Quote Originally Posted by silkyblue
my sister has appiled for SSD shes been denied 7 times, now she has law counsel )
:stoned:
Thanks for the SSD/SSDI 101! Yes, it's nearly impossible to get without the help of qualified legal counsel. The SS administration is just like any other insurance company about paying benefits. People pretty much have to be terminally ill, in a coma, or with a few, specific clear-cut diagnoses like muscular dystrophy or end-stage congestive heart failure to get it without a struggle. After that, attorneys really need to help because the SS administration will tell regular folks no until the cows come home. This is very frustrating for physicians, who spend hours completing and submitting paperwork for patients who're very clearly disabled and need those benefits to survive only to see them get turned down repeatedly.

Quote Originally Posted by cm8883
Birdgirl, you have no idea how much your words on this topic mean to me. After reading a few of your posts, I looked at your profile and wasn't surprised to find that you were a medical student. Your posts in the medical forum are something I truly look forward to.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 11 years ago; I had a terrible time for a very long time, but now, I'm out of a bad marriage, working part-time, and going to school full-time to get into the medical field, too. I'm able to take care of my child the way a good mother should, and my child is thriving in every way possible.

There IS life after a diagnosis of mental illness. You just have to do whatever it is you have to do (meds, meditation, therapy, etc.) to be a productive member of society.
Thank you for such a kind compliment, CM8883, and your kind words on your rep comment. Glad you're on a steady course now. I've had friends and acquaintances with varying degrees of bipolar. I know it's not easy. My heart goes out to you, and I'm glad you''ve got your sights on a career in the medical field.

The more I learn about psychiatric illnesses, the more that medical specialty is beginning to appeal to me. I have great admiration for clinicians who do a good and ethical job of treating patients with mental illnesses. Goodness knows they've helped me when I've needed it with depression and anxiety. Take care of yourself, OK? And thank you again for your kind words!