Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
Well I debated on what to do for a while. I really didnt know if I should post or not but here goes. As some may know I have struggled with anxiety, panic attacks and much more for over 23 years. I have worked several different jobs due to my anxiety. I would work a job for a few months and quit because I would start having panic attacks at work. I have not worked since May 15, 2009 until this past March. I took a job at a call center making reservations. Seemed to be a low key job that would not cause me any problems. I was very excited to be starting work again. I worked for two days and then the panic set in. I struggled for almost a month. I was 1 day away from being there for a month when I quit because of the panic attacks. I spent a lot of time in the bathroom hiding so no one would know what was going on with me. I was scared to tell them in fear of getting fired. I finally quit so I would not get fired. Anyway what I am getting at is I filed for disability last week. I hate to do it. They dont pay you very much and I loved working and having money to do things with. I just dont see any other way to get buy if I didnt file. I am wrong for doing this or is ok for someone that has this disorder to get disability? I have been in treatment for most of the 23 years as well. I have never talked with my doctor about going on disability but I have to have money to live on. Please if anyone has any input on this let me know. Thanks
Does the doctor know that your panic attacks effect you to the extent that you are finding it difficult to hold down a job. Does he/she know about what happened with the call center job? And I am sorry you struggled so much with it. I don't currently have a job but I have anxiety when I do work. It's not easy.
Maybe a new approach to therapy maybe in order. especially if you want to work and you loved working. Perhaps Different therapy, better medication
but in the meantime what can you do.
I wouldn't feel badly about filing for disability. I don't think it's wrong. You need help and have a disorder. Just think of it this way perhaps when you get better you will be able to get back to work and claiming disability is just a temporary help. Definitely talk all this over with your doc. you see a therapist? right? I hope it all works out for you, don't worry about it.
I have several freinds on disability for anxiety and deppression, it does take a long time to get though, usually about 2 years, it,s difficult to get but can be done, dont feel bad.
Hugs.
I know it all sounds defeating but it sounds like you are giving it your best and doing things to make sure you are taken care of. In the meantime, if funds are a concern, you can also work from home as a freelancer to make a few extra bucks. Check out sites like Guru.com or Elance.com which offer a variety of jobs. I use them for supplemental income and while it may not always be steady money at first, it's money nonetheless.
Stay strong! You are in my thoughts and I hope things turn around for you very soon.
Xanax is effective for anxiety..but...If you've been on Xanax for the last three years and you were hiding in the bathroom at work because of anxiety its not the answer for you. Please listen to what the doctor tells you in suggesting a new med. Probably an anti-depressant.. so be mentally prepaired for that
Also, if you apply for disability be prepaired to wait about 18+ months. Be rejected twice before you get a formal hearing, have two doctors on your side, seek mental health counciling freequently, and hire an advocacy group that specialized in social security disability issues..
@george I have been on 13 different meds over the last 23 years 12 of them being anti-depressants. I try to listen and do what the doctors say but after that many meds I am to the point none of them are going to work. I was denied disabilty a couple of years ago. I have an attorney now. I dont know if he will be able to help any but I have to try something until I can get myself where I can work.
Thanks for the feedback :)
In other words, lawyers are helpful, but doctors are critical during the this process..Good luck with it.
In the early stages of your claim state doctors will judge your condition through your paper work only, a majority of claims are denied here.
The hearing level..which is generaly the last phase is before an administrative law judge who uses your doctors opinions to judge your claim, about 70% of those who make it this far win there case..Just be sure to have legal council represent you before the judge.
I don't want to be the big "downer" here, because I know you have tried so hard and you wouldn't be doing this unless you felt there was no other choice. But I just wanted to give you those things to think about.