from Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse Bipolar disorder (manic depression) can become so incapacitating that work is impossible. Therefore, issues with Social Security Disability arise. Found here are resources and information for navigating the difficult process of applying for and receiving disability.
I Can't Hold a Job! What Do I Do? For many people with bipolar disorder, the ability to work is seriously compromised. Debilitating depressions, manic-based bad decisions, struggles with medications and side effects as well as psychotic features, panic attacks and other extreme symptoms of this illness make it very difficult for some to obtain or hold a job for very long. A possible solution may be disability - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What Is Disability? Disability is a very broad term that compares actual ability to normal functioning. It is also used to refer to a number of federal and state programs that provide assistance to those who are disabled. The two most common programs that fall under the umbrella of disability are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Medicare and Medicaid are also components of these programs.
Is Bipolar Disorder a Qualified Condition for Disability? What is the US Social Security Administration's position on granting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to those with bipolar disorder? Social Security does understand -- at least as far as one can tell by reading its rules -- that mental health issues can be very serious.
We have three active forums full of people just like you - people who love to share their personal stories and experiences, people who just want to talk to other people who understand. Feel free to join these or any of the discussions.
1) Is Klonopin Addictive? My psychiatrist says that Klonopin is a mood stabilizer and a benzodiazepine that loses its effectiveness and needs to be titrated up. He would rather that I take Klonopin for taking the edge off my racing thoughts with the complimentary rock concert background music that is ever so present in my head. So, how addictive is this med? How much of a mood stabilizer is it?
2) Freaked by Weight My boyfriend tells me I am crazy to think I am fat. I look at parts of my body with full disgust. I used to be a gym freak. I was obsessed. A therapist told me that my constant gym visits were causing manias. That made sense, but now I won't even walk into a gym because I no longer have muscles. Anyone feel this way?
3) Worried About Having an Episode Pretty sure I have bipolar disorder. I've read about "meltdowns" and "breakdowns" in these forums. I have avoided going on meds because I keep thinking, "It's really not that bad; I can control it." But I worry about what these horrible episodes are that are the final straw for many of you. Am I headed for one?
Cholesterol Resources Are you concerned about high cholesterol? From heart-healthy diets to alternative therapies, find the information you need to be healthy. Learn more
My understanding is that depressive illnesses take a HUGE toll on worker lost productivity and even impact the economy. Does anyone have any up-to-date numbers...
Hey...Glad to see you posting; unfortunatelly I dont have any figures on this loss of productivity. It sure would be interesting to know how many dollars a...
hi all , we have to remember that bipolar disorder, along with depression and all related disorders don't have to be debilitating illnesses. with proper...
Hi Rosemary... true, however we live in th emedical model society yet, and as such, i adhere to its precepts more so than to th emodel of wellness, however, i...
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