toomuchreality
Senior Associate
Joined: Sept 3, 2011 10:28:25 GMT -5
Posts: 15,557
Favorite Drink: Sometimes I drink water... just to surprise my liver!
|
Post by toomuchreality on Feb 12, 2018 9:23:19 GMT -5
finnime I went through something similar. I'm glad you were able to reach a settlement. Depression and anxiety can be a real bit**. I wish you all the best~
|
|
raeoflyte
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 15:43:53 GMT -5
Posts: 14,711
|
Post by raeoflyte on Feb 15, 2018 10:00:24 GMT -5
My sister was approved her first time through for SS for depression (and she was young) so it can happen. But it is best if you're prepared for a denial and appeals process.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Feb 28, 2018 8:21:30 GMT -5
Final settlement document signed and on file. Checks are expected within a couple of days.
I wrote up the documentation required for SSDI for my doctor to edit and sign. Should get that back and send off within the next week or so.
When settlemment $ is in, I'll get my cert for project management and also join a couple of professional organizations. Slowly turning this ship around.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Apr 20, 2024 8:07:16 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2018 9:28:42 GMT -5
I just read through this thread. I wish I'd been around to cheer you on with the other posters while you were preparing for the mediation. I'm happy for you that you got an outcome you're satisfied with.
i know depression is a monster and many people belittle or just don't understand how difficult it can be to function while in the throes of major depression.
Im very happy that things are looking up for you!
|
|
TheOtherMe
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 14:40:52 GMT -5
Posts: 27,120
Mini-Profile Name Color: e619e6
|
Post by TheOtherMe on Feb 28, 2018 10:53:06 GMT -5
Must be a tremendous relief finnime to have the papers signed. Congratulations!
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,315
|
Post by debthaven on Feb 28, 2018 14:47:45 GMT -5
finnime that is wonderful news! I'm so happy the money is finally on its way, and that you can start enjoying life without this dark cloud hanging over you, and making plans for the future again. ETA: I don't know exactly how old you are, but I'm over 55 too. If I had to go back to school for something, it would definitely be project management!
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Feb 28, 2018 16:05:57 GMT -5
It's funny but I've actually worked as an IT project manager and project director for almost 20 years. I've also taught project management in a graduate program for 4 semesters. However, I do not have a PMP cert - didn't exist when I started. Now everyone seems to want that ticket punched.
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,315
|
Post by debthaven on Feb 28, 2018 16:15:04 GMT -5
Your story also give me hope that one day DH will get his settlement too. I hope you don't mind me saying that.
Could you continue teaching? Would you want to? Teaching is my second career and I really love it, but being an adjunct doesn't pay well.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Feb 28, 2018 17:52:43 GMT -5
I did enjoy teaching, but you're quite right about the pay. I got $4500 per course (one per semester). Nice as an additional income, but not enough to pay the mortgage. I am so relieved and pleased about the settlement. It will ease everything, for years to come. And I'm sure that yours will be soon, debthaven. It has to be!
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,315
|
Post by debthaven on Feb 28, 2018 18:22:05 GMT -5
That's interesting! I get paid MUCH less than that per course, but I do a LOT more courses each semester. At this point in my life, it's financially viable (maybe only because I always worked PT before). But at that price, I certainly understand why it wouldn't be for you.
All the best to you going forward!
|
|
azucena
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 13:23:14 GMT -5
Posts: 5,189
|
Post by azucena on Apr 13, 2018 8:51:29 GMT -5
finnime just checking in to see how you're doing. Also, what are your next steps?
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Apr 13, 2018 9:11:52 GMT -5
Thanks for asking, azucena. I've allocated the settlement to various budget pots with a bunch in retirement savings. Still dogged by depression, so things take too long, but I have also applied for SSDI effective with when I lost my job. Have heard from SSA, asking for more information - functional assessment and vocational assessment. Just faxed those back last Friday. Kind of daunting filling out those questionnaires - what can I do/could I do, and how different things are now from when I was fully able. And this next week I'll get the PMP book and materials and see if my teaching experience can be credited in lieu of taking the project management class. I mean, since I taught advanced project management, it seems that should suffice. Realistically I think I will fare best in consulting jobs of shorter duration for now. Once I have the PMP I'll look at opportunities to network. I'm a graduate of an Ivy college and it has various means to connect alumni. Plus there are people I used to work with, of course. One of my challenges is just getting out there. Got to work on that. Depression sucks.
|
|
TheOtherMe
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 14:40:52 GMT -5
Posts: 27,120
Mini-Profile Name Color: e619e6
|
Post by TheOtherMe on Apr 13, 2018 10:42:38 GMT -5
Depression sucks.
