So Proud

[AbejaReina]

I'm so proud of myself. The SSI process has been a pretty stressful one for me. I dread the phone calls, I dread the paperwork, I dread the idea of not being accepted and what that would mean for my future. Well, I took a huge step and finally (after a month of procrastinating) called an attorney and set up an appointment for later in the month. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I'm still nervous but I feel like I can really win this things.

Cross your fingers for me

 

[triceps]

I'm so proud of myself. The SSI process has been a pretty stressful one for me. I dread the phone calls, I dread the paperwork, I dread the idea of not being accepted and what that would mean for my future. Well, I took a huge step and finally (after a month of procrastinating) called an attorney and set up an appointment for later in the month. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I'm still nervous but I feel like I can really win this things.

Cross your fingers for me

Can I ask if you have a history of seeing a counselor or psychiatrist? Like you, I put off for over a year applying for disability because the process itself caused too much anxiety. Finally I made the call and filled out the application on-line. The only hurdle they put me through was an interview with their psychiatrist. I was accepted the first time which made me think "I must really be crazy" as only 1 in 5 get approved on their first application. The whole process was so much easier than the horrendous amount of worrying I did about it. Good luck.

 

[Rinka]

I'm so proud of myself. The SSI process has been a pretty stressful one for me. I dread the phone calls, I dread the paperwork, I dread the idea of not being accepted and what that would mean for my future. Well, I took a huge step and finally (after a month of procrastinating) called an attorney and set up an appointment for later in the month. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I'm still nervous but I feel like I can really win this things.

Cross your fingers for me

That's great. You must feel much better, having made that step. Getting over your own fears and resentments is always that hardest. Let's get it going and update us about any developments please

 

[AbejaReina]

That's great. You must feel much better, having made that step. Getting over your own fears and resentments is always that hardest. Let's get it going and update us about any developments please

I met with the attorney's office and it went amazing. I cried but I'm glad because it means I'm opening up and being more honest with others and myself. I also was more honest than I've eve rbeen the day before with both my PCP and my counselor. I'm so thankful I'm finally opening up and being the real me, the vulnerable me.

 

[AbejaReina]

Can I ask if you have a history of seeing a counselor or psychiatrist? Like you, I put off for over a year applying for disability because the process itself caused too much anxiety. Finally I made the call and filled out the application on-line. The only hurdle they put me through was an interview with their psychiatrist. I was accepted the first time which made me think "I must really be crazy" as only 1 in 5 get approved on their first application. The whole process was so much easier than the horrendous amount of worrying I did about it. Good luck.

I do have a history of going to a counselor, yes. I have seen many psychiatrists over the years for intakes and such. I actually have one coming up... there is just a long wait at my counseling office. Counselor doesn't know how long it will take to get the appointment. I've also been hospitalized a few times and talked to psychiatrist then, too.

The disability process really does bring up a lot of emotions. It's so much harder than what I've been doing for so long and that's been me trying to hide from the truth.

I'm glad you got it the first time. I've been denied a few times. Finally met with an attorney the other day and I'm so proud of myself for finally not backing down. It's getting easier to be open to help and be more vulnerable and honest. I've started to bring my journal to appointments.

 

[scharley1973]

I'm so proud of myself. The SSI process has been a pretty stressful one for me. I dread the phone calls, I dread the paperwork, I dread the idea of not being accepted and what that would mean for my future. Well, I took a huge step and finally (after a month of procrastinating) called an attorney and set up an appointment for later in the month. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I'm still nervous but I feel like I can really win this things.

Cross your fingers for me

i just posted something about disability. idk what to do really? ive had this for over 20 years but what does lawyers or the disability people need to know? i had it BAD in my 20s, i was agoraphobic too and hospitalized, it was scary. ive managed it for alot of years but here as of late its come back. vicious and strong. im calling the ems about once a month because i think its my heart idk. i have other physical issues so, i have no clue whats happening to me half the time anymore. i thought maybe it had something to due with my change of life, going thru menopause? becuz alot of me has changed with that. its freaky...i can be fine one minute and be a total bitch the next. thats just not me any advise about the whole disability thing would be wonderful. ive worked on and off until now..its gotten too bad, its hard for me to drive places w/o someone with me anymore PLEASE HELP.

