I'm not sure if the recovery forum is the right place, but has anyone had experience with applying (reapplying) for disability in the US?
I have Fibromyalgia, severe/treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety as well as going through perimenopause, and I just can't function anymore. I applied for disability a few years ago and was denied (apparently I was too young and too "articulate", which is incredibly frustrating). I really have tried to make a living my whole adult life and I'm just not enough to do it (not hardworking enough, not smart enough, not disciplined enough, you name it I'm not enough of it). I'm self employed (because I can't get fired for frequently not being able to work) and LOVE my job but don't make enough money to afford to live. So, I've got an appointment to reapply for disability.
I went through the entire process, took two years, had an attorney and went to court (during covid, so over zoom), and lost. There were other things going on and I didn't have the energy or sanity to appeal, so I'm starting over.
What I learned last time, cynically, was not to be fully honest about how my capability can vary with symptoms, and certainly not to try to describe it in detail, since apparently if you can do that you're too smart and don't deserve help.
I feel like this is my last chance at a somewhat stable life. Which, given what happened the last time I applied, feels really like no chance at all.
Does anyone have any advice?
I have Fibromyalgia, severe/treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety as well as going through perimenopause, and I just can't function anymore. I applied for disability a few years ago and was denied (apparently I was too young and too "articulate", which is incredibly frustrating). I really have tried to make a living my whole adult life and I'm just not enough to do it (not hardworking enough, not smart enough, not disciplined enough, you name it I'm not enough of it). I'm self employed (because I can't get fired for frequently not being able to work) and LOVE my job but don't make enough money to afford to live. So, I've got an appointment to reapply for disability.
I went through the entire process, took two years, had an attorney and went to court (during covid, so over zoom), and lost. There were other things going on and I didn't have the energy or sanity to appeal, so I'm starting over.
What I learned last time, cynically, was not to be fully honest about how my capability can vary with symptoms, and certainly not to try to describe it in detail, since apparently if you can do that you're too smart and don't deserve help.
I feel like this is my last chance at a somewhat stable life. Which, given what happened the last time I applied, feels really like no chance at all.
Does anyone have any advice?
