Starting Over

[trying2movefwd]

Hi. So I was hospitalized several times in 2015 and 2016. I became unable to function, each time I tried to work my mental health went down hill very quickly and the stress of trying to work landed me in the hospital. I had a lot of triggers, still do but can cope better now. I had a lot of trouble with meds, that seems to be worked out now. Long story short I applied for Social Security benefits. I am still waiting to hear; however I am doing much better and am highly considering trying to work again. I am eager, but also scared. Have any of you gone back to work at a certain point after being off for multiple hospitalizations? Were you successful or did returning to work increase symptoms and hinder functioning? I want to make the right choice. I felt like a complete failure having major breakdowns during work...the type that land you in the hospital. I don't want that to happen again, but I also don't like how I feel not working (like a mooch). :(

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

With Social Security Disability almost everyone gets turned down the first time except terminally ill, because some don't ask for a reconsideration or die off, some get it in reconsideration especially if its medical, anything mental health wise often gets turned down in reconsideration thus requiring going before an Administrative Law Judge which you have to request just like the reconsideration;

I would suggest you have legal aid look at your filing, they might be able to direct or help you if you need the next step.

I had to go before an ALJ, georgetown law school handled my case (7 students and lawyer teacher) they presented a 30 page brief referring to pages marked by numbers in a stack of records 3 feet high covering my life, hospitals, etc.

from date I filed and got my disability was about 2 years.

 

[trying2movefwd]

I have an attorney representing me. It's such a long wait. Making a decision about trying to work again is difficult.

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

I have an attorney representing me. It's such a long wait. Making a decision about trying to wor...

For yourself and SSA, while your waiting you might volunteer, it's a way of proving either way your ability to work reliably enough to be gainfully employed. "substantial gainfully employable" is what they go by. I did this, and volunteered at a hospital. It was a way to have some metric's of what my functioning level was in a work environment. But for yourself not only can it boost your morale it can be very rewarding helping others.

As to the long wait, I know what you mean, I had to work out of my home to the day I got my back benefits. I got a weird ruling, it made me look like I was messed up I could never reliably work and maintain a job (although I had done just that before). Basically able to work, but not to the degree to stay gainfully employed.