Yes it does.
|
|
azucena
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 13:23:14 GMT -5
Posts: 5,189
|
Post by azucena on Apr 13, 2018 10:53:41 GMT -5
Sounds like you're moving fwd and that is a big win. I found out this week that a good friend of ours had to check her 13 yo daughter into mental health care for a week because she didn't want to live anymore. I was so stunned because one of my worst fears is that I've passed the genetic predisposition for depression on to my daughters. We told this mom that we are willing to help in any way. I later followed up the conversation with an email outlining some of my own battle with depression and offered to talk/listen to this girl. I also came across this blog that really resonates with me in many posts - especially this one: www.theholymess.com/the-4-keys-to-motivation-when-you-are-blah/ The do is so key. For me, I do best when I get outside for an extended period of time every day. Hang in there!
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Apr 13, 2018 11:13:23 GMT -5
I'm so sorry about the 13 year old. My children have both inherited depression from me; my brothers and sister also have been challenged by it. Adolescence is so hard anyway. Adding depression is a real burden. One thought: she will need to have ready something to say when she's asked what happened. Doesn't have to be complicated, but she will want to have something that won't scare other people. Because people.
Doing (anything) is hard. I try to meet some goal every day, but must admit I have to dial it down when I'm wading in the rough. Then a goal is something like tying my shoes and walking the dog. But I've been through this cycle many times before, and will get to the upside. Added another medication that seems to be working well.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Jun 23, 2018 4:52:20 GMT -5
Got denial for first round of SSDI. Now need to file for reconsideration. Gone backward / downward in fighting depression for now. I am sitting up and typing this, though.
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,315
|
Post by debthaven on Jun 23, 2018 4:59:58 GMT -5
I'm so sorry about the denial, but it is apparently extremely common at first. Thinking of you and wishing you the best finnime.
|
|
chapeau
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 10:50:04 GMT -5
Posts: 1,649
|
Post by chapeau on Jun 23, 2018 6:21:27 GMT -5
Got denial for first round of SSDI. Now need to file for reconsideration. Gone backward / downward in fighting depression for now. I am sitting up and typing this, though. I’m sorry. The disability system stinks. From my experience, unless you have a very clear, physical disability, you’re getting denied first round. If I were a gambler, I’d also suspect that the closer you are to retirement, the (slightly) more likely you are to be approved. I saw a man who lost an arm and had severe seizures, both as the result of a car accident, get denied the first round. The common saying around here is that people who used to work aren’t approved easily, since the system needs the pennies it would get if they went out and earned again. From any job. DH used to work in the building where they held the hearings for people who were denied and appealed. He spent some time in the hearings too (he works in security), and said that a lot of those were basically “name of case, disability is approved, next!” He believed it had to do with having an excellent, well known attorney. One of those who doesn’t get paid unless you win. The adjudicators know those firms don’t waste their time (money) with cases that aren’t going to win. So, appeal. The appeal window isn’t long, unfortunately, so if you can find the energy, ask around for a good disability attorney.
|
|
TheOtherMe
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 14:40:52 GMT -5
Posts: 27,120
Mini-Profile Name Color: e619e6
|
Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 23, 2018 7:30:28 GMT -5
I'm sorry finnime I do hope you can find the energy to appeal. Yes, it may take an attorney, but do it.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Jun 23, 2018 12:49:23 GMT -5
I knew the odds were very much against initial application approval, but still harbored hope. I'll ask for reconsideration which is fairly quick. That will probably be denied, too. After that is an appeal with an administrative judge hearing the case.
By the denial letter, they agree I meet their definition of medically disabled, but believe I could work in some type of job. I can't, yet. Struggling with meeting deadlines including self-imposed, concentrating, and stress just knocks me out completely. My depression is severe recurrent, major clinical depression. I don't know what kind of work I could do right now that has no stress, no schedule, no need to concentrate and no need to work 40 hours a week. Even Mcjobs require prompt attendance. WAH stuff has deadlines.
I don't want to go down this hole.
|
|
Anne_in_VA
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:35 GMT -5
Posts: 5,502
|
Post by Anne_in_VA on Jun 27, 2018 7:11:54 GMT -5
I’m so sorry you were denied, but please keep fighting for reconsideration. You may want to think about getting a good attorney with experience with this kind of process, as I understand they usually win the appeal.
