Are You On Disability For Ptsd?

[Loloma]

Although I have had PTSD since childhood I have managed to function in the work place until 2009. My physical health declined rapidly and I was under a lot of stress then from work and relationship problems. I left for several months to stabalise and then returned. However after 5 months my health went down again. I was fired just before Christmas 2009. My boss invented some excuse, but I know he didn't want to take the chance off keeping me on.

I waited till February 2010 before I applied for disability pension, my pride stopped me. When I went in for the final interview, the lady who spoke to me really surprised me. She knew of my many medical problems from the doctors report. In her opinion I was still able to work part time, until she made a comment asking me about my depression and mental health. This was a one liner note after the medical report!

I told her about my PTSD, the origin and the ongoing traumas I had encountered over the years, she sat there with her mouth open. She rubber stamped my application on the spot and said not to worry I would never have to work again, and when I turned 65 it would change over to old age pension. In a way it never occurred to me that it was SO bad. Now that I write it all on this forum and hear comments from others I realise that it was. If you are on your own without support, you survive, you can't let your guard down as you have no one to turn to.

Since then I have never encountered any problems, have had ongoing support and help when needed relating to my pension. They have always shown me compassion and understanding.

Just wanted to add that it may have been easier for me to get a disability pension in Australia without to much as I was 61 at the time.

 

[Butter-Bee]

I have to work. Don't know how I manage, as it is doing so much damage to me.

Same as me, im on sick leave at the moment which i will get a warning for when i get back but i go as much as i can even tho it makes me worse.

 

[Barberian]

I am retired/disabled US military. My retirement/disablity payment leaves me below poverty level. I am unable to function in society usually, so working is out of the question. If it wasn't for the church helping me with food my wife and I would either be homeless or starving. There is no way to sell our house any time soon, so moving to a cheaper house isn't an option unless we lose the one we are in.

 

[cjf2010]

I know how hard it is to survive just on the disablility, that's why I'm giving it all I have to manage my symptoms and try and let go of some of the past. If I wouldn't have my family around me I never would have survived the last decade or so. I'm lucky to have the support I do from the people I love. I don't think some people realize that not having the financial means to survive only compounds the stress for people with PTSD, and just creates a viscious cycle for us all. I hope everything works out for all of you, you're in my thoughts!!! :barefoot:

 

[scattered]

The kind of disability I receive is called TTD meaning temporary total disability. It has yet to be determined how permanent my disability will be and it has been a year and a half so far.

I see a Doctor on a limited basis. I was allowed 12 group therapy sessions through his office. The group did not have ANY other members with PTSD, just regular work related stress and physical injury so I was somewhat isolated.

I have been left twisting in the wind a few times when my medical didn't get updated in a timely manor and I have been cut off with no income. The whole process has been very stressful.

I am finding it extreamly helpful to find other people I can relate to here.

 

[cjf2010]

I haven't had too much trouble with medical care for my PTSD since I started, but the insurance I have isn't very good for things like dental care though. The biggest problem there is, it causes stress due to not being able to get everyday preventitive care. I'm hoping going to school will help with some of the mental issues I still deal with and in the end I will be able to work a job that isn't too stressful so I can have a steady income and good insurance without the disability that I receive now.

 

[scattered]

I told her about my PTSD, the origin and the ongoing traumas I had encountered over the years, she sat there with her mouth open. She rubber stamped my application on the spot and said not to worry I would never have to work again, and when I turned 65 it would change over to old age pension. In a way it never occurred to me that it was SO bad. Now that I write it all on this forum and hear comments from others I realise that it was. If you are on your own without support, you survive, you can't let your guard down as you have no one to turn to.


I am glad you found a way to get the help you needed! Becoming your own advocate seems to me was the key from what you said.

 

[scattered]

I haven't had too much trouble with medical care for my PTSD since I started, but the insurance I have isn't very good for things like dental care though.

The medical I have only covers things related to the incident now, I lost my good insurance because it cost 364.00 a mo to maintain it. My current income is 761.00 and I am not able to pay my bills, let alone insurance.
I am an artist---however I have not been able to paint at all since this...I guess I need to feel safe to be creative . I think I could live by my art ....if I could do any...I am thinking about re-training too, but I have trouble retaining information- a lot - so would you let me know if you find something you can do, or even think of ...

<Edited - there is no need to quote entire posts.>

 

[cjf2010]

Yeah, I sure will. I know all about the not being able to retain information. I was diagnosed with agoraphobia in approx. 1998 or 1999, it took me a long time and a lot of work to get where I am today. I have the state insurance since I receive SSI benefits, so I really don't have to pay for my insurance except for the co-pays which are very reasonable.

 

[Philippa]

Loloma,

There are some amazing people at Centrelink who will make exceptions to the rules once they have heard your story, as you know. I've had a pretty good run in that respect, and did not really experience the same degree of it being a "machine" as others would have. I had humans work with me, and they did show me some compassion, and my story isn't even as horrific as many others out there...so I do need to review my former opinion about centrelink...it has changed, and that is due to the numbers of good people within the system who are willing to hear people like you and me and really do their best to make sure we feel supported and don't have to go through any more hardship if it isn't necessary and if they can help it.

Glad to hear it all worked out for you. I hear you in regards to waiting so long because of your pride though...I'm a Leo with a Leo sun rising...I've got waaaaaay too much pride.

 

[soulofLC]

I don't think some people realize that not having the financial means to survive only compounds the stress for people with PTSD, and just creates a viscious cycle for us all.

How true, how sad and true.

 

[soulofLC]

I just went to my P doc today and she was probing my symptoms. Do you still have nightmares? How often? Do they affect you? I wanted to smack her. Just tired of these short, brief inquisitions. I feel stressed and torn up afterward. I think I need a new doc!

In the states, getting good treatment is next to impossible without good insurance. Don't move here if you need to be on disability. Trust me on this one.