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2024 🤔
Know Your Rights: Bipolar Syndrome Is Eligible For SSD
Bipolar syndrome is a serious disorder that can often occur with other mental disorders such as anxiety or schizophrenia. It often requires medical treatment. Bipolar syndrome can be so severe that a person cannot work. In that instance, Social Security Disability (SSD) may be needed.
Receiving SSD is not a guarantee, but it is a possibility that can be considered. Many attorneys are qualified to assist you with this process. Most disability attorneys will not charge a fee unless you win benefits. There are things that you should be prepared to do during the application process.
How Serious is Bipolar Disorder?
Mental disorders such as bipolar syndrome must be medically documented. In other words, it must be diagnosed by a doctor or a mental health professional. There must be records kept by the professional that indicates the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. According to the standards set by the government, the condition must be expected to seriously limit your life experience for at least the next 12 months. Social Security uses a book called the Blue Book to measure whether or not you will qualify for benefits.
Getting a statement about your condition from your mental health provider or your doctor can be very helpful. This statement could talk about how much work you missed during the last year because of your bipolar syndrome. It could discuss the side effects you experience on a regular basis because of medication. This letter will be beneficial to the application process.
What Can I Do For Benefits?
Be prepared for your initial application for benefits to be denied. Do not let this discourage you. The majority of people that apply for SSD are denied the first time. This is why it is important to work with an experienced disability attorney. An experienced attorney can take care of a lot of the paperwork for you and deal directly with Social Security on your behalf. Having an attorney working on your behalf will take stress off of you; you will be able to focus on your treatment.
Waiting isn’t easy. The initial process can take up to six months to receive a decision. If you are denied, you can appeal. The appeals process can be lengthy. Be prepared to gather documentation, to see doctors, and to attend a hearing.
During the application process (and of course after the decision), follow your doctor’s instructions. Take your medication. If you do not, Social Security can decide that you are non-compliant and deny your claim. If you cannot afford your medication or therapy, please let someone know.
Other Information On Bipolar Benefits
There are other criteria that must be met. Things that will be looked at include age and work credits. If enough work credits aren’t available, you may be eligible to apply for SSI. SSI is a needs based program with its own set of standards of eligibility. Standards for SSI include the worth of personal assets and monthly income.
Bipolar syndrome is a lifelong condition, but it is treatable. If you are unable to work, consider applying for disability to help provide for yourself and your family. Doing this one act could reduce feelings of worthlessness and anxiety while you are unable to financially contribute.
Robin is a blogger for The McMinn Law Firm, a business and personal injury law firm in Austin, Texas. She has seen loved ones suffer severely from crippling mental disorders and knows how much help can mean.
The winds of change
The winds of change never blow gently, but rather often come at gale force.
I have so many things piling up on my plate right now that i have no real idea as how to effectively address them. My brain is stuck in teenager mode right now where the very basic concepts of things are alluding me.
I consider myself rather spry in most aspects of life, finance, technology, and the like. However, I feel like a child stood before a board filled with the most advanced mathematical formulations, and told to solve it, and I just learned my ABC's yesterday. This metaphor is the best that I can come up with right now.
The probable changes that are up coming is that I have given more thought that usual to the idea of moving into a rent controlled apartment. If my new prescription drug plan that medicare is wanting me to change over to is going to be $86 on most months, this is going to be the only way that I am able to pay for things and still live indoors. This coupled with the fact that my rent is going to increase by $50 starting January 1 makes the cost of living such that I am in the negative before the next month begins.
I also am still having car troubles and have yet to hear anything about it or the price tag outside of what I have already paid on it. A sum that really placed me in a head lock and bent me over, considering that Christmas is just a few days away.
All that I do know is that I am going to have to prepare to make some drastic changes. Im going to have to cut the fat from my already emaciated lifestyle. At the moment of typing this, I honestly have no idea where these changes are going to come from, let alone how they are going to affect my life going forward. I probably wont have a good grasp of what to expect until June or July, when I have had several months of having to scrape by.
The only solution that I can see right now at this moment is getting out from under the $750 monthly rent that I pay. I understand that it is a drop in the bucket in contrast to the surrounding areas and the nation. But when 98% of your income is going to just placing a roof over your head, and now the probability of having 1.5% going to monthly medications, that leaves very little wiggle room for anything else.
So I am leaving my worries, fears, questions, and quibbles to the universe and or whatever god or goddess or higher power may exist that finds my "problems" significant in the over all grand vastness of the universe, or that the very least my egocentric ideology that something like the universe or a deity would even see me on their radar.
