You age may make it hard to get it. I think it can become a cructh and actually hinder you from ever working. I personally think the system need to be over hauled so many people are getting it while others like your dad who need it can't. I would try working as long as you can the more you do the more you will over come your anxiety. Doing thinsg we don't want to do because of anxiety is the key to healing and wellness. In the end only you can decide if you should. Just be prepared for a long road ahead to getting it.

@Kristen: Yea that is how I feel too. I WANT to work and be normal. I lost my job a few months ago and have fallen into this deep depression that I can't get out of.

Kokokitty:

If you decide to do this realize that this is a long process. You have to prove that is a condition that is causing you not to be able to work. I have a friend who works for SSA and she said that you have to prove that you have a severe enough case. Go to SSA.gov. I hope this site helps you.

I had thought about doing this myself but my friend who works for them told me that my case wasn't strong enough.

Yeah it is tough for younger aged people to get disability but if you do try make sure to document everything that you have going on.

You don't have to be this way forever. You could try to get benefits in the meantime so you can focus on doing cbt to get better so you can eventually get a job. Anxiety and cod are not life sentences.

I have an appointment with vocational rehabilitation on the 19th. They may be able to help me get help for my anxiety and help me learn to drive. They may help me get some benefits in the meantime too.

Honestly, you'll never really know if you qualify until you apply. I had a VERY strong case and was approved within a few months. I have been placed in the most severely disabled category with improvement not expected. If you do apply then make sure you give them ALL of your medical records. Every little bit counts. And yes, I do have feelings of shame related to being on SSDI, but that is a common feeling amongst disability recipients. Nobody WANTS to be on disability, but it is good for those of us who are ill enough to not be able to work. Good luck!

In your father's case, it may be the medical records do not provide the evidence needed.
If your medical records provide the evidence of your disability, it is easier to be approved.
Check out the website and fill out the entire application as much as you can. That will give you an idea of what is required for the disability determination.

Part of me resents anyone who gets on disability, because this is yet one more person I am working hard to support. But there are people who genuinely need it.

Getting on disability for anxiety will be a mixed bag. You'll feel relieved that there is some income rolling in, yet further crippled by anxiety because you can't do anything to better your financial situation, lest the government get wind of it and cut off your benefits.

I say embrace the anxiety and continue to look for work in an environment that is as low-stress as possible. In addition to bringing in a paycheck, holding down a job is great for establishing a rythm and stability to your life, and for teaching you how to effectively interact with others.

I have already signed up for dissability. You can get it. I feel like you do . I rather not be on it cause there's people in the world that need it more than others. I feel like a loser cause I can hold a job. I always get fired or let go. I have explained this fo my husband. He always makes me feel better. But I am ashame for not being able to work. but I have no other choice I cant keep a job and I have a kid..