Disability?

[AmberR]

I was wondering if anyone here has had to go on disability because of their panic attacks / agoraphobia / PTSD etc.?  I have not been in therapy for years because I can no longer afford it, but I have been told I have GAD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Depression, and Seasonal Affective Disorder.  I am not currently on medication and am not currently seeing a doctor or therapist because of my financial situation.  I have had problems keeping a job my entire life due to all of my problems, and I'm not sure what to do.  I am married, and we have some income, but it is not enough to pay all of our bills if I'm not working....but jobs seem to be a major trigger for the anxiety and depression.  I am not trying to 'get a free ride' and I'm not lazy...I've worked 3 jobs at once before but I ended up having a complete mental breakdown and going 2 weeks without sleeping...needless to say I cannot pull that off anymore.  I am just wondering if anyone else out there has been 'crippled' by their illness to the point where they can no longer work.  Thank you.

[Lenny]

I feel like that sometimes. Actually, I have felt like that EXACTLY, but I sort of found a way around it. I have always WANTED to work, but my Panic Disorder/Agoraphobis/OCD would hinder that. It would make for me missing days of work, and just being a bad employee in general. I had several dead end jobs, one after another. I always had a HOBBY that I did on t he side to make a little extra cash, but when my disorder got so bad that I could never predict what was going to happen, I turned that hobby into a business based out of my home office. I have been successfully working this job (as a career) now for about 8 years. Have been in the business for close to 20 (althought the first 12 years was when it was more of a 'hobby'). If there is something you like that you can do from a home office, without any time requirements, give it a try. Nothing to lose, right? And there are a lot of jobs out there that you can do from home offices, like data entry, transcription jobs, and more. Take some time & look around the internet for LEGIT home-based opportunities (like by checking the local classified ads online). Or if you can make it to a local state agency - here in Michigan we have 'Michigan Works' - they can help you find a job that fits YOUR needs & abilities, and it is state run, so very legit. Good luck! I feel your pain!

[Lenny]

A side note - there are a LOT of Government agencies out there to help people out who can not afford to get the help they need. Again, I am in Michigan, but I am pretty sure that 'Child & Family Services' is an agency in every state. Contact them about getting help! They offer VERY LOW COST help based on your income. They have psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, anyone you would need to talk to! They would first set you up to meet with a therapist/psychologist for an evaluation, then they would refer you over to their psychiatrist - who is the person you really want to see because they can prescribe the meds you may need! Everyone at Child & Family Services understand how you are feeling & will work with you to help get you better! Check out the local phone book & look for Child & Family Services - or contact your local health department - I am sure they'd be able to steer you in the right direction! GOOD LUCK!!!!! 

[Smoky Jo]

Hello,

Social Security Disability is available to people with anxiety disorders and
depression.  Once you apply it takes 3-6 months before you receive and
Disability checks,  but it is retroactive from the first day you apply.  If you
stay on disability for a year you are then eligible for medicare.  If you are
troubled by your anxiety and depression,  it is not a free ride,  it's the same
as if you had a physical disability.

[AmberR]

Thanks so much guys for the support and information.  I am just mentioning the 'free ride' part because I had mentioned once to a close relative that I was thinking about applying for disability, and they said something about "Oh, that's just for lazy people who don't want to work"....now this person has seen me at my worst and knows what I go through, but obviously has no idea what kind of pain and anxiety it all causes me, or they wouldn't say something like that.  I just hate the fact that 'normal' people do not seem to understand that anxiety/depression are real illnesses and not just some imaginary thing we make up so we can stay in bed and cry all day   I am looking into getting a doctor now, and have called social services in my county.  I really think it's time to get me back on some meds....thanks!