Where have I been?
So I know it has been forever since I've updated this. But if you have been following along with the Podcast or the YouTube channel then you will know that I have been writing a book. And along with doing that, I have been having some ups and downs with my health, and a ton of stress here and there.
I start with my biological egg carton. So she's been homeless, and then she was living with a lady, her son, his girlfriend, and another woman. That all was a toxic soup of wiggers and ghetto dealings. So she was living in transitional housing after having left that situation. But her health has really taken a turn for the worse, and regardless of what you believe, I blame the COVID Vaccine.
She was never one for poor health, and certainly never one for being in the hospital for anything. Since getting her shots she has been in and out of the hospital for a total of 14 times. She's now moved out of the transitional housing and into an apartment. I honestly don't expect her to be there that long. I've already warned her that her next stop is going to be a nursing home and to be a full ward of the state at that point. She's still using meth, and is already doing everything that she did prior to becoming homeless the first time. I've talked with her social worker and told him in not so many words, that she needed to be in a care facility if this didn't work out.
I've had some excitement with my car. I decided that I wanted to take out my neighbors mailboxes. In doing so, I cracked my windshield, and left a huge gash all the way down my car. That cost me over $80 to fix. And now my check engine light has come on sporting the error code P0026 which can be anything from a valve sensor, to low oil. Thankfully I think it was just low oil, because my car has a small oil leak and I have to get it topped up every week to week and a half, and well I hadn't had that done when the light started coming on. I don't like to bother the service station that I go to if they are busy, even though it is part of my service for having my oil changed there. So I'm supposed to call the car dealership and have them diagnose my error code and give me an estimate on how much it will be to fix it. Which being only a few days before the holidays start, and I having no money for the repairs let alone that holidays I have no freaking clue what I'm to do.
My mental health has been fairly stable over the last few weeks with the threat of depression sneaking in, but only being a mild form of disappointment and being sad. Which is a nice change from the crippling depression that I normally face.
I'm still going to the YMCA Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Though they've had some staffing issues, and have been closed a few days here and there. But its becoming more of a habit and a way to socialize rather than the exercise it once was, if I'm to be honest. I still push myself to try and get the workout that I need. And I do feel better going there. Not only for the socialization aspect of it, but because its helping me to get a bit stronger. I am going to try and get aback out on the trails and do my walking again this coming year. Even if that means just starting over from ground zero and building myself back up to the walk. I may have to start using CBD products again just to power through the pain and discomfort. But with degenerative disc disease being the latest prognosis, it explains why my lower back is always in pain.
And as I mentioned before, I am in the process of writing a book. It is a daily inspirational quotation book with writing prompts and journaling areas. The book is for self help from the point of view of someone who has depression and mental health issues. As of the time of this post I have 158 entries left to write, and then I can begin formatting it and then work on getting reviews, and then getting it published. I don't have any grand ideas or expectation's that its going to fly off the shelves and that I'm going to become a literary genius over this work. It's more of a work of love at this point. That even if it can help just one person, it would make it worth it. Though when I do get it published, I already have another book in the making that I could then focus my time on.
So when I'm not busy working on the book, the podcast, or the YouTube channel, I have been doing crafting. I've been making handmade journals, and traditional style witches brooms, and doing other assorted crafts. I'm trying to get at least one thing in my house done a day, and need to have someone come over to take a look at a few things that are above my paygrade, and handyman abilities.
But in all it has been a very short, but long year thus far. And with all the ups and downs found within the dynamic's of life, here we are in a nut shell.
I hope that you take a look at the YouTube every now and then and check out the Podcast too. And look for my book coming out. Im giving my self a publish date of March 2025. Ill be updating all the socials about it, and of course here too.
My Mental Health has gone down hill
So over the last few weeks, my mental health has taken a steep decline. Up until July 11, 2023 I had almost 9 months of good mental health days. I was happy, and feeling optimistic and just good. But it all started with my car breaking down and the subsequent falling of dominions thus after.
After my car broke down, I started having to figure out how to get from point A to point B, and how to get it fixed. Then while all of that was happening, I had to figure out how to secure the funds to get it fixed. Being on SSDI makes anything outside of my already tapped out meager income damn near impossible to deal with. Then comes the darkness of the mental health.
