredictability that comes with mood disorders is, well, unpredictable.
>
> My pdoc is away and my next appointment with him is at the beginning of Sept. I'd like to discuss the idea of disability with him. If I do apply for it, I can see there being a problem in that my medical records (and memory of a lot of what's happened in the last 15 years) is shoddy at best. What to do?
>
> If you've read all of this, thank you! Sorry to over share, but I'd love for some feedback.
>
> Thanks so much.
>
> -b
>
>
>If you apply for welfare, you have the option of stating you're unable to work (at least in NYC). Then you go to a special sort of division where you'll wait long hours to meet with doctors for medical and psyche evaluations which will more than likely determine that you are able to work and not eligable for SSI (unless your willing to go really crazy at these evaluations.)
They'll more than likely set you up with a job tailored to your disability, like say a call center. Of course you can refuse the job, get yelled at, then start the process again.
I happened to get "lucky" (I use that term loosely for reasons beyond the scope of that post.) when a family member ran into someone who worked for a state agency for "special" people. It was extremely humiliating, but I managed to get SSI through this process eventually. (Was initially denied due to sloppy paperwork, but after a fair hearing was awarded both SSI and disability.)
I can't say for certsin that this process would work for anyone with a mere depression\anxiety condition. You may also need to be diagnosed as being somewhere along the autism scale, or even "slow".
I would suggest as a first step seeking out non-profits in your area that deal with mental disorders.
Posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2012, at 20:52:57
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on August 21, 2012, at 15:34:10
Bryn my next door neighbor also teacher just went on Disability. Her psychiatrist knew what to write and she did need to be refused once then got it last year. It seems to be easier with mental illness. Since teaching she was elementary and doc stated she had bipolar 2. She's doing great with not working. Phillipa
Posted by johnLA on August 21, 2012, at 21:46:28
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on August 21, 2012, at 15:34:10
bryn-
so sorry about your situation.
if there is any way possible to say in the workplace i would recommend that...
alas, here i am, a teacher, put on early retirement due to depression. i have mixed feelings about not working. it's been over 2 years now for me. feels like i will never work again. not sure this is healthy.
but, back to your question; i heard it is very good to get a disability attorney to help you with your case. they charge nothing unless you get the disability and the amount is capped to a certain amount.
i think a pdoc could also help you in regards to the best route for applying is.
hang-in there.
john
Posted by brynb on August 21, 2012, at 22:31:17
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by johnLA on August 21, 2012, at 21:46:28
Thanks everyone for your responses thus far.
I'm wondering if I should try to keep freelancing or working part-time (I can freelance from home and/or try to teach on a part-time basis). The income won't be great, but I like the idea of having something to do and staying mentally engaged. BUT, I'm still fearful of the stress and pressure and the possible instability of my mood.
I'll have to run this by my pdoc when I see him...
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 21, 2012, at 23:24:38
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by brynb on August 21, 2012, at 22:31:17
I would try and keep working if at all possible, its generaly benificial in terms of your overall wellbeing, as well as financialy
Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2012, at 0:24:22
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 21, 2012, at 23:24:38
From experience first year is great and then down hill as seriously get bored and feel worthless at least this is what happened with me hence the ebay. Time consuming but on my own time schedule and now I'm officially retired. Phillipa
Posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 12:09:39
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on August 21, 2012, at 15:34:10
If you think you've experienced depression before, just wait until finding out what it's like living off of $800/a month and having no remote hope of even trying to get a job again, because you've given up and checked out of life.
The past doesn't always predict the future. If you commit to the notion you can't change, and you're unreliable forever because you use to be in the past, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and becomes the reason you are unreliable. Cognitive Behavorial Therapy is all about this-- changing your response to automatic inclinations, so you can eventually alter your behavior and stop selling yourself so short.
What are the symptoms of hypomania? Not being depressed alone isn't hypomania-- do you have forced speech? Engage in risky behavior? It's unlikely if you're on lithium that you have hypomania... If you do, it's just a matter of raising the dose. Lithium is a very effective drug.
I'm on disability right now, and trust me, it sucks. I'm going back to school. I use to go to work late and so can relate to feeling unreliable as an employee, but I have a part-time job now and show up on time now. I also show up on time for everything else now, by planning to be early and using reminders on my phone calendar. I use to always be late or not show up to things.
Before you consider disability, you need to do a cost-benefit analysis and ask yourself if you're willing to live off $800/month for the rest of your life (and forget being able to afford to date).