 

[triceps]

i just posted something about disability. idk what to do really? ive had this for over 20 years but what does lawyers or the disability people need to know? i had it BAD in my 20s, i was agoraphobic too and hospitalized, it was scary. ive managed it for alot of years but here as of late its come back. vicious and strong. im calling the ems about once a month because i think its my heart idk. i have other physical issues so, i have no clue whats happening to me half the time anymore. i thought maybe it had something to due with my change of life, going thru menopause? becuz alot of me has changed with that. its freaky...i can be fine one minute and be a total bitch the next. thats just not me any advise about the whole disability thing would be wonderful. ive worked on and off until now..its gotten too bad, its hard for me to drive places w/o someone with me anymore PLEASE HELP.

Hi Scharley. That stalking thing goes both ways. I'm so used to it that it's one of the reasons I rarely leave the house. (NOT) Can I ask when was the last time you were working? I went through the disability process without a lawyer and the folks at SSI were very helpful with the process. You fill out a lengthy questionaire at the social security website, they do a follow-up call confirming your information and will set up a one hour session with their psychiatrist. Couple weeks later you receive a decision and if accepted they backdate your benefits to when you applied or when they determine you became disabled.

 

[scharley1973]

its been about a month since i quit my last job. but i was calling in or taking unpaid leaves months before that. i just knew it wasnt fair to do that to them anymore. when you have a job people need to rely on you i wasnt so dependable. the whole disability process sounds fairly painless and easy. i was told it takes people sometimes of having to go thru that process several times before they approve you, if they even do. thats why a friend suggested the lawyer i guess. idk?

 

[triceps]

its been about a month since i quit my last job. but i was calling in or taking unpaid leaves months before that. i just knew it wasnt fair to do that to them anymore. when you have a job people need to rely on you i wasnt so dependable. the whole disability process sounds fairly painless and easy. i was told it takes people sometimes of having to go thru that process several times before they approve you, if they even do. thats why a friend suggested the lawyer i guess. idk?

You certainly don't need a lawyer on the first application. Maybe after denial. Just go to the social security administration website and look at applying for disability section. I got accepted on the first decision.

 

[scharley1973]

You certainly don't need a lawyer on the first application. Maybe after denial. Just go to the social security administration website and look at applying for disability section. I got accepted on the first decision.

thanks triceps youve been very helpful to me on this site. i appreciate all your feedback and comments.

 

[triceps]

Right back atcha scharley, if you'd like some suggestions, from my own experiences, on how to cut down on the Xanax, let me know.

 

[scharley1973]

Right back atcha scharley, if you'd like some suggestions, from my own experiences, on how to cut down on the Xanax, let me know.

i will definetly do that...thank you so much! i just need to get a better grip on this again before i start weeing. i think its probobly time to go back to therapy.

 

[triceps]

i will definetly do that...thank you so much! i just need to get a better grip on this again before i start weeing. i think its probobly time to go back to therapy.

When you decide to cut down, get your same prescription except in .5 mg pills.

 

[scharley1973]

When you decide to cut down, get your same prescription except in .5 mg pills.

morning triceps...hope this day finds you feeling good and anxiety free! i feel good today, so far. except ive got a sore throat from handing out candy last night to all the trick or treaters. me and my fiance love doing it tho. we dont have children and like it that way. just being honest, for me, i always felt...i can barely take care of myself w/my anxiety and panic how am i suppose to take care of a child? i do give it up to all you mothers and fathers out there tho that live with this disorder and have a family your stronger people than i! but no, i wanted to ask u triceps about why you suggested going to a .5mg tab of xanax? couldnt i just split the 1mg tablets i already get? you dont suggest me cutting back 2 whole mgs a day? that seems like alot just starting out to ween off. i take the 4 1mg tablets a day. i know i couldnt cut every dose back by half it makes me anxious just thinking about it.

 

[triceps]

morning. the .5 mg are so you could cut back ,5mg every ten days or so. you'd be taking more pills at a time which psychologically helps seem like you're not cutting back so fast if that makes any sense. It also helps you take less when you have to take an extra pill during a crisis.