For the last few weeks, my depression came back with a furious vengeance. I started having thoughts of suicide, and feeling like I was less than, and having panic and anxiety attacks. My bipolar mood swings would take me from extremes highs to lows within a moment. I have been physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. Then I had the added issues of household problems. Things that I have yet to get fixed. But I have started tackling the biggest of the issues which is the clutter around my house.
On top of all of this, the hardest thing to deal with has been the suicidal ideation. The constant barrage of intrusive thoughts and the "voices" telling you that you would be better off dead, and that you are a waste of space, that you are a burden to everyone around you, and that no one really cares about your problems because they are stupid and unremarkable.
With the ideation, I play out these horrible, detailed events of my actions. What I would do, how I would do it, where I would do it, and what I would say in my letters. Years ago I wrote suicide letters to all the people in my life at the time that I felt I needed to say good bye to, and just leaving them with a last word. A few years ago, I came across them again, and I read each one. I cried doing so. But then I found the strength to burn them. As I lit each one on fire, and watched it turn to ash, I felt that I was leaving behind that part of my old self. I almost rewrote them. This time with the perspective of someone who has pushed harder, worked harder, loved and lived harder than that person who wrote those letters years ago.
I felt like that younger person, while they only understood from their point of view, hadn't lived enough to really understand the person who had lived almost 10 years longer. Not discounting the experiences that I had then. But the things that had happened between then and now were somewhat different. That person still had a father, and hadn't made three trips back to California since his passing. That person, hadn't made friends on an international level. That person had never been on a cruise, or seen the sights of the far north. That person hadn't pulled through a very abusive relationship. So at this time, one can only wonder at what another 3 years would be like?
Im not saying I will never lose the fight. That someday my life will end by my own means. But there is a grain of hope, that pushes me forward. A macabre defiance to see just how bad things will get, and what the final tipping point was. I don't hold on for others. There's really nothing "keeping" me here, outside of lacking the actions of my convictions. I stay because there is a part of me that "needs" to. But to what end? That I am unsure of. For now I am steadfast in my decisions to keep moving forward. To allow the morbid curiosity to drive me to see how far down the rabbit hole I will go. To hopefully see the progression of time until it is done by nature, not by self.
Stress and Mental Health
Today, I want to open up and share a very personal and heartfelt discussion about mental health and the struggles many of us face. It's important to remember that you're not alone in this journey; we all experience moments of stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. The key is to embrace our mental health and find ways to navigate the stormy seas together.
I understand firsthand how intrusive thoughts can be relentless and all-consuming. Sometimes, it feels like the weight of the world is pressing down on our shoulders, and the idea of seeking help can be daunting. But trust me, dear friends, it's okay to ask for help. We are all warriors, and warriors need support on their journey.
When those moments of overwhelming stress strike, here are a few techniques to deescalate the manic whirlwind and find your center:
1. Deep Breaths: Take a deep breath in, hold it for a moment, and exhale slowly. Repeat this process a few times to calm your racing thoughts.
2. Grounding: Connect with the present moment by feeling the ground beneath your feet. Acknowledge your surroundings and remind yourself that you are here, in this moment.
3. Nature's Embrace: Step outside, feel the sunshine on your skin, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Nature has a way of soothing our souls and easing our minds.
4. Reach Out: Never hesitate to reach out to someone you trust when you need a listening ear. We all need a little support from time to time.
Remember, it's okay to feel vulnerable. It's okay to have bad days. What matters is how we take care of ourselves and each other during these moments.
If you ever find yourself struggling with intrusive thoughts or feelings of despair, please remember that help is just a call or click away. Organizations like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) offer free, confidential support 24/7.
In addition to seeking help when needed, let's explore some free and empowering ways to cope with daily stress:
1. Mindfulness Meditation: Embrace the power of mindfulness and meditation to find peace within yourself.
2. Art Therapy: Express yourself through art, whether it's painting, doodling, or writing in a journal.
3. Laughter Therapy: Watch a comedy show or share a good laugh with friends. Laughter truly is the best medicine!
4. Daily Affirmations: Speak kind words to yourself and cultivate a positive mindset. "I am strong. I am resilient. I am worthy."
Now, let's find solace in knowing that even the brightest stars have faced their own battles with mental health. Celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Lady Gaga, and Ryan Reynolds have openly shared their struggles with anxiety and depression. Their stories remind us that mental health is a journey, and it's okay to seek help and support along the way.
Remember, you are worthy of love, happiness, and healing. Your mental health journey is unique and beautiful. Embrace it, seek support when needed, and know that brighter days are ahead. Let's walk hand in hand, supporting each other on this path to inner peace.
