Are You On Disability For Ptsd?

[Tosh]

How many of us PTSD sufferers are able to hold jobs while dealing with the symptoms?

 

[BostonVeteran]

Chronic Pain,Mood Disorder from Chronic Pain, PTSD

 

[AngelaMarie]

I have been told I am disabled (PTSD), however, because I am not a citizen in this country I have no right to benefits. That's okay with me. My husband works and I take care of cooking, cleaning, and my boys. I still have a job!!! I take care of the most important thing...my family. My husband brings in the money, I manage the house and finances. It works! We get by, we pay our bills, have our food, clothes, etc. That is what is most important to me.:)

 

[Tosh]

You are right AngelaMarie, that is a full time job!!

 

[AngelaMarie]

Tosh,
Thanks!! It's nice to hear!!!:tup:

 

[Ted Moen]

I was medically retired from the workplace due to ptsd 6/29/2001, so I am approaching my ten year anniversary of being medically retired. Prior to that I worked 32 years at an assortment of jobs, military and civilian first living out my symptoms in the workplace, then working at learning to manage my symptoms while working. I went from job to job, or from position to position pretty much due to acting out in the workplace. I finally participated in a 3 month inpatient program for ptsd in 2001 and felt tremendous on completion of the program. Following the program I returned to work with theraputic support. In less than 30 days back at work I was back in the condition that got me sent to the inpatient program to begin with. The fact was the level of stress I experienced in the workplace triggered ptsd symptoms at a level I could not manage even with theraputic support.

In the almost ten years since being medically retired I have been able to manage my symptoms and focus on the positive side of learning to live with ptsd. I now participate in a set of relationships and activities that are appropriate to my age and current situation. Life always has challenges, my wife who supported me so well for so many years has developed alztimers the last few years, but my current situation includes feelings like joy and accomplishment and well-being. I feel very fortunate to have the kind of support the VA and SSD can provide to those who are able to manage their symptoms well enough to make it through their systematic processes.

Ted

 

[JohnnyM53]

I was able to work for 33 years. But as I took on more and more responsible jobs, my stress level went up.

I retired medically over three years ago. The cumulative effects of a life time of chronic stress and depression and poor sleep took its toll on me.

 

[Reclusive]

My PTSD is work related and definitely disabling, considering I can't have people over, can't talk on the phone, and can only go three places in town and authority figures of any kind terrify me. PTSD with psychosis, Chronic Depression, and agoraphobia.

 

[Linda Lee Bogard - King]

It has always been difficult for me to maintain long term employment unless on my terms. Often, I left on my terms. My attitude was short, snippy and work harder - I would get angry at customers who could not understand simply billing procedures or employees who couldn't follow instructions - I would scream - 'how hard is it to do what you're told?' If people didn't move fast enough on the job I'd yell at them to stop being lazy asses. (Auto parts and salvage yard -all guys) - And, I was brutal as a publisher - the stress was too much - one too many dead bodies and all. I am on disability for PTSD and other health issues, too.

 

[TLight]

Count me out. I've tried working all my life and it has always been incredably difficult, usually ending up in disaster, more trauma and moving on. I've tried so many jobs, and I still think I can work. But every time I try, I end up spiraling down eventually.

I've been disabled for 3 years now. I'm just now accepting and mourning the fact I can't work.

 

[shadowchaser]

I tried to get disability for it but was told by the judge that ptsd is not a legitimate disability that qualifies for government assistance. I asked what type of job I would be able to do and the specialist they had at my hearing said mechanical pen assembly. I asked where I could find this job and was told there are over 10000 positions in my state. I again asked where and it was made clear to me that they did not know where.

So they are basically saying you are not messed up enough to get assistance but I qualify for an imaginary job that can't be found.

Well my imaginary friend thinks their crazy.

 

[Sqweak]

My mom keeps pushing me to do this, but I'm unsure if it's something I'm willing to do. Considering how going on disability could effect any SSI I receive later in my life. I also don't think I can possibly handle more rejection in my life. If you do try to apply I would really like to hear about the process.