Need Advise on Seeking SSI Benefits for My Severe Depression and Anxiety/panic

Wow.....asking this question in this way when the economy is in such poor shape is, imho, just begging for some of the more angry responses you may get.

I realize anxiety and depression are no laughing matter, and I don't mean to trivialize the way you're feeling, but please consider what the moms have been telling you.

What they've said is true: It usually takes 2-3 YEARS (read: 2 - 3 denials/appeals) to be approved for SSD/SSI, even with an attorney working for you. There are exceptions, but if you don't believe me, watch some re-runs of news magazine shows (20/20 or the like) in which they clearly delineate that truly sick people *DIE* waiting for disability benefits - no joke.

During those 2-3 yrs you're waiting, you normally cannot be employed (because if you were, then you can work and don't need Disability). If you're independently wealthy and can deal with that, then you don't need Disability in the first place, either.

Most of those who apply have had years of multiple medical problems, (and the medical history/records to back that up), have spent their entire life savings (often, bankrupting them) on medical care, have repeated hospitalizations, have no health insurance.......in other words, they simply cannot work.

I have a feeling that if all Americans who had an "anal" boss and job stress that caused them anxiety quit (or forced their employers to fire them), the Disability System would be more immediately bankrupt, because no one would be paying in.

Think of this, too.......most people on SSI (vs. SSD) average $600/mo. I've heard of people on straight SSD receiving around $1000/mo. Try raising kids on that! Try living on that for years on end, and maybe you'll see why your attitude is offending to some of the other moms. I don't mean to sound snotty....... I just have a feeling that you may not realize how you're coming across.

Being permanently Disabled (or even, deemed "Disabled" for at least a year, which is the SS's definition; you have to re-qualify ea yr in that case) is no frivolous matter. When you treat it as such, you're bound to anger people.

My advice, like others before me, is, keep taking your meds (psych meds often take many weeks to work, and often, it takes many trials of different meds to find some that work), and keep looking for a new job rather than spending your energy fantasizing about Unemployment and Disability. As I'm sure others have mentioned, it sounds like there are many options you've not tried yet. Lots of info out there on managing depression and anxiety. I wish you luck, and peace, and I hope you never become truly "disabled".

Sorry to go on so long......you must have really hit a nerve in me (that's my problem, not yours!) because I keep coming back. I felt bad that I didn't even mention my appreciation for all of the people who've served in the military. Those that are lucky enough to have survived often come back with serious combat disabilities. The VA, although it appears to be *trying* now, often doesn't help, which leaves the Social Security system for these brave and unfortunate souls.

I just happened to notice this CNN article: "Staying sane in a negative work environment"
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/worklife/05/24/cb.sane.in....
If it's in the mainstream media, you know you're not alone!

Here's another recent article: "Disability Claims Spike, Mire Backlogged System" Looks like # of appeals is down for 1st time in a decade: "only" 723,000 waiting in appeals; 2 million waiting overall, though obviously, it's about to spike again. This article spells out the application process.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/11/national/main##...

8 moms found this helpful

I'm not sure what others will say but there are a lot of us who are going to jobs we do not like, deal with intolerable bosses and have poor health, anxiety and panic. I say you look for another job if you hate that one and hope you get it in this society. I had cancer and still go to my job which I hate and I am wondering why you do not try to change your situation instead of trying to push a boss to fire you? Can you move? Can you get two part time jobs that make up for one? I do not like the idea that I have worked so hard in my own fragile health. I am recovered but still would wonder why you are permitted to not work when I have to. Somehow this does not seem right. Well, I think you can make some choices here and maybe it is about respecting us other human beings. Again perhaps others back you on this, but I am afraid I wish you luck but urge you to look for another job or move. Or both.

8 moms found this helpful

I am now a SAHM, but in my previous life, I was a manager at a good company and learned a couple things after one of my employees lost her husband at a young age and was having some depressive problems. Your company likely qualifies for the Family anf Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If this name sounds familiar, it's because it is the same act that protects a woman's job if she is on maternity leave. However, it also protects your job (and many times pay, depending on your company's policies and your benefits) if you need time off to deal with a medical condition (hence the "Medical" part)--which, let's face it, severe depression IS! You are allowed something like 6-8 weeks off work, no penalties allowed by law. You'll need to talk to the Human Resources manager at your job and get the appropriate paperwork filled out by your doctor(s). Your manager does not even technically have to know why you need the time off. Only Human Resources and they are supposed to use strict confidentiality with this sort of stuff.