So let's be kind to ourselves and each other. We are not alone in our struggles, and there is strength in our vulnerability. Remember, there is beauty in the process of healing, and your story matters. You are a warrior, and together, we'll navigate the waves of stress and mental health challenges. Let's find hope, joy, and love in the journey, one step at a time.
Sending you all a warm embrace and a reminder that you are never alone in this beautiful mess we call life. Together, we rise above the storm. You are loved. You are valued. You are enough. Keep shining! 💖✨
When the time comes, are you ready?
I began keeping all of my important documents in a briefcase next to my front door, so that they are easily accessible if I need to leave my house quickly. This came from losing everything to a house fire and not having backup copies of the most basic information. Do you know where your social security card is? Do you know where your birth certificate is? Do you know how to go about getting a new birth certificate? Do you know where the registration and title to your car is? Do you have backup ATM cards? These are all things that should be in one area and ready to go at a moments notice. Because trust me, in an emergency situation, you dont have time to gather everything important.
You should have digital copies of everything too. Have them saved on the cloud somewhere, and even on a thumb drive. I keep a micro SD card filled with all my personal information including my passwords and login's, a copy of my drivers license, passport, birth certificate, medical cards, ATM/Credit cards, and any other relevant information, in my wallet. I also keep a digital copy in my briefcase too.
I keep a digital copy of these things too on my phone. Most phones have the ability to make password protected folders. Or there are free programs that you can download that allow you to secure folders and files on your phone. When I travel, I always make sure to keep updated pictures of all my ATM cards front and back on my phone. When I went on a cruise, I made sure that I took a picture of my passport too, just incase I lost it along the way I could have them at least run my number and see that the picture that came up on screen and the information all matched. Im not sure if it would work that way but its better to at least have that information and try vs not having access to any of it right?
The reason I'm writing about this right now is because I just spent the better part of a hour updating all of my personal end of life files and saving the backup copies to their respective places online and within the house.
You need to talk to your friends and your loved ones about your End of Life wishes and have a plan set up. Also take some time to go to the hospital and set up a file there. Tell them you want to set up emergency contacts and list people and their "power" over your decisions. I have several people including their phone numbers, addresses, and emails set up for mine and who can make decisions and who can not make decisions. Not only does this help the medical staff, but it also keeps people from coming in and making demands of your treatments, who may otherwise not know anything about what you need or want.
You can never be to prepared. Make sure that you do everything you can to help your loved ones through your emergencies and passing.
June is National Pride Month
Maintaining a positive head space
Maintaining a positive head space can be a challenge for anyone, but for those dealing with mental health issues, such as depression, it can feel nearly impossible at times. However, it is possible to cultivate a positive mindset and maintain it even when facing difficult circumstances. Here are some tips for maintaining a positive head space when dealing with depression and other mental health issues.
Practice self-care: Self-care is essential for maintaining a positive head space. It can include things like taking care of your physical health, getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Set realistic goals: Setting realistic goals can help you feel a sense of accomplishment, which can boost your mood. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually work your way up to more significant ones.
Surround yourself with positivity: Surrounding yourself with positive people and environments can help lift your spirits. Try to spend time with friends and family who are supportive and encouraging.
Challenge negative thoughts: Depression often leads to negative self-talk and thought patterns. Challenge these negative thoughts by examining the evidence for and against them and replacing them with more positive and realistic thoughts.
Stay active: Exercise is a powerful mood booster. Swimming is an excellent option for those with diabetes as it is a low-impact exercise that can help manage blood sugar levels.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help you stay grounded and centered.
Seek professional help: Depression is a serious condition that often requires professional treatment. If you're struggling with depression, don't hesitate to seek the help of a mental health professional.
Build a support network: Building a support network of friends, family, and mental health professionals can help you stay positive and motivated.
Focus on the present: Dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about the future can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Focus on the present moment and enjoy the small joys of life.
Celebrate your successes: Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, can help boost your self-esteem and confidence. Take time to acknowledge and appreciate your accomplishments, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
So maintaining a positive head space when dealing with mental health issues like depression is challenging, but it is possible. By practicing self-care, setting realistic goals, surrounding yourself with positivity, challenging negative thoughts, staying active, practicing mindfulness, seeking professional help, building a support network, focusing on the present, and celebrating your successes, you can cultivate a positive mindset that can help you navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and strength. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself, and never give up hope.