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.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> Thanks to everyone on this website. It makes me feel like I'm not so alone.
poster:Annie
thread:5320
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990401/msgs/5373.html