 

[scharley1973]

morning. the .5 mg are so you could cut back ,5mg every ten days or so. you'd be taking more pills at a time which psychologically helps seem like you're not cutting back so fast if that makes any sense. It also helps you take less when you have to take an extra pill during a crisis.

morning. the .5 mg are so you could cut back ,5mg every ten days or so. you'd be taking more pills at a time which psychologically helps seem like you're not cutting back so fast if that makes any sense. It also helps you take less when you have to take an extra pill during a crisis.

o i get it it makes perfect sense! thanks!

 

[AbejaReina]

i just posted something about disability. idk what to do really? ive had this for over 20 years but what does lawyers or the disability people need to know? i had it BAD in my 20s, i was agoraphobic too and hospitalized, it was scary. ive managed it for alot of years but here as of late its come back. vicious and strong. im calling the ems about once a month because i think its my heart idk. i have other physical issues so, i have no clue whats happening to me half the time anymore. i thought maybe it had something to due with my change of life, going thru menopause? becuz alot of me has changed with that. its freaky...i can be fine one minute and be a total bitch the next. thats just not me any advise about the whole disability thing would be wonderful. ive worked on and off until now..its gotten too bad, its hard for me to drive places w/o someone with me anymore PLEASE HELP.

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through!

Honestly, what I did was get a list of Disability Attorneys from my DSHS. I went through and googled each and looked up their online ratings. They do the rest from there. They will tell you everything you need. For the first appointment, I needed my ID, a list of all my medications, a list of all hospital stays (if you don't know they can help you research just give as much info as possible), address. I had to sign paperwork saying I understood that they only get paid if the case is won and how much of the money they will get out of my first check.

It was so simple. I now check in with them once a month and need to type up my diaries (the parts I want to share) to help with my case file. It's a really long process sounds like but they do all of the work for you and if you ever have questions or are having trouble for any reason you just give them a call and they will help

 

[AbejaReina]

its been about a month since i quit my last job. but i was calling in or taking unpaid leaves months before that. i just knew it wasnt fair to do that to them anymore. when you have a job people need to rely on you i wasnt so dependable. the whole disability process sounds fairly painless and easy. i was told it takes people sometimes of having to go thru that process several times before they approve you, if they even do. thats why a friend suggested the lawyer i guess. idk?

Oh my gosh. I went through the same thing with work. Just let the SSI people know as much of your story as you can think of and they will help you out.

 

[scharley1973]

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through!

Honestly, what I did was get a list of Disability Attorneys from my DSHS. I went through and googled each and looked up their online ratings. They do the rest from there. They will tell you everything you need. For the first appointment, I needed my ID, a list of all my medications, a list of all hospital stays (if you don't know they can help you research just give as much info as possible), address. I had to sign paperwork saying I understood that they only get paid if the case is won and how much of the money they will get out of my first check.

It was so simple. I now check in with them once a month and need to type up my diaries (the parts I want to share) to help with my case file. It's a really long process sounds like but they do all of the work for you and if you ever have questions or are having trouble for any reason you just give them a call and they will help

thank you so much for the advise! it helps and motivates me even more to actually get up the courage to do it. it makes me anxious thinking about it but im anxious most the time anymore anyway so...its something i need to do.

 

[triceps]

Lawyers are great. However, you truly don't need one for your initial application. The folks at SSI are very helpful and go the extra step if they think you've got a legitimate claim. You want a distraction? Go to the website and fill out the very lengthy application form. Then just wait a few days and they'll call you to verify the info on the application. The only time I had to show an ID was to the psychiatrist who interviewed me. Gather up the info for the medical providers you've seen over the years including address and phone number. Has your anxiety made it unrealistic to work full-time over the past year? That's what you have to prove and the fact that you can barely maintain at home or drive alone are just some of the barriers to future work. Don't lie or embellish at any time during the process. They're good at picking up on that and will hurt your case. You're disabled, that's the reality. I think that you've got a decent chance getting benefits the first application. If not, lawyers are great. But they'll take a decent chunk of your initial benefits.