Posted by jerrympls on November 11, 2005, at 18:56:53
In reply to Re: OUT OF WORK ON DISABILITY FOR DEPRESSION?, posted by jeminiwmn on November 11, 2005, at 17:47:23
HI-
I can relate somewhat. I've been dealing with depression for 14 years. My depression is treatment-resistant and kept me from working for a long time. I moved to Minnesota in 2000 and got a good job there that gave me benefits. I was able to get to work on time, etc and not have my depression effect work for about a year. After that I started to decline at work and finally told my boss about my depression.
She was very understanding and had me talk to Disability Services so that they could accommodate me - like if I needed to work from home, etc.
Unfortunately my depression worsened and more and more I was missing work and/or late to work. Finally I had to take unpaid time off under FMLA - which allows for 12 weeks unpaid - but benefits remain. I still wasn't well when I finally returned to work 3 months later. Finally in June of this year I took a voluntary layoff because I just couldn't work.
I've been unemployed since July 1 and recently (Sept) moved to Wisconsin. I've been trying to find work but it's been hard. I almost landed in the hospital last week because I had stopped taking my meds and had gotten so depressed I could barely get off the couch.
However, now I'm doing a bit better but still having trouble finding a job w/ benefits. Under my severance plan from my last job, I get to retain my benefits until Jan 1, 2006 - which has been great but scares me because I won't have benefits unless I pay for COBRA benefits @ $400/mo! I'm living on unemployment and can barely pay my bills.
I've thought of trying for SSI - but I hear it's a long process - one where you usually have to get a laywer to appeal because of the denial. Apparently you have to be almost brain dead to get SSI.
I'm 33 years old and don't have a carear and still have to beg my parents to help out with my financial situation - which is hellish in itt's own right.
So I can empathize somewhat. I wish I had some good advice for you - but I don't . I only can wish you luck.
Jerry
poster:jerrympls
thread:577732
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051106/msgs/577864.html