Posted by Gracie2 on February 24, 2003, at 21:04:28
In reply to Crap...here we go again....., posted by tina on February 24, 2003, at 9:19:21
Do you have a diagnosed condition? My therapist just told me that with my professional diagnosis of bipolar disorder, I would qualify for early social security benefits. My initial reaction was that I should be somewhat ashamed to recieve "government aid", but my therapist laughed. She said, "How long have you been working?" I said, "I worked at least one full-time job for over 20 years. Whenever we needed the money, I worked two jobs until we caught up."
She said, "So you've been paying into the social security system for over 20 years. And the way things are going, it's certainly possible that the system will no longer be in place by the time you're 65 years old." She didn't say, "If you live that long." Manic depression is lethal.So I'm in the process of applying for benefits myself. At this point in my life, I'm too unstable to work at my profession as an x-ray technician. Although I'm very good at it (hell I should be after all this time) stress whacks me out. Also, I just can't be around drugs, my control in that area is still poor.
If you have a diagnosed mental condition, this might be an option for you too. At least you won't starve until you can be self-supporting.
In the meantime, get creative! I make extra money by selling books on amazon.com. This is ideal for me because it requires a minimum of human contact. I don't have to deal with people face-to-face at all except at the thrift stores where I scrounge for books, the office supply store where I get mailing materials, and the post office.Good luck to you-
Gracie
poster:Gracie2
thread:203299
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030223/msgs/203530.html