Psych brought up the "D" word today

[VivaLasViejas]

.....as in "disability".

A year and a half ago, we had a brief discussion about this in which he told me he would never sign off on a disability claim for me, because he believed I was perfectly capable of working full-time as a nurse. Well, somewhere along the line there's been a corner turned, and without saying it straight out, he indicated today that he would support me if I filed for SSDI.

Although we both think I should continue applying for jobs that don't involve actual patient care or irregular hours, I feel a little bit of relief that disability is an option. I don't want to file, but something tells me I'd better because I know it takes a long time, and people are usually denied the first time or two. Thing is, I don't have the foggiest idea how to do this, and I need to hear from nurses and others who have applied for SSDI as to what the process is like, what sort of documentation I'd need etc.

Some other things: do you have to be examined by different doctors, and if so, who pays for it? Do you REALLY need an attorney? How long does it take to get a hearing? And what do you do for income while you're waiting?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

[OCNRN63, RN]

That's the thing. I can't work as a nurse, unless it was as an advice nurse or something "behind the scenes". I can't handle pressure anymore, and as we all know, nursing is loaded with it. I also have physical problems that render me unable to stand and walk for long periods of time, reach over my head, stoop, kneel etc. Do I have to file on the basis of my mental illness alone, or can I use both the MI and my physical ailments?

This is so pathetic. I don't believe in living off the taxpayers, but I'm rapidly running out of options and I'm sure not getting any younger or fitter. I never thought I'd find myself in this position.

You are not living off the taxpayers. Repeat this out loud: "I am not living off the taxpayers." You paid into the system, and now you need help. This is part of the social contract we have with each other.

​I think you can file based on the totality of your illnesses, not just one. I know in my case, all of my issues were included.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Thank you, everyone who's posted so far. I appreciate being reminded that SSDI isn't welfare or charity, because I do not want to be a burden on society. And there has been excellent advice given here, which is so important because I really have no idea what I am doing.

I've about made up my mind to file. I've been in contact with an attorney who specializes in SS law, and she says I definitely qualify given the scope and severity of my disabilities. This is still hard for me to grasp; I've always taken pride in not letting my health problems get in the way of doing what I wanted (and needed) to do---not my weight, not my arthritis, not even my bipolar. But it's all catching up with me now, and every time I get knocked down it's harder to get up.

I'm still going to look for a job I can handle. I suppose I can always cancel the SSDI thing if I find one. At this point I think all I could manage would be part-time hours.....full-time just does me in. I get the willies just thinking about going back to a 40-hr. week, although it might be different if I loved the job. But then, I loved my assisted living job, and we all know how well THAT turned out for me.

Guess I've still got a lot of thinking to do. Thank you again for helping me process all this and advising me on how to proceed.

[sandy144]

I had a social worker at a hospital do it and I got it right away. I had a check within four months which is quicker than anyone else I'd ever heard of. You need as much documentation as you can possibly get. Every hospitalization, every specialist.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I had a social worker at a hospital do it and I got it right away. I had a check within four months which is quicker than anyone else I'd ever heard of. You need as much documentation as you can possibly get. Every hospitalization, every specialist.

That's amazing. As it turns out, I did get a lawyer and filed for SSDI in late August. Things seems to be moving along OK, I've been through the first two rounds of paperwork. I happened to be hospitalized in early November (my first) where I saw a whole team of psychiatrists and social workers, so there's some more documentation there. I also think my chances are decent because I have bipolar 1 (most severe form of the illness) and am over age 55.....I read some information on the SSA site that says they do factor in an applicant's age, and they consider 55+ to be of "advanced age" and thus it's harder to adjust to another type of job.

I agree. I've had absolutely NO luck in finding a job I can do, and I know my age is a disadvantage. (Not to mention the fact that I held three different jobs in a year's time.) At this point I don't think I could work, even if I could find a job. I'm a stress monkey who becomes way too easily overstimulated and can't manage competing priorities or fast-paced environments, and aren't they all fast-paced these days?

I'm sure I'll have to see a SS psychiatrist and perhaps a regular doctor since I've got physical problems as well, but I'll do whatever I need to. I don't expect to get it on the first try, so I'm prepared for a denial even with an attorney because mental health issues are the hardest to prove. Thanks for sharing your story; it gives me hope. :)

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I wish you luck Viva. You are always an advocate for mental illness and health issues on Allnurses. I hope this process goes smoothly for you. I know the process of filing alone can be stressful. I think paying the extra for an attorney is smart. They want to get paid so their goal is to get you approved. Not to mention it's helpful to have someone crossing the t's and dotting those i's for you.