Since my sister died in May, I’ve been struggling with depression and have started back in therapy and am back on medication. It’s not helping yet but I’m hoping it will soon. I’ve taken some leave time from work, but not too much as I find I just sit around and wallow.
Good luck with your appeal.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Jun 27, 2018 8:06:29 GMT -5
Anne_in_VA, I'm glad you were able to take off time from work. I'm so sorry about your sister's death. A world of pain in losing a sister. Thank you for your support, too. I am revising my goals. For reconsideration by SS my goal is to write one sentence a day about my condition now. And if that's too much, I try again the next day. My DH has a good friend who represents people filing for SS, and he is helping put everything in the right way for documentation. It seems like so impossibly long ago that my life was satisfying and meaningful in some way, and I could do what I needed and also what I wanted to get done.
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,315
|
Post by debthaven on Jun 27, 2018 13:50:32 GMT -5
My DH has a good friend who represents people filing for SS, and he is helping put everything in the right way for documentation.
I was also wondering, could you (if you were interested) expand your catering? I don't know if you would need permits, etc, which might seem daunting. But you always seem to enjoy doing that when you post about it, and your food always looks amazing!
I hope things look up for you soon.
|
|
Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
Posts: 12,309
Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
|
Post by Artemis Windsong on Jun 27, 2018 16:02:17 GMT -5
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Jun 28, 2018 7:29:21 GMT -5
My DH has a good friend who represents people filing for SS, and he is helping put everything in the right way for documentation.
I was also wondering, could you (if you were interested) expand your catering? I don't know if you would need permits, etc, which might seem daunting. But you always seem to enjoy doing that when you post about it, and your food always looks amazing!
I hope things look up for you soon. TY, Debthaven. I looked into ramping up catering before, but as you mention, there are Dept of Health certification hurdles to jump. I don't think my kitchen could pass muster for larger scale production, nor could I right now. Maybe in the future. As it is I can manage a few hours here and there.
|
|
TheOtherMe
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 14:40:52 GMT -5
Posts: 27,120
Mini-Profile Name Color: e619e6
|
Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 28, 2018 7:50:12 GMT -5
As it is I can manage a few hours here and there. I know this feeling all too well.
|
|
seriousthistime
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 20:27:07 GMT -5
Posts: 4,696
|
Post by seriousthistime on Jun 29, 2018 23:00:29 GMT -5
How old are you, finnime? It is easier to qualify for SSDI after age 55, I hear.
Also, make sure you are fully addressing your psychological impairment and not simply explaining physical impairment (i.e., unable to get out of bed in the morning -- don't just leave it at that).
My brother had a combination of physical and psychological impairments but was only able to be approved for SSDI at age 55. He dug deep, addressed his difficulty with anxiety relating to people and new situations, listed the medications he was on and how long he had been taking them, what his typical day is like, counseling and treatment he'd had and durations of each, etc. Paint a full picture over specific time periods.
I agree with those who suggest you retain a lawyer on this one.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 7,398
|
Post by finnime on Jun 30, 2018 7:05:50 GMT -5
How old are you, finnime? It is easier to qualify for SSDI after age 55, I hear. Also, make sure you are fully addressing your psychological impairment and not simply explaining physical impairment (i.e., unable to get out of bed in the morning -- don't just leave it at that). My brother had a combination of physical and psychological impairments but was only able to be approved for SSDI at age 55. He dug deep, addressed his difficulty with anxiety relating to people and new situations, listed the medications he was on and how long he had been taking them, what his typical day is like, counseling and treatment he'd had and durations of each, etc. Paint a full picture over specific time periods. I agree with those who suggest you retain a lawyer on this one. I'm 58. That's good advice, to be complete in describing my real limitations. I have not done that, I can see, well. Part of it is my symptoms include sludge brain. I appreciate your suggestions of what kind of things to include in documentation.
|
|
seriousthistime
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 20:27:07 GMT -5
Posts: 4,696
|
Post by seriousthistime on Jun 30, 2018 9:03:57 GMT -5
Also, I assume you have medical records to support your psychological history/disability. It's important to have been seen and treated by your doctors over the years. Make sure to include all those medical records in your appeal.
|
|
buystoys
Junior Associate
Joined: Mar 30, 2012 4:58:12 GMT -5
Posts: 5,650
|
Post by buystoys on Jun 30, 2018 11:27:40 GMT -5
Thank you, so much, for sharing your story finnime . ETA: I was also denied SSDI for PTSD, MDD, and anxiety. I've appealed it and obtained an attorney. Good luck to you!
|
|