Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

8,893 Members
129,609 Posts
3 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Stuck in repetetive thinking trap

nemo15
nemo15

I am struggling. My disability appeal hearing is the beginning of September, and I can think, literally, of nothing else. My mind just keeps going over it again and again and again...I spoke with my lawyer this past week. I have my last pdoc appointment before the hearing this coming Thursday. I've gone over and over the criteria for the "listing" I am claiming as my disability, BD, statistics for winning versus losing according to state...I am making myself physically ill, giving myself nightmares. And I have 19 days left until my actual hearing. I can't keep this up, and I don't know what to do. This situation is completely beyond my control. There is nothing I can do but wait for the hearing date to arrive. My brain is stuck in this repetitive thinking cycle, and I don't know what I can do to stop it, fix it. I'm crying, physically trembling. It is so scary to think of what happens if I don't win my appeal. This is my last chance to finacially contribute, in any way, to my continuing existence. My mom and BF have been saddled with caring for me for a very, very, very long time, and they both cannot afford to continue on as they have in the past. I just keep seeing an ending, not the potential for new beginning. It is eating me alive. 

MayB
MayB
Hi Nemo,

I'm so sorry you are going through this and I think we can all empathize with this struggle....gentle ((( hugs))))

When a lawyer is involved your chances of getting SSDI are vastly improved...

That's the truth and I sure hope it becomes your truth!
SensitiveHoboLady
SensitiveHoboLady
Yes, a lawyer can take all that on for you. Let he/she be the relief in this stressful time. I haven’t been in this particular situation but I’ve definitely had anticipatory anxiety about big events in life. For me it’s about regulating my sleep, whether that means taking my prescribed Ambien more than non-stressed times or trying to take walks or watch an old favorite movie or something. Overthinking things is something I do during the anticipation and it’s really uncomfortable feeling.

I hope it all goes well for you. Deep breaths....
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
Hey there. I went through all of that too. I was denied for disability twice, filed two appeals, waited MONTHS for a hearing date. And I had my hearing 6-12-18. I just got approved yesterday. It’s a process. I was told the only sure way to know you are getting approved is to get a lawyer. So the odds are in your favor.
OlderCPer
OlderCPer
When your brain is stuck on the hamster wheel you have coping skills you can use to break the cycle.

Deep Breathing and Relaxation Exercises
Conscious Thought Redirection Exercises
Brain Training Apps like:
Luminosity
Cognifit
Fit Brain Trainer

These kinds of things take your brain in a different direction and force it think of something else.
irishwriter
irishwriter
being stuck in a loop of anticipatory anxiety is awful. relaxation exercises help. a quick calll/chat with your pdoc could help a lot distract, distract, distract in whatever way you can and take an extra /xanax/klonopin/ativan or whatever you might have in that family of meds. you could even get your pdoc to prescribe a short a short course of any of these meds to help you through the next nineteen days. sending you good thoughts that you will get a positive result. let us know how you are getting on.
AnnieToman
AnnieToman
Yes disability is taking a hit since DONALD TRUMP took office , this way his rich cronies dont have to pay as much taxes and the little guy suffers , my disability went down 10%, so his rich buddies had something to wipe there butts with. well not so intelligent americans elected that SOB now they are paying for it.
Jenniferswe
Jenniferswe
I have been stuck in that loop It is a awful thing to experience. I'm sorry you are going through this. Big hugs
MoobbusT
MoobbusT
Here is how I'd frame it. You are in the right. You are a legitimate case for help that hasn't been processed yet. When your lawyer sorts it out you will either have a negotiated agreement with the government or you won't.

What you don't know is your BATNA, or best alternative to a negotiated agreement. You won't know that until you examine the available options after being unfairly treated as an unsuccessful application and choose the best one for you to pursue if that occurs.

Once you know your BATNA things will become less overwhelming.

Best of luck
Deckard
Deckard
I get stuck in the repetitive thinking loop. Hang in there. Hope some good news breaks that loop.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • GreenEyes727

    Therapist Appointment Tomorrow

    Posted by: GreenEyes727
    Last Reply: GreenEyes727
    5
    I have a possible new diagnosis to discuss with my therapist tomorrow.  It might be the answer to a question that I have had since I was 19.  It's called Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).  It happens to a large percentage of people with ADHD, which I have.  Actually, I have been watching videos about ADD/ADHD lately.  I remember my Mom telling me that she watched a show on ADD and she...
  • GTTMbutstillme

    Saturday Check In

    Posted by: GTTMbutstillme
    Last Reply: SunCloudJD
    5
    And I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.We're going to the Squatch Fest! (Bigfoot)