If you pursue this route and it goes through (which hopefully it will!), I highly recommend taking the time clear your head, purge the "bad" and reassess your career. Whether or not you've been with that company for 8 years is a moot point if you are miserable every day and putting your health in danger. Perhaps it is time to make a change for the better?! A new job, a completely new career path? Is there something you've always wanted to do for a job, but just never did?

In the meantime, as a survivor of depression where the meds worked...keep taking them! They can take a little while to build up in your body and redirect all those brain chemicals to the right places, but it's well worth it in the end. And if you're not feeling relief, go back to your doctor for new meds. Happy brain = happy you :)

I do agree with someone else that posted that I'd be very wary of being labeled "disabled" to collect Social Security Disability Insurance. That will remain with you and if you decided to go back to some sort of work at a future time, you may be penalized financially. Please be careful with that!

I hope for nothing but the best for you!

7 moms found this helpful

I quit my job to be a SAHM, but I worked for my company for over 8 years. In that time my boss fired 10 people. All 10 applied for unemployment due to being fired. My boss objected to all 10 cases and they went to court. She won all 10 cases because she was able to prove to the judge that she fired each person for good reasons. NONE of them got unemployment benefits. So simply being fired does NOT automatically mean that you will get unemployment.

Seeking disability benefits means that you are asking to be labeled "permanently disabled". I don't know why anyone would WANT to be labeled that. I would have to have cancer or a brain tumor before I would seek to be labeld diabled.

I think you need to find a new job. I can understand why these other posters are annoyed with your question. People right now are trying tooth and nail to get a job, any job. I think you need to continue seeking medical help for your anxiety, but I strongly agree with the others that having anxiety does not equal a free ride.

I have a friend on full disability, and it took her 6 years to get the system to approve her for benefits. Its really difficult to get approved.

I hope you get your life back on track, but I think this idea of yours is crazy.

6 moms found this helpful

SSDI is very difficult to get. If you are working then they will deny you. If you aren't working, you bettter have at least 2 years of funds saved up. I am on SSDI for many many issues. I live in constant pain on a daily basis. Because of the pain, I am depressed. We have spent thousands of dollars seeing many docotrs and specialists to find out what is wrong with me. I have fibromyalgia, depression, PTSD, anxiety and severe sleep apnea. I stopped working do to my medical conditions in March of last year. It has been very hard. We have had to go to food banks...etc. I currently work 2 5 hour days per week. I was denied on my first application but approved on the reconsideration.

If medications are working for you then great. SSDI isn't there just because you don't like your job. I would love to work again. I miss working and constantly feel like I'm not doing my share but the truth is that I can't. The pain is so bad it limits anything I can do. My house is a mess! I can't really play with my 2 1/2 year old son. Being on SSDI isn't something to be proud of. I made much more when I worked. Please reconsider. It is a very time consuming process and they go over all your medical records with a fine toothed comb to weed out the people that aren't really disabled.

I wish you all the best.

5 moms found this helpful

I personally wouldn't look to get fired, if you are on the right meds, you should start to feel wonderful and your whole life will change. It may take a few weeks, but stick with it. But, again, if you are on the right meds. A lot of people communte 40+ miles a day, it's just the way of life. Working for a micro-mananaging boss? Try transferring to another department. My cousin has panic attacks and panic attacks and I haven't seen him in over 15 years (he never leaves the house). He gets SSI, but it took him years to get it. My other cousin tried committing suicide and ended up with a mental ward for almost a year in all. She never was approved for SSI. She finally got on antidepresion medicine and turned out to be a wonderful nurse.

Most companies will fight to stop you from collecting unemployment so my advice is to keep taking your meds, go to counceling and things will get better before you know it. Facing the fact that you are depressed and seeking help is a huge step in getting better - so you are already 1/2 way there. Don't give up.

Good luck.

5 moms found this helpful

Honey an occasional panic attack will not qualify you for SSI. I was housebound with panic attacks and with medication and forcing myself to withstand the anxiety came back full force to function.

Just find another job...I worked outside the home for 10 years with never knowing if that day would bring an attack or not...but you take a deep breath and do it.

You can do it!!

4 moms found this helpful

Don't listen to people who haven't walked in your shoes. I have depression and anxiety and had to quit work because of panic attacks. I also have worked my whole life. After my son died when I was 30ty and he was 8 I finished cosmotology school, got a job and also divorced his father. I worked non stop on my feet for more then 8 hours 5 days a week. Then remarried got a office job stayed there 15yrs and I dealt with so many people who avoided work and made work miserable so I finally left and thought now I will get a job I can really enjoy well that fell apart and so did I its been 3years and I can't even imagine going on a interview. I feel like a failure and wish I could work and feel better about me and help other people but I am also going through the change of life so I have a lot to deal with. I really feel for you. I rather break both legs or something else then live with this hell of panic and anxiety, meds do help so please stay with that. Mental illness is serious business so take good care of yourself and therapy also helps to let it out! Also one more thing my Father in law is a ss disability lawyer he got ssi for my sister who was bi polar and lots of other issues it took years and I am telling you she could not function because of her illness it was so obvious but still took forever. I am so sorry your going through this believe I know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take care A.

