My son is 22 and has been diagnosed with BPD, chronic fatigue and depression. Can he apply for disablility?

Question

He is almost unemployable because he takes a job for 1 month and then becomes ill and stays in bed. He has an apartment and I'm trying not to 'rescue' him as he used to function more than he does now. He went to college for 3 years before the depression.

Answer 1

Hi... I'm sorry you guys are having to go through this. I can totally relate to this... I am 21 and am diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depression that's recurrent and severe, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and DDNOS. In the past year and a half, I've been hospitalized 9 times and have seen several psychiatrists and therapists. I've been on many different medications. So I do know what he is going through.
I have been out of work since January of 2005. I first had to apply for Temporary Disability and be on that for 6 months before I could apply for Social Security Disability. But when it came time to apply for SSD/SSI I was nervous because I had heard from MANY people that it was a long process, and you almost always get denied on the first try. It took 8 months for them to give me a decision, and thank god, I was approved on the first try. I think that I was approved on the first try because of all the documentation I had... from the doctors, hospitals, and therapists. So I would definitely recommend getting as much support as you from his treatment team.

I hope that everything will work out. Don't listen to the people on here who are saying nasty things. They have obviously never had to deal with severe mental illness before. You and I and everyone else who has suffered from it either personally or through a loved one knows that mental illnesses truly are debilitating.
Good luck!
~Julie~

Answer 2

Pay no attention to the ignorance that is running rampant in most of the responses you have gotten. People who don't know what they are talking about should just be quiet. Anyway, it is worth trying to apply for SSI/SSDI. I've struggled with mental illness since childhood and it still took me 6 years to get approved...it can be a long (but usually not 6 years long!) and frustrating process. It often takes at least 18 months to get. Check out the website www.socialsecurity.gov for more information.

Answer 3

I'm sure he can apply for disability, but as to whether he gets approved or not...well, that's a different story. My dad has terminal end stage COPD, and he had to apply twice (was rejected the first time, and had to get a lawyer to fight his case the second time). I get the impression that the Disability office likes to turn almost everyone down the first time.
You might have better luck if he applies for partial disability. My mom applied for partial disability because of her back pain and got it on the first try.
He might want to talk to his doctor about his symptoms; maybe they might be less debilitating with a different medication, etc.
I'd encourage you and him to try for disability, though. Make sure your doctor is in full support of his application; that will make a big difference in the outcome of the case.
Hope it all works out for you!

Answer 4

yes he is going to need a dr. verify his diagnosis and limitatioms. But he can start the process by going to the local Social Security office, he will be denied as most people are at first so don't be discouraged this is why I say to have all medical documentation at hand to avoid that but never the less it happens. With all of the documents provide to SS office and the process has started.

Answer 5

I have hypoglycemia which is very hard to diagnose.It is the opposite of diabetes.I use to have the same symptoms.One way to find out is competely lay off any type of sugar for a couple of days.That includes anything that has sugar.If he does not get better than that may not be the problem.

Answer 6

Do you want your son to be permanently disabled? Certainly not.
Then, just ignore the situation and start loading him with responsibilities that you know he can take. But take care not to help him even if he asks for help.
Give him anti depressants for a month or so, and during this time, make him do some work that he likes the most.
He will be fine in this period.
If necessary, take support of some Reiki healer to heal his mind during this period too.
If you wish, I can send you a Reiki support too.
This depression has come due to some deep down dissatisfaction or frustration. Help him to take out the thought and handle it.

Answer 7

yes, I think he should apply for disability ASAP, because it takes such a long time to get it started. If he is turned down he shouldn't give up. Just appeal and fight for it until he wins.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

Disability, ....public aid.......this kind of stuff closes the door of a respectful future for people.
he is only 22....he has to get education, marry , raise children.

I would ask you to get him good treatment.
do not give up..he went to college for 3 years.?....encorage him for a bit more.....love, support , show him to live a life with respect.
every one can get depression at some point of life............as a parent you should get him good treatment.
yes, if you can't afford, get medical help.but don't give up hope.

I would advise all parents,
just to avoid burdon on you , do not raise your children with a hand asking money.
raise them with a hand on top... giving something to this world.

teach them to coup rather than live a life as a disable person getting charity bread.but believe me he is too young to start this miserable but easy way of life......encourage him for treatment and for a better future..........you will be a proud parent one day

Answer 9

Yes, SSI is what it is called. The day you fill out the app. is the day it starts once he is approved. He will receive all that back pay for how ever long it takes to approve him.

Answer 10

yes he can...i suffered with some of the disabilities that you have expressed...you should be able to apply for 'DLA' (disability living allowance) but you must have letters of prove....

good luck