Are You On Disability For Ptsd?

[GhostedGirl]

I've always had difficulty keeping- or staying- at a job because I always struggle with authority figures. I become increasingly paranoid they hate me, are judging me and think I'm a bad worker. I get an overwhelming sense that I'm a burden on the company and eventually quit. The physical symptoms are the worst. Stomach aches, diarrhea, head aches, shaking pretty much all day. Muscle tension too, one day half my scalp went numb during a rush of customers. I'm currently trying to get work doing art from home, but it's difficult to make any sort of profit. My husband works to support both of us, and the guilt is sometimes overwhelming. :(

 

[NIKI]

Magdalen, I can so much relate to that. I alway feel that I am being judged and about to be fired. Even though I try so hard to do everything right and never try to make any trouble.

I've always had difficulty keeping- or staying- at a job because I always struggle with authority figures. I become increasingly paranoid they hate me, are judging me and think I'm a bad worker. I get an overwhelming sense that I'm a burden on the company and eventually quit.

 

[broken_one]

I have been at the same job for over 8 years. They offer no disability. I have no choice. And due to other medical problems we have a mountain of debt. I drag myself to work 5 days a week and I am fried by Friday. I rarely get out of my pjs all weekend. I have no social life. I am on medication, otherwise I doubt I could get myself to work. I cry both ways, and I have a crappy job. I need a new one, but the thought of changing jobs is too overwhelming and it will mean at least a 2-hour commute both ways until we can move with is even more overwhelming. So I am stuck, which adds to the anxiety, depression etc. Vicious circle for me I'm afraid.

 

[NIKI]

:(I'm so sorry you are in that awful position broken_one.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

I have been receiving disability benefits for 16 years now. When I applied, I had already had 3 short-term disability leaves, then got fired. That threw me into my 2nd hospitalization for major depression, then got viral meningitis right after. I'm sure that's why I was approved the first time. My medical records charts were huge!

From what I've learned, it might be best to file first on your own. They collect all the medical records, and make a determination. I couldn't deal with the paperwork, so went in to the SS office to apply. I cried during most of it, and I'm sure it was obvious to them that I wasn't able to work. It would be sad to have to share the settlement with the lawyer, if you don't have to.

In 2005 and 2006 I made several work attempts, but had lost too much of my confidence and emotional strength needed to deal with the medical world as it is now. It is my understanding that one can work a certain amount and still receive benefits. We are allowed 5 work attempts in 5 years. Not sure what the amount is now. A 'successful' month for me was anything over $440 back then, it may be different now.

It took me a very long time to accept that I am 'medically retired'. I volunteer with Angel Food Ministries, and try to stay busy. I care for my parents...and they care for me. I'm 54 and they are 77 & 80.

The best way to survive? Don't give up and stay in therapy if you can!

 

[Tosh]

Sorry if you got offended when I used "on disability" in the title of this post. It simply does not mean the same thing as "on drugs" or anything else for that matter. It just means what it says. For some reason, it seems kinda petty, and you know what they say. Don't sweat the petty stuff, and don't pet the sweaty stuff. So, I guess it just depends on your point of view if you get offended or not. It certainly wasen't meant to offend anyone.

I just filed for disability for the first time. It was so hard. Part of me feels let down. I would like to be able to work, but its impossible for me right now. I've been in weekly therapy for about eight months, regularly see my general practioner, and have seen a psyciatrist. I'm on meds for PTSD. I really hope that's enough information. I haven't worked since September of 2010. I've been supported by my now ex-fiance, but now I have to find a way to support myself. I struggle with the huge emotional waves. There are times that I can't concentrate and other times when I completely break down. I stopped working when things would happen like I'd just start crying at work. (I was a waitress, it was really embarassing) I can't flip an off switch when it happens either. It just happens, and I never know when, or how long it will last. Sometimes images are connected with the emotional waves. It's really tuff to deal with. Sometimes the emotion can last for a couple days.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

(((Tosh)))
I remember too well, falling apart at work! It would be nice if there was an on/off button for our emotions, and tears!!
Don't give up!

AKJ

 

[Bill Dickerson]

I've been on disability for 7 years now. Surprisingly I didn't have any trouble getting it. I figure the folks at the SS office didn't want THAT crazy son of a gun coming back. I wanted to go back to work ASAP but I was in a very bad place. Who am I kidding I still have bad days.

I can't stand not being able to do something but it's hard to focus. I've been trying to find something I could do on my own. I don't play well with others anymore and I don't don't tolerate stupid at all.

I think the hardest thing is being afraid I will fall back into that deep hole. The flashbacks and ghosts are few and far between but they always seem to catch me by surprise. I fear those surprises since I never know what or who or where they will show up.

 

[No-Twitch-Tabitha]

I'm really trying. I enrolled myself on lumosity to help improve my memory, they even have a ptsd course to target problems with memory specifically related to it.

Lumosity is great, isn't it? I've been using the games more often for my memory, and I seem to be losing words now that I've been out of work since February. I did the PTSD course (when they were running the 14 days free special), and it helped so much. It's just a great site all around.

 

[No-Twitch-Tabitha]

Oh - got distracted by an earlier post.

I want to work - I don't want to go on disability until I have exhausted every other resource or option. It's a personal thing; I just want to feel like I've done everything possible before I go that route.

 

[Bill Dickerson]

I have trouble concentrating sometimes but that's the anti-depressants. Like a women can't live with them can't live without them.

I can understand about not wanting to go the disability route. I had exhausted all of my savings and I was borrowing money from family. It was a huge ego killer for me to walk into the SS office. It is a big stress reducer knowing I won't be living in the bed of my pickup. It created some breathing room for me to work on me. I definetly needed it and I still do.

 

[survivor101]

I have trouble concentrating sometimes but that's the anti-depressants. Like a women can't live with them can't live without them.

I can understand about not wanting to go the disability route. I had exhausted all of my savings and I was borrowing money from family. It was a huge ego killer for me to walk into the SS office. It is a big stress reducer knowing I won't be living in the bed of my pickup. It created some breathing room for me to work on me. I definetly needed it and I still do.

If one is drawing unemployment, can you still apply for disability under ssi??