Short Term Disability & Long Term Disability

[intothelight]

It seems that most PTSD sufferers hit a time in their lives where they have difficulty performing the duties required of their current position, are unable to maintain employment, or unable to find employment. What type of disability benefits are out there for PTSD sufferers?

 

[Iam]

I am wondering the same thing ITL. I have been able to work successfully for most of my life. Though I do see a pattern of job hopping, but with each I have been successful until now. I work and prove myself. Prove I can perform and then after doing so, I fall back into depression and move on. I quit my last job almost a year ago and went into business for myself. Now, however, being in intensive therapy I find that I just can't concentrate and do what I need to make it. My husband has given me until the end of the year at which time we will re-evaluate where I am at.

I really don't want to go on disability but feel like I need to at this point. How do I even begin to start something like that? Do I need a psychiatrist to make the recommendation?

 

[catjudo]

If you live in the US and are wanting to apply for Social Security Disability, you can initiate the process yourself with an online application. It can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/ You should make sure you first thoroughly read through all of the information they provide and are aware of the requirements.

 

[intothelight]

I am going to apply as I cannot hold a job any longer. It is with much guilt that I do this. Even though I have been involved with our company, I cannot perform the duties that I did and we need to hire someone to do what I did. In all honesty, I am now more of a liability than an asset. On a good day, I can get dressed, see children of to school, go to work and make coffee. Don't ask me to make even little decisions (only one type of coffee), because I just can't handle it.

Unfortunately, this was the last area where I held my own. Basically, I am totally worthless.

Intothelight

 

[James B.]

Intothelight, I doubt you're totally worthless. :smile:

Filing for SSDI is not easy for me, either. Resisted this for a long time myself. What it's going to do is essentially buy me some time to re-order, and re-assess my life, goals and my relationship with myself and the "exterior world'. Time to "train my brain" and self educate my communications, develop new more refined skills. Re-think, and re-train my relationship with myself and society. Plus, I may go berzerk and get into some ultra-nerdy computer stuff just for kicks; some "mental gymnastics".

It may not be forever, but it doesn't matter. I paid my Social Security quarters and so the insurance is legally mine. For about 6 years, maybe more, I resisted this. Call it denial or inability to recognize just how bad my anxiety disorder was, and how badly the stress was disaffecting me - whatever. Hindsight, right? It was a mistake, wish I'd initiated the process sooner. 'Course, have arthritis to back up my claim. Nevertheless, for me, true self esteem can only come with accepting the limitations I have, and may - to a degree - always have. But, not only accepting them, using them; my arthritis tells me: "use your brain". My anxiety disorder tells me: "master your emotions" (in the exterior world). How can I not accept this and go with it. Still, by moderating my life for a period of time, at least there is the chance of recovery and real measurable progress. If I keep the pedal to the metal forever, doubt there'd be much chance of a breakthrough.

 

[Iam]

All I know is that there is no way I could hold down a job during this stage of my healing. It is putting a real stress on our finances. Like you James, I have paid into the system and could really use the help right now. I want to work....I hate the thought of asking for help, but I want to focus on getting well.

 

[intothelight]

Work was my way of coping, and even though it was not healthy coping, at least it was socially acceptable. Work also defined me as a person, and it was all that was left when I feel everything else was stripped away. It was where the "normal" me existed and a last venue of social contact.

I am really having a hard time with this since I have lost my primary means by which I defined myself and coped with the world. However, I need to focus on recovery first and foremost, and maybe try to let "myself" evolve and let go of the "negative, worthless me". When your're stripped down to nothing and hit rock bottom, it is just a really difficult place to be.

Knowing that disability is not a handout is one thing, and accepting that it is necessary for me is another.

Intothelight

Intothelight

 

[James B.]

For sure, could've written your last post. Intothelight.

Work was such a huge part of my identity. My feelings are, for me, if I put the same level of energy into recovery as I put into my working life, something has to come of it. If I get down and study this thing - my trauma/anxiety disorder and its inherent complexities - do the work it seems measurable progress is near definite. It's going to be (is) hard work, but I can sustain it; the grind. It's a new era for me, a new chapter and am liking it. It's certainly an "adventure". Lately my mantra has been to "not think" (habitual) but to "feel". Not "anger" but emotion... All this "stigma" stuff... For me? It's gotta go. :smile:

Good luck Intothelight, and thanks for this thread.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I ended up hitting rock bottom before applying for ssdi. Actually, I did not fill out my disability application. My family did it for me while I was in one of my many hospitalizations. And I was approved on my first try, about 3 months after the paperwork was filed. What helped me the most was having psych records dating back 20 years along with quite a few long term hospitalizations. Whatever you do, IGNORE what you see online about everyone getting denied on the first try. It simply isn't true. Approximately 25% of applicants are approved on the first try. It's only the disgruntled ssdi rejects who complain. They are more vocal than those of us who were approved, making the process seem even more daunting.

 

[catjudo]

I, too, was approved on my first try in a very short time frame. I was too sick at the time to recall exactly how long it took. It was during a hospitalization that it was suggested to me that I apply. My family also helped me with the application process.

 

[PainX2]

I have all the forms completed to send in to my Insurance for STD benefits through my work. I know that I need to do this in order to make sure that I can still pay my bills but it feels like faxing in those forms is just a failure. My job defined me as well. I was/am great at it. I don't know how to be this person.

 

[Jawn]

Hang in there PainX2. My wife also went on STD for a time and it did wonders to help relieve her stress levels and she started therapy at the same time. It was a positive thing for her and she has returned to work and so far the old stress levels have not returned. I think the time off will help you a lot.