Posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 10:59:00
I've posted about this before, but I'd like some more feedback as I'm seriously considering filing for disability right after the new year. I know this isn't really a "med" thread, but I feel there's more traffic here for responses.
For the past several years, my depressive episodes have been too close together and too long for me to realistically work. I taught part-time this spring but had to leave as I had a breakdown at the end of the semester. I also work from home as a freelance copywriter, but I cannot complete my assignments as my depression dictates my days and accountability, and I simply can't concentrate.
I'm at a point where I need to seriously reassess my med regimen (nothing's working right now), perhaps get a new pdoc, and throw myself into therapy (I just started working with a new therapist and I think it's going to work out). I'm too up and down to take on work right now, and I need the time to trial meds, work through things and get myself stable. If I can get the support of my parents financially, I might consider an out-patient program. The bottom line is, I want to put all my effort into getting well so I can have a better future.
Good idea, right? I mean, I can always go off disability once I feel healthy, no? And, even though I truly plan on devoting this time off to attending to my mental well-being, perhaps I can take a low-pressure, off the books part-time gig to fill-up any idle time.
Some additional questions: do the disability laws vary from state to state? Do I need a lawyer to begin this process (and to better my chances at getting approved)? Where do I start?
I welcome everyone's feedback and experience...
Thanks,
bPS: I'm not sure if this matters, but I was never hospitalized for depression. But between 2007-2010, I was admitted to the psych ER twice, did 7 inpatient medical detoxes (for substance abuse) and had 2 impatient rehab stays. These inpatient programs admitted me as a "Dual Diagnosis," so I was treated for mental illness and substance abuse. Clearly, I wasn't holding down any steady work over the past six years.
poster:brynb
thread:1034126
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20121217/msgs/1034126.html