bipolar and disabilty

I was diagnosed type 1 about 5 -6 years ago, my doctor and case worker have been pushing me to sign up for disability bennys. does anyone else out there receive the benefits? I feel guilty for having signed up. I mean it is not like I quit trying, I have had 55 jobs in the past 15 years. does anyone have any thoughts on this. how do you explain to people that think you are just giving when you sign up for bennys . My dad thinks that bipolar and other mental illness is for people who just give up!!!! Your thoughts are appreciated

Jim

[Delusion]

It doesnt matter whether your dad is a cop, a war veteran or a genocide survivor let him live with bipolar for a month and i promise he'll experience a new kind of hell to anything he has previously experienced. That is all.

[eagle50]

I've had bipolar all my life, ALL my life.  Knowing all I know now, I can tell you my father also had it (as did his father).  My dad was also like yours, never, ever ask for help.  Well, sometimes you just have to, period, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  If my father had, perhaps he'd still be with us today.  Instead, he looked for his answers in a bottle (as did his father).  I, too, am in my 50s now.  I am also collecting SSI DI because, as I age, my condition worsens.  Don't know if this is standard, but who really knows?  I do know it's not a cop out.  I too worked hard all my life, starting at the ripe old age of 12.  Not saying this is where I want to be, but for now, it's where I am.  Spend your time concentrating on yourself, healing yourself, being GOOD to yourself and let the rest of the world worry about everything else.

eagle50

[ILADVOCATE]

If you are not able to work because of your disability SSDI is an appropriate option. If you feel able to return back to work there are programs that Social Security provides that can help you at that time as well. You'll need conclusive and detailed evidence from your psychiatrist (as well as from a doctor if you have a physical disability). As well if you are denied don't give up. Appeal it. Many people who are denied at the first level win on appeals. If you want more details pm me but a good place for finding out how to apply and if you are denied representation is your local independent living center:
http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html
As well google "disabilitysecrets" for a good reference site and go to the Social Security website itself ssa.gov and go to "questions". This all should be of help. Let me know.

[cowgirlnerd]

I have always heard that it's next to impossible to get benefits. Examples:  You have to be out of work for over 6 months - you can't do any work, etc.; you can't be qualified to do any type of work.  My issue is that I have -over the last several years-, worsenened - which has caused me to have to take lesser jobs and incomes.  

Even though I work, it's torture to not know where I am in my mental health day to day.  My pdoc feels that the stress I have at work increases my depression and my "episodes".    I question everything, avoid things because I am paranoid and don't want to get fired or yelled at, have problems making decisions.  It's just horrible.  

ILADVOCATE - I know you have a lot of insight on this issue - is it possible to be working to go to disability?  I just feel like if I could get a "time out" so I could get better for awhile, I could go back to work.  

Advice?

[ILADVOCATE]

That's complex. If a person's disability worsens to the point where they can't work they can recieve SSI/SSDI and then it will be discontinued when they start work again. If a person with a psychiatric disability needs time off to adjust treatment it all depends. I know when I had to go for my last disability review my psychopharmocologist explained I was at the Clozaril clinic (outpatient) and since that's a last resort med my SSDI was continued without further concern. A routine adjustment of meds might not work but if someone was doing poorly and destabilizing yes but the psychiatrist would need to document it. As for me now I would need not meet the criteria for my psychiatric disability but I would for my physical disability so it all depends. Of course a person has to be entirely truthful as its a government benefit (especially at a fair hearing before a judge) but specific evidence from their psychiatrist or doctor and a good advocate (or lawyer if needed) to assist them is often what wins it.

[theguts]

You shouldn't feel bad about going on disability.  I am 30 yrs old and on disability.  I want to work but I cannot.  It is nothing to be ashamed of.
My dad is also like yours.  He doesn't believe in mental health.  So we don't discuss it; we find other topics and get along just fine (he is in a depression and self medicates with alcohol).
Anyway, don't look down on yourself.  Focus on getting better and if you get better while on disabiltiy they have many programs to help you get back to work.  This does not have to be permament.
Also, if you lose your claim on the first try, appeal.  Especially if you live in TX.  I have heard that this is the hardest state to get disability.  Don't give up.  You deserve the help!