Sufferer Medically Retired Police Officer

[Deleted member 1860]

Good luck meeting with the Social Security people. I'm on SSDI (social security disability insurance) so I know how nerve wracking the process can be.

I don't have any interview tips as I never personally met with anyone from SS, it was all handled through paperwork. But, be honest. Don't sugar coat any symptoms, but don't exaggerate, either. Make sure that they have ALL of your medical records, especially the ones from your hospitalizations.

I wish you the best.

 

[Olivia Felton]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. The person I am meeting is a counselor chosen by Social Security to evaluate me. Apparently my medical records and psychiatrist' s statement is not enough.

I have a daily diary that I keep all my crazy in. There are over 20 notebooks. Dreams, fears, sleep log, all the meds that have been tried.

I don't really blame my department for the wage issue. I had about a year left before I could have medically retired with my full salary. Yeah, it sucks but that is the price for working in a small town with no union. At least they pay for my psych meds and visits.

 

[Olivia Felton]

You are so brave, being medically discharged and losing so much of your wages, that is totally corrupt in my view

You are correct. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to police officers seeking counseling after a critical incident. There is nothing worse than fearing your badge and gun will be taken away for mental instability.

The good thing that came out of my psychotic break is that the department now requires the officers to attend at least three sessions with a specially trained psychologist after a critical incident.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I think that most people meet with a counselor before approval. I was not available because of multiple consecutive hospitalizations, so I have a feeling that coupled with 20+ years of medical records indicated that under those circumstances a face to face meeting wasn't necessary.

Your history isn't nearly as long, but that doesn't mean your case isn't as serious. The SocSec people just like to be thorough. I really hope the meeting goes well and supports your case.

 

[safenow]

The good thing that came out of my psychotic break is that the department now requires the officers to attend at least three sessions with a specially trained psychologist after a critical incident.

In larger cities, that has been the case for several years now. Thank goodness. It is also required of fireman/women, nurses/doctors, ambulance drivers, paramedics, etc. It is about time people realized what humans need to be able to cope in this life. Ya know what I mean?

safenow

 

[Olivia Felton]

Yeah, I think I do. I worked in rural Alaska. You would think it is idyllic,, but it is NOT what is portrayed in the TV shows. We had all the same probs as the big cities, but magnified since in winter there is no where to escape to.

Because I was the only female officer within 600 miles, I was called in to every case of rape, domestic violence , child abuse. And, because I have OCD, I was a very good investigator, so add homicides and suicides to that mix and it is a wonder I didn't break sooner!

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome. :)