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I really hope that you are seeing a very good psychiatrist for your depression and anxiety and not just a regular doctor who prescribed these meds to you. You might have something else going on in your body too that is causing this. It can also take several different medication trials before you find the right one. You depression and anxiety could also be temporary, especially given our current economic situation. Getting SSI benefits & disability payments is not easy to do. It takes time (as in years sometimes) and a whole lot of proof. Do you really want to go this route? Have you tried looking for another job even with less money and benefits? What about something that you LIKE to do. Depression runs in my family. My mother suffered from it severely but was still able to run my dad's plumbing company and raise 4 kids. I'm not saying this to be snide but rather to show you the power of the human spirit and a person's ability to tap their own inner strength.

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I am not sure about SSI benefits, and I wouldn't get myself fired either. If you want to work again sometime, being fired from this job may prevent you from being hired at another job. I was not fired from my job of 6 years, I quit, and I was still able to collect unemployment. Our states may differ though, but if you want to know what my situation was you can leave me a message and I would be happy to tell you why I was eligible for Unemployment. =) hope this helps.
(PS I am not abusing the states program I had to quit, and I am now returning to school.)

3 moms found this helpful

I was in the same boat last year. My blood pressure was sky high and my anxiety and depression was horrible. When I stood up to her and said I won't tolerate being treated that way. She told me I was not longer a fit for park district. I have been able to collect unemployment. But now I have been unemployed for a year. That stress has taken a toll on me now. Even though it relieved a huge amount of stress. My marriage is in stress because of the lack of money coming in.

Make sure you go to a counselor and have them help you walk through the decision you make.

3 moms found this helpful

Why not just look for another job? This isn't worth it.

3 moms found this helpful

If it's your job making you anxious and whatnot, then no they won't. I got benefits because everything makes me anxious. I can't be around people much anymore, barely even family. Just my husband. He's the only person I can mostly not be afraid with. Working full time, especially, they will see that you can do that even after your panic attacks and tell you no. I could barely work 6 hours anymore (in a week). They saw I progressly had to slow down my hours over the progress of a year, so it wasn't like I didn't try. All the meds I was on made me tired, have memory and motivation problems, etc. Plus, I'm co-morbid with other mental problems....so....it would be difficult and not worth it...i'd think.

3 moms found this helpful

It won't work to apply to benefits if you are working full time and it can take over 2 years before you draw your first SSI or Disability check. Even then you can't make over a certain amount of money (I think it's less than $800) and if one check is a bit too much then your whole process has to start over. Your unemployment will run out long before that so try doing it a different way.

1. Panic attacks are curable with medication and therapy. I know this for fact, that's why no one can get disability on just panic attacks. They consider it to be a curable short term mental illness. There has to be multiple mental health diagnoses. Such as Panic Attacks on one axis and something on another axis then something else on another. If you look in a DSM 4 then you can see what I mean about the Axis thing. I posted a link below.

2. I believe since you are working you have to prove your illness is suddenly happening and you are suddenly, totally, completely disabled.

3. Any mental illness that you claim is going to have to be documented by a Psychiatrist and not a regular physician. You have to have a mental health disability determined BY a Psychiatrist not a medical physician, they aren't qualified.

So, find an attorney in your area that specializes in helping people for disability and make an appointment and visit about your options. Or if you are in a mental health program talk to your therapist or case manager.

I have a friend who is on disability and has been for years and she is turning 30 this year. She has RA and it will slowly cripple her. She is doing the Ticket to Work(?) program. She is being retrained and they pay part of her salary through her employer. She gets funds for college and still gets a monthly check too. There are many programs out there, Voc-Rehab, one for housewives that have had to return to the work force and finding themselves non trained anymore, many financial aide and scholarship programs...all to get people to choose differently and still be productive and able to support themselves. Less bureaucracy butting in to my life is always better.
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Wiki DSM 4, about half way down is the axis explanations. You would have to have a determined disability in much more than one are here to even be considered.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_and_Statistical_M...

2 moms found this helpful

Don't try & get fired. Being fired stays with you forever & makes it so much harder to find a new job. Start applying for a new job closer to home & don't leave your current job until you have a new one. Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful

Getting SSI is incredibly difficult. It's my understanding that people who apply are routinely denied the first time and often the second and sometimes even the third time before being accepted. The process is so difficult that anyone who is applying because of mental illness needs professional help.

