Hi, you are very strong. I have fought this for so long and have not wanted to admit what a real disabilty ptsd is. I know I need to be as strong as you. I just beleive there is a cure and I have been able to make it with my old investments.

A psychiatrist offered to help me with getting disability payments because I have a dual diagnosis-PTSD and physical ailment. I made the personal decision not to do it because I already had terrible self esteem issues related to my abuse and I felt that being on disability would just make things worse. However, I definitely do not consider you or anyone else who has done so to be a wuss. On the contrary, I believe anyone who attempts to tackle this awful disability is very strong and need to access whatever resources they think will make this task easier for them. Please I would like you to realize that you are not a wuss, you are a very strong and brave individual who deserves to feel better.

I did not really have a choice because my physical disability took over my body.

I'm on disability collecting insurance from my past job.

I feel like a wuss too. I'm glad I'm not the only one. How do we empower ourselves when it seems like half the population doesn't believe the condition exists?

I still have hope I can go back to work. I really can't tell if I'm deluding myself. I constantly feel confused about what to do next.

i also agree based upon different states.
washington must not be as picky or something.
of course most people in washington i know can get on it easily so i dont know.
what bothers me the most tho, is ive heard stories of how some people will go into DSHS (Dept of Social Health Services) and lie or fake just to get disability. One story in particular stood out to me. Some dude went in there and just as he was signing his name to some papers, he stabbed his hand all the way through the hand and paper and said ok, its signed. And they actually gave him SSI that day. Lol to do something like that, i dont know, maybe the dude really was off.

There is a lot of abuse of the system here in Canada too...it is sooo frustrating to say the least. I know of plenty of people personally who have scammed in order to get money.

I'm in SSDI for PTSD. I feel the stigma...like someone said, it is hard being on SSDI and nobody understands what PTSD means.

I am in a state where seriously disabled people apply and get turned down. My psychiatriast helped me to get my claim accepted straight away. I was surprised...I'm hoping to work again...and if I can't deal with work I can go back on SSDI. At least I have a fixed income and I'm not homeless. Thank the good Lord.

Recently things with my PTSD got so tough at work that I seriously looked into disability. But, work finally listened, and reassigned me to a less triggering environment. Now let's hope it works, and I can manage another year.

Don't be ashamed of needing help for a severe disability. I know how symptoms of PTSD can interfere with being successful on the job.

I am not on disability, but would not ever call someone who is genuinely struggling with PTSD a "wuss."
I did recently contact the state regarding services for persons with PTSD, and this angered me...

I had approached them with a general inquiry regarding "vocational rehabilitation." I have a PTSD diagnosis but have not nor do I want to be categorized as "disabled." I want to work, even enjoy working. I just don't want to work in a proverbial torture chamber.

My inquiry with the state, was to assess whether I would qualify for vocational rehab services without the "disabled" status. I was informed (initially) that the disabled status would be necessary.

Although the representative I spoke with did not directly say this, she insinuated about abuse of the services (to get help with re-education/training).
This insinuation pissed me off.

Except for two years of college, I have worked 33 years of my life and have had over 50 employers. This is not consistent with someone who is taking advantage of the "system."

I clearly stated that I wanted to work, but that I was observing obstacles as a result of my condition.

The fact that the system requires that one be certified as "disabled" in order to receive services also represents a trap, not to mention the fact that it (in and of itself) fosters dependency.

I truly want to work and to continue working and believe that an adaptive approach to my PTSD is the best, however it is challenging and therefore I need help.

When I spoke to another rep with the state yesterday (who actually has PTSD herself), I was told that (in fact) I would be eligible for their services.

I understand that it is very hard for many. I truly do. However, I often find myself caught inbetween assumptions that my condition is a disability (or liability) and the inability to receive the services I need because I do not want to be certified as disabled.

I think it is ironic that every time they review my disability status, there is a question that asks if I want vocational rehab to be able to go back to woork at a job that I could tolerate. I always answer with a big YES! but there never was any resources available for that in my state. Or they don't think I am a good candidate for vocational rehab?

Luzi,

I just applied for financial aid this morning to enroll in school again for re-training into a different occupation. Keeping my fingers crossed. With or without their help, I am trying...it just would have been helpful to have some support in this process...if even to reinforce the application. I am applying as "dislocated," not as disabled. Will find out if I am approved in just a few days. Should go through fine, however.

My current plan is to find work in and move into the community where I'll also be going to school. I have abandon any opportunity for help in the process. I sure could use it tho.

I just wanted guidance and advocacy most of all. Wasn't looking for a free meal ticket. I know there are lots who abuse these services, which is probably why they are so insinuating.

You are resourceful, too, Luzi. I am confident that you can also find your way around it.

I would rather adapt to the PTSD by changing my occupation than assume disability. It will cost me, of course. But I don't like the alternative, which costs me in other ways. The career I have chosen is a complete switch from what I have done, but after training, exposure to triggers will be reduced by about 70 percent. It will also be more lucrative.

I am saying a big, big prayer.

I think it says a lot for your courage and tenacity that you filed for and GOT disability. I worked for Social Security for 30 years and after a while, I gave up trying to guess who would get it and who would not.

When people I thought were truly disabled got denied, I would kind of coach them through the appeals process, telling them what to expect, what to emphasize on the forms, stuff like that.

On the other hand, I saw people get disability when my gut feeling was that they were frauds.

And I referred a number of cases for investigation when supposedly "disabled" people were actually working "under the table" for cash and trying to cheat the system. Nailing those cheats was one of the most fun part of the job.

I suppose I should add here that my experiences in one of those offices - nine years under the Wicked Witch from Hell - contributed to MY PTSD. I managed to survive her and get transferred to a better office, but it was a struggle to hang in there long enough to retire.

Again, I congratulate you on surviving your way through the beaurocratic maze. You are most definitely NOT a wuss.

madbookworm:
lol u sound like my mom does now, she's having a hard time with a boss lady at the hospital here. mom calls her psychotic. she's strong tho my mom so i dont think it will lead that far, to PTSD i mean. but i totally understand, hear it everyday.

madbookworm,

Hooray for the good people at SSDI!

I applied for SSDI after 2 years (physical injuries from assault at work and PTSD excerbated from 'under control' to 'complete hell on planet Earth). My shoulder was surgically repaired 2 yrs after my work injury. I applied for SSDI & expected my claim would be denied -that seemed to be the norm.

I was completely surprised at the swiftness my claim was approved.

Since, I have had another trauma resulting in cervical fusion & total hip replacement. PTSD exacerbated once again. It is not yet 'under control' but I'll get there. With God's help and time.

I have complex PTSD (trauma upon trauma) from lifelong trauma; birth to age 57.

One psychiatrist told me, "You might never be able to work again." My heart sunk. I started to believe the pdoc and my depression got worse. Another pdoc in the same medical group used to scream at me, "When is the last time you went to church", she is a Irish Roman Catholic. I'm no longer a patient there!!!

Through CBT therapy, EMDR, and meds, I have decided that the pdoc's were 'out of line and should NEVER have said those words. I started to believe it.

I am out to prove them wrong and after two semesters at college I am going to try to work again. I sure hope they will be of help with the "Ticket to Return To Work."