And then consider how depressing it will be to not even pretend to be in a transition, but instead to have checked out of life and bascically do little more than stare at the wall all day.
It's probably hard to get references if you've been an unreliable employee, but you can change that by full-time volunteering in your field for charities that teach english to kids or something else related to your field, and then use your references from supervisors there.
You should agressively be asking your therapist for help changing yourself so you become more reliable about making your committments in life-- full-time volunteering, etc.-- and go to therapy sessions weekly.
Be honest with your therapist you don't trust yourself to be reliable in the future, and need help practicing. Go to your committments early--plan on arriving early to things, and you won't be late. Also, you only get money from Soial Security Disability if you've paid into the system with a number if work quarters on the calendar. Otherwise, you get like $600/month from Social Security income instead, and no medicare. There's nothing glanarous about disability payments.
And that's assuming you don't resort to paying an attorney a quarter of your disability check every month for the rest of your life (how do you think those attorneys on daytime tv can afford all those ads?) which is what you have to do, unless you have a lawyer in your family with experience in appealing disability claims. So your better bet would to go to therapy. People have overcome worse than being unreliable and not showing up.
Also, be careful on this board. You can find people who will want to make you feel like a victim, rather than give you encouraging support to take things on and overcome your valud challenges.
> Hi All,
>
> I'm wondering about going on disability but haven't a clue where to start or if it's even a good option for me. Sorry, this is long-winded, but if you can help, I appreciate feedback.
>
> I'm a Writer and a Teacher, but haven't worked full-time in two years. For the past two years, I've freelanced and taught and collected unemployment in between. I last taught in June and have since been collecting unemployment. (I was at the end of a really bad depressive episode and just couldn't keep working.)
>
> My depression started at 14 and worsened with age. I suffered a lot in college, but was still able to earn my Bachelors and Masters degrees in my 20s. I worked very hard as a Copywriter and Teacher throughout my 20s to my early 30s (I'm 38 now), but because of my depression, haven't been able to hold a steady job.
>
> Over the last seven years, I've been to rehab for substance abuse three times, medical detox for substances six times, and to the psych ER twice. I had two substance-induced seizures and bounced around a lot with doctors struggling to find the right diagnosis and treatment. It was miserable. My existence was miserable. My relationships with family members became horrible, I isolated myself and never left my apartment.
>
> I've been clean for two years (and realized I was basically self-medicating), but as of June, still had stubborn anxiety and depression (seemingly treatment-resistant). As of early July, I began working with a new doc, and I'm hopeful he'll work out. I'm currently on Lithium, Lexapro and Tramadol, and for the first time in years, I feel okay (even good, I think!). I get up and out of bed every morning. My relationships have been repaired. I talk to friends again. I'm even dating.
>
> The thing is, I'm finally aware of the fragility of my brain chemistry and how important maintaining a steady regimen is (w/ meds, sleep, etc.). It's also VERY clear that I simply can't handle the stress I experience from work. I just can't anymore. It triggers episodes for me. I'm feeling good, but I know this can be fleeting, and I'm simply unreliable as an employee. I also think that while I'm currently doing well, I'm experiencing hypomania, and I've had some mania in the past (from meds), so this scares me. The unpredictability that comes with mood disorders is, well, unpredictable.
>
> My pdoc is away and my next appointment with him is at the beginning of Sept. I'd like to discuss the idea of disability with him. If I do apply for it, I can see there being a problem in that my medical records (and memory of a lot of what's happened in the last 15 years) is shoddy at best. What to do?
>
> If you've read all of this, thank you! Sorry to over share, but I'd love for some feedback.
>
> Thanks so much.
>
> -b
>
>
>
Posted by brynb on August 22, 2012, at 13:29:01
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 12:09:39
> If you think you've experienced depression before, just wait until finding out what it's like living off of $800/a month and having no remote hope of even trying to get a job again, because you've given up and checked out of life.
NA,
I agree!> The past doesn't always predict the future. If you commit to the notion you can't change, and you're unreliable forever because you use to be in the past, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and becomes the reason you are unreliable. Cognitive Behavorial Therapy is all about this-- changing your response to automatic inclinations, so you can eventually alter your behavior and stop selling yourself so short.
Again, I totally agree. The more I think of it, disability seems like a big no-no. I completely believe that we can create our own realties (for better or worse), and have really committed to being positive, being mindful and using positive thinking. I work with an amazing life coach (I like her approach way better than my therapist's) and "re-wiring" my thinking helped me overcome drug addiction and has been helpful in dealing w/ my depression and anxiety.
> What are the symptoms of hypomania? Not being depressed alone isn't hypomania-- do you have forced speech? Engage in risky behavior? It's unlikely if you're on lithium that you have hypomania... If you do, it's just a matter of raising the dose. Lithium is a very effective drug.
Lithium has been a great addition for sure. I'm only on 300mg (so more for depression and to prevent episodes, though I'm sure it has some stabilizing ability at this dose, no?). It's been good for impulse control and pretty good w/ irritability, but I still feel a little speedy and racy at times, thought and speech-wise. I've always felt like I can't shut my brain off or quiet my mind. My pdoc is treating me as MDD w/ GAD at the moment (it's not a definitive diagnosis).
> I'm on disability right now, and trust me, it sucks. I'm going back to school.
Sorry to hear. It's awesome that you're going back to school, though. I'm so glad I got it over with when I did--I was able to enjoy it and fortunately was still competent. It gets harder as you get older :/.
>I use to go to work late and so can relate to feeling unreliable as an employee, but I have a part-time job now and show up on time now. I also show up on time for everything else now, by planning to be early and using reminders on my phone calendar. I use to always be late or not show up to things.
These are all good suggestions, and I'd like to think that I'm stable enough to show up as well. If I believe I'm predictable, then I will be.
> It's probably hard to get references if you've been an unreliable employee, but you can change that by full-time volunteering in your field for charities that teach english to kids or something else related to your field, and then use your references from supervisors there.
I've been somewhat fortunate in this area. I've maintained some relationships w/ former colleagues and employers, and also have family members who vouch for me (they own businesses and say I've freelanced for them).
> Be honest with your therapist you don't trust yourself to be reliable in the future, and need help practicing. Go to your committments early--plan on arriving early to things, and you won't be late.
Definitely, and all good suggestions.
> Also, be careful on this board. You can find people who will want to make you feel like a victim, rather than give you encouraging support to take things on and overcome your valud challenges.
Thanks, NA, all around. Your response helped to confirm how I began to feel about disability after some more thought today (that it's not the right option for me). I'm also a believer in mutual support and encouragement, and don't like the idea of being a victim. If you act like a victim or feel like a victim, then you become one.
If you have any thoughts about the hypomania part, I'd like to hear them.
Thanks again.
-b
Posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 16:14:06
In reply to Re: Disability » Novelagent, posted by brynb on August 22, 2012, at 13:29:01
I'm glad someone appreciates my advice. Sometimes I feel like I'm just wasting my time here. : )
Yeah, I got hypomania from aricept, so I know how it is. If you feel like your thoughts are faster than life, larger than life, it's hypomania. Speaking of which, Larger than Life is a great Clark Gable classic film about hypomania from Adrenaline pills. Watch it. : )
Consider upping your lithium, maybe adding in Latuda, I don't know, I'm not a doc... But I just know at a world famius hospital I went to, the docs put the bipolar patients on Lithium as they're "you're going to actually get your problem treated here" regimen. So at the right dose, it'll work.
I probably had mania, but I didn't want to go on lithium, so I diwnplayed my manic symptoms (laughing hysterically in the downpouribg rain I omitted, along with walking through 3 city burroughs all day thinking federal agents were following me in the rain). But whatever it was, Invega Sustenna has stopped it... I've never once had a relapse.
I'm glad you're taking some initiative and keeping positive. That's really important. The only thing I would really emphasize, besides being straight with your doc about wha appear to be residual symptoms, is to volunteer-- not for references, but for your sanity. Too much free time can be really unnerving and overwhelming.
> > If you think you've experienced depression before, just wait until finding out what it's like living off of $800/a month and having no remote hope of even trying to get a job again, because you've given up and checked out of life.
>
> NA,
> I agree!
>
> > The past doesn't always predict the future. If you commit to the notion you can't change, and you're unreliable forever because you use to be in the past, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and becomes the reason you are unreliable. Cognitive Behavorial Therapy is all about this-- changing your response to automatic inclinations, so you can eventually alter your behavior and stop selling yourself so short.
>
>
> Again, I totally agree. The more I think of it, disability seems like a big no-no. I completely believe that we can create our own realties (for better or worse), and have really committed to being positive, being mindful and using positive thinking. I work with an amazing life coach (I like her approach way better than my therapist's) and "re-wiring" my thinking helped me overcome drug addiction and has been helpful in dealing w/ my depression and anxiety.
>
> > What are the symptoms of hypomania? Not being depressed alone isn't hypomania-- do you have forced speech? Engage in risky behavior? It's unlikely if you're on lithium that you have hypomania... If you do, it's just a matter of raising the dose. Lithium is a very effective drug.
>
> Lithium has been a great addition for sure. I'm only on 300mg (so more for depression and to prevent episodes, though I'm sure it has some stabilizing ability at this dose, no?). It's been good for impulse control and pretty good w/ irritability, but I still feel a little speedy and racy at times, thought and speech-wise. I've always felt like I can't shut my brain off or quiet my mind. My pdoc is treating me as MDD w/ GAD at the moment (it's not a definitive diagnosis).
>
> > I'm on disability right now, and trust me, it sucks. I'm going back to school.
>
> Sorry to hear. It's awesome that you're going back to school, though. I'm so glad I got it over with when I did--I was able to enjoy it and fortunately was still competent. It gets harder as you get older :/.
>
> >I use to go to work late and so can relate to feeling unreliable as an employee, but I have a part-time job now and show up on time now. I also show up on time for everything else now, by planning to be early and using reminders on my phone calendar. I use to always be late or not show up to things.
>
> These are all good suggestions, and I'd like to think that I'm stable enough to show up as well. If I believe I'm predictable, then I will be.
>
> > It's probably hard to get references if you've been an unreliable employee, but you can change that by full-time volunteering in your field for charities that teach english to kids or something else related to your field, and then use your references from supervisors there.
>
> I've been somewhat fortunate in this area. I've maintained some relationships w/ former colleagues and employers, and also have family members who vouch for me (they own businesses and say I've freelanced for them).
>
> > Be honest with your therapist you don't trust yourself to be reliable in the future, and need help practicing. Go to your committments early--plan on arriving early to things, and you won't be late.
>
> Definitely, and all good suggestions.
>
> > Also, be careful on this board. You can find people who will want to make you feel like a victim, rather than give you encouraging support to take things on and overcome your valud challenges.
>
> Thanks, NA, all around. Your response helped to confirm how I began to feel about disability after some more thought today (that it's not the right option for me). I'm also a believer in mutual support and encouragement, and don't like the idea of being a victim. If you act like a victim or feel like a victim, then you become one.
>
> If you have any thoughts about the hypomania part, I'd like to hear them.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> -b
Posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 16:22:22
In reply to Re: Disability » brynb, posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2012, at 20:52:57
> Bryn my next door neighbor also teacher just went on Disability. Her psychiatrist knew what to write and she did need to be refused once then got it last year. It seems to be easier with mental illness. Since teaching she was elementary and doc stated she had bipolar 2. She's doing great with not working. Phillipa
>
if by doing great means watching 120 hours of TV a week, shoot me now, lol. Also, no one can live off of $800/month.
I'm volunteering 55 hours a week and working 16 hours a week, and taking 5 classes this fall, and I'm on disability, but I'm also the exception. It's very easy to fall into a trap of not doung anything. Also, those people who call those lawyers on TV are paying a quarter of their check to lawyers every month, and that never ends.
Posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 16:29:01
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2012, at 0:24:22
> From experience first year is great and then down hill as seriously get bored and feel worthless at least this is what happened with me hence the ebay. Time consuming but on my own time schedule and now I'm officially retired. Phillipa
Good to hear you're doing something constructive while on it. I felt similar boredom after like first year, and also had to adapt by finding something to do.
Posted by brynb on August 22, 2012, at 17:29:24
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 16:14:06
> I'm glad someone appreciates my advice. Sometimes I feel like I'm just wasting my time here. : )
>For sure. I think one of the good things about this board is the varying opinions. It leads to more options/avenues/food for thought.
> Yeah, I got hypomania from aricept, so I know how it is. If you feel like your thoughts are faster than life, larger than life, it's hypomania. Speaking of which, Larger than Life is a great Clark Gable classic film about hypomania from Adrenaline pills. Watch it. : )
Will do, I love movies like that. I can certainly relate--illegal drugs did that to me in the past. Another great movie is Wristcutters: A Love Story--completely different (it's about suicide, but it's really funny) and just awesome all around.
> Consider upping your lithium, maybe adding in Latuda, I don't know, I'm not a doc... But I just know at a world famius hospital I went to, the docs put the bipolar patients on Lithium as they're "you're going to actually get your problem treated here" regimen. So at the right dose, it'll work.
I'll talk to my doc about feeling hypomanic at times. I'm doing really well on the low dose of Lithium, though, and so far, I don't seem to have many side effects. When I felt truly manic, it was from Neurontin. It was bad. I think I'm in a good place, but the issue of mood instability still scares the heck out of me. (So if I start to feel "up" or "down", even if it's just a reaction, I get nervous.)
> I probably had mania, but I didn't want to go on lithium, so I diwnplayed my manic symptoms (laughing hysterically in the downpouribg rain I omitted, along with walking through 3 city burroughs all day thinking federal agents were following me in the rain). But whatever it was, Invega Sustenna has stopped it... I've never once had a relapse.
>Oh, I can only imagine being out and about NYC thinking people are after you. I highly doubt you're alone in that scenario, lol ;)! I had an episode from Neurontin and was whizzing around buying things I couldn't afford, crying and talking to anyone who'd listen. War stories, sigh.
Invega was actually the only AP I "liked". I took it awhile ago, and think it helped my mood and anxiety. I prefer as much of a stripped-down, streamlined med regimen as possible. I'm on 3 total right now, which I'm pretty happy about.
-b
Posted by brynb on August 22, 2012, at 17:49:11
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2012, at 0:24:22
> From experience first year is great and then down hill as seriously get bored and feel worthless at least this is what happened with me hence the ebay.
Yes, that seems to be the general consensus...
-b
Posted by Phil on August 22, 2012, at 18:07:38
In reply to Re: Disability » Phillipa, posted by brynb on August 22, 2012, at 17:49:11
If your diagnosis is not listed on SSDI's website you're out of luck.
Bipolar is and I've been on disability a week. I used a lawyer and he got a lot of money.It ain't easy but if you get it, unless you're on your wifes insurance, you will find yourself living the nightmare I am.
Hope you feel better soon.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 22, 2012, at 18:41:55
In reply to Re: Disability » brynb, posted by Phil on August 22, 2012, at 18:07:38
Even if you can only work one day a week, do it - as well as a bit of extra cash, it contributes a lot to your sense of self, gives you a reason to get up in the morning etc, and allows you to interact with another circle of people.
On the cash front, remember, even an extra 50 bucks makes a big difference to your DISPOSABLE income, because your fixed costs are already paid for (soaking up say 150 bucks a week), so earning 50 bucks can infact double your discretionary income and make life so much more comfortable
Most studies have shown that staying in, or getting back in the workforce is is a very positive factior in getting better.
Posted by brynb on August 22, 2012, at 18:58:11
In reply to Re: Disability » brynb, posted by Phil on August 22, 2012, at 18:07:38
> If your diagnosis is not listed on SSDI's website you're out of luck.
> Bipolar is and I've been on disability a week. I used a lawyer and he got a lot of money.
>
> It ain't easy but if you get it, unless you're on your wifes insurance, you will find yourself living the nightmare I am.
>
> Hope you feel better soon.Thanks, Phil. I appreciate the input. I'm glad you qualified, but sorry to hear it's nightmarish.
I'm actually a single woman, and don't have any insurance right now. (I pay out of pocket for my docs and
meds--the costs are insane!) To boot, living in NYC is quite expensive!At 38, I do feel like I have work left in me (a lot), especially as I'm a very creative person. I don't want to close that chapter just yet.
Thanks again.
-b
Posted by brynb on August 22, 2012, at 19:10:33
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 22, 2012, at 18:41:55
> Even if you can only work one day a week, do it - as well as a bit of extra cash, it contributes a lot to your sense of self, gives you a reason to get up in the morning etc, and allows you to interact with another circle of people.
>
> On the cash front, remember, even an extra 50 bucks makes a big difference to your DISPOSABLE income, because your fixed costs are already paid for (soaking up say 150 bucks a week), so earning 50 bucks can infact double your discretionary income and make life so much more comfortable
>
> Most studies have shown that staying in, or getting back in the workforce is is a very positive factior in getting better.Thanks, Jono. I like having a sense of purpose. Ideally, I'd love my former teaching position back. I taught about 4 days a week for about 4 hours a day and only had 1-4 kids per class (it's an alternative high school and I really liked the students). I was an independent contractor, so I was able to do some writing from home, too. I've been talking to the head of the school, and it seems that they'll need me come September. Fingers crossed.
Thanks =).
-b
Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2012, at 21:06:42
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 16:22:22
She receives$3200 a month both from teaching for years and from disability. She paid the lawyer upfront so no one is taking part of her check. Today she went out of State to the Zoo with Her Grandkids tomorrow she's cutting her lawn, She is always doing something outside. Walking her huge dog or just visiting outside with the rest of us. Phillipa
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