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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Reggie BoStar on February 5, 2007, at 17:20:50
Hi everyone,
There is one thread already on this board dealing with the process of applying for disability and who might/might not qualify.But what about folks already on SSDI who are grappling with guilt or other psychological problems because they are on SSDI?
I'm on it for mental health reasons and have a lot of difficulties dealing with the stigma attached to my situation. Most of us on these boards already know that there is a social stigma against mental illness, e.g. depression which is seen as "a weakness of character", laziness, etc.
For those of us also on SSDI, the stigma is even worse. The people who hold stereotypical beliefs about people on SSDI (lazy, don't want to work, etc), really get intensly hostile towards people on it for mental health reasons.
Is this the appropriate place to post on this and related topics? I can see where the Politics board might also be appropriate, since SSDI is a government program. The Psychology board might also qualify, because the stigma of being on SSDI for mental health reasons causes additional psychological problems.
So, if we can post on this topic somewhere in the Psycho-Babble boards, is this the place to do it?
Thanks to all for your time in reading this litany,
Reggie BoStar
Posted by TexasChic on February 6, 2007, at 21:30:28
In reply to Post about SSDI psychological issues here?, posted by Reggie BoStar on February 5, 2007, at 17:20:50
Although I don't have much experience with this subject (disability), I think this is probably the right place to post it. But if not, rest assured Dr. Bob will redirect it! :-)
I do understand about the stigma though. I've found out the hard way to keep these things to myself (when not in the right forum for it). You know what annoys me the most? "Mood Enhancing Drugs'. The entire statement is ridiculous and insulting. Mood Enhancing Drugs would be pot or alcohol or something, not a SSRI that regulates chemicals in your brain so that you don't feel the incessant urge to lay down and never get back up!
These things are still very misunderstood, all we can do is continue to fight for the respect we deserve.
-T
Posted by 10derHeart on February 7, 2007, at 13:09:50
In reply to Post about SSDI psychological issues here?, posted by Reggie BoStar on February 5, 2007, at 17:20:50
Good thoughts and questions, Reggie. And thanks for using the energy to think about how to "naviagate" the PB rules to help make it a more supportive place for all...I know energy to do/think *anything* can be in short supply some days.
I think in a case like this, we can just see where the thread goes. If you get very little response (as this board isn't always terribly active) then perhaps you can sort of focus your thoughts on one aspect and it can be moved to the appropriate board. If it becomes an active thread, we (meaning Dr. Bob or one of us) can take a look then and see if it's mostly about the government aspect, or the stigma, etc. In other words, IMO, let's give it some time and see what develops!
-- 10derHeart, posting as a deputy for Dr. Bob
Posted by Reggie BoStar on February 7, 2007, at 16:00:32
In reply to Re: Post about SSDI psychological issues here?, posted by TexasChic on February 6, 2007, at 21:30:28
Hi TexasChic,
I hear you on the "Mood Enhancing Drugs" thing. One thing I hear from time to time at AA meetings are statements like "Happy pills won't help you."
I lose my cool when this happens. I don't like to speak in crowds, but when somebody says something like this I go ballistic and give them the old "they don't make us happy, they help us function and that is ALL. The rest is up to us."
Then I quote a reading from "As Bill Sees It" wherein he not only advocates additional help from psychologists - he even specifically says "whether it comes from a psychiatrist's couch OR THE BOTTOM OF A TEST TUBE..."
I shove this one right up the small brains of the AA old-timers who are against medications. It's a "shock and awe" treatment that gets 'em every time.
When I'm done of course, I look around nervously, shrink back into my chair, and return to normal mode.
At least I have my few moments of fame and vengeance, all rolled into one.
Take care,
Reggie BoStar
Posted by Reggie BoStar on February 7, 2007, at 16:06:32
In reply to Re: Post about SSDI psychological issues here? » Reggie BoStar, posted by 10derHeart on February 7, 2007, at 13:09:50
Thanks 10derHeart, that sounds like a good approach. I figure if I reply to every message, I can double the size of the thread!
Well, I can try anyway.
BTW there is a Yahoo group called "Advocates For Adults With Disabilities" where I've started posting on this issue too. They're receptive to folks who are on SSDI for mental health reasons, even though the emphasis seems to be on physical disabilities.
I think that's only because only a few of us who are mentally ill have been posting there.
Anyway, the URL for the group is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AdvocatesForAdultsWithDisabilities/?yguid=161152021
If you have a Yahoo ID or one of those free Yahoo email accounts, you can post there. You can also apply for a new ID if you want - they're free.
I should probably bump that last paragraph up to a new thread. I'll wait and see what kind of responses we get here first.
Meanwhile, I'm off to a dual diagnosis group where I will raise this topic. I know some of the folks there are on SSDI and I want to get their feel for how they deal with the stigma of getting the benefits and/or any guilt feelings they may or may not have.
Take care,
Reggie BoStar
This is the end of the thread.
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