I suggest that you talk with a psychiatrist who has experience with helping others obtain SSI benefits. You will need a specific diagnosis and a history of treatment towards treating that illness that has not been successful. The routine sort of stuff that you describe is likely not to be sufficient.

I also suggest that you talk with an attorney who has helped others apply for SSI benefits. The application is a legal process and requires specific information.

Your description of your situation sounds so similar to the situation of many women. You have alternatives which you have not tried. The most obvious ones are to take a leave or quit your job, move closer to your job, modify your expectations of how your boss should act.

If you are truly unable to work at any job you could be eligible for state assistance. I know a woman who had tried working at several different jobs and eventually did get assistance from Oregon's office of Human Resources and Aid to Adults and Families.

You do not say for whom you work. I was a county employee with serious medical difficulties and was written up for excessive sick time use. My doctor suggested that I work half time to allow my body to heal. I was denied that request by the department for which I worked. At my insistence I was referred to the county employment human resources office and underwent psychological and physical evaluation. I was then granted the request to work half time and had no further difficulty.

It is very important to know the system in which you are employed and use those resources without anger. Keep a professional demeanor, remain calm, and accept one's own role in your situation while talking with superiors. State your case for a change in supervisors based on your difficulties without blaming your current supervisor. For example, you can say that because of your depression/anxiety you are not able to work well with this person.

What does your doctor suggest that you do? If you are not seeing a professional within the mental health field I strongly urge that you start there. Apparently other employees are working with this boss without having mental health difficulties. Focus on learning how you can deal with him. Or......quit and find a job more suitable for your personality.

I recommend that you contact the Social Security Office and learn about the process. If you do fit the requirements you can pursue that but know that it will be a difficult and long process. You'll need to make plans for how to support yourself in the meantime.

2 moms found this helpful

Hi, I just wanted to answer your question about Social Security. I also suffer from depression and anxiety, as well as a brain condition which I had surgery almost 2 years ago which there isn't a cure for and still have problems and I have to have back surgery for curvature of the spine and bone spurs! And I have been denied twice!! And now have an attorney, which he hasn't really done anything so I am thinking of changing lawyers! It is very hard to get Social Security Disability especially just for depression and anxiety. They will tell you that you can still work! They told me that I can still work which Drs told me that I can't. I cant even stand to long to do dishes or cook without sitting for a break from the severe pain and I take 7 meds twice a day. And the pain meds I take several times a day! I wish you the best because I know what you are going through, but all you can do is try, and the best thing is try to get fired and get workmens comp first! Good Luck

2 moms found this helpful

I used to work as a casemanager at an outpatient mental health agency and helped my clients apply for SSI/SSDI. Applying for SSI/SSDI is very difficult and most people get denied the firs time they apply. Social Security tends to approve people who have an extensive/long history of mental illness, treatment, and hospitalizations. Plus you would need to prove that you cannot due your job or any comporable job due to your mental illness. Though I don't think SSI/SSDI would help you, you could look into short term disability through your job and see if that is an option.

I know in this economy that leaving a stable source of income is a scary thing, but you need to look and see if statying there will be harmful to you or if you can manage to survive without the income if you cannot stay there any longer. Hope this helps and as I read from your update, you don't feel attacked. People do not realize that SSDI comes from your work history as we all pay FICA tax, so applying for disability benefits is not milking the system.

1 mom found this helpful

I think this is a really hard call and wonder if you have worked enough quarters to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is a flat monthly amount. The first thing is you need to be out of work to even consider applying. I used to work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor (25 years) so learned some about this but must admit I worked exclusively with blind and visually impaired individuals. SSI doesn't have as long a waiting period; SSDI is six months. You might consider going in and talking with a Social Security representative at a district office or call their toll free number, 800-772-1213-gosh, I hope that is the correct number. Many times applicants get denied and then have to go to appeal which can take a good while so then how do you support yourself? There are lawyers who help with this sort of thing and work on contingency so if you win your case, they take a percentage; otherwise you don't have to pay. I'm not trying to discourage you but just to advise of your options as I understand them. Good luck; you have an unenviable situation. Also, by the way, you might be able to get benefits for your children if you receive benefits yourself. And perhaps Medicaid with SSI.

1 mom found this helpful

It generally takes a while for SSI. They reject more than twice. Don't give up in the application process. That is the ploy. Keep your job until you can receive SSI or can get unemployment. I wish you peace and healing!

1 mom found this helpful