We think my husband has a mental disability!?

Question

He is a highly skilled worker but struggles at the work place as far as getting along with co-workers and the stress of work gets him mad and ends up quiting. Someone told him he should apply for SSI (disability), but should he see like a psychologist or something and be under their care so that when he files for SSI there won't be a question of his disability? Like doesn't he have to be diagnost or something? I really believe he may be bipolar. Is there anyone out there that knows the pros and cons of this or maybe some websites that can help us get the facts! This is a serious matter and we prefer mature replys only! Thank YOU!

let me add that when he was a teenager he got into some trouble, they sent him to the state hospital and he was diagonsed with a severe pesonality disorder! OMG! but his mom never did anything about it! He has seen a psychologist because about 5 years ago he again had some issues and the courts ordered anger management classes a counseling, which he completed but the doctor got mad because he is impossible to deal with! So I know there is something wrong with him !

Answer 1

Hi, I just filed for SSI myself. I've been seeing a therapist for a few years now and highly recommend you go that route as it will be easier to not get denied the first time around. If your husband believes he is bipolar or just needs some help then he really needs to seek some help ASAP. Hopefully being unemployed won't make this impossible due to finances.

I struggled for a long time with the idea of filing for SSI because I didn't want to think of myself of being disabled. However, my therapist has helped me to see it as "taking some time off" to take care of myself. This "time off" has proven itself to be the hardest work I've ever done.

So, since your husband's quality of life is being effected I think he needs to do his best to change the situation and that requires taking care of himself.

Regarding his personality disorder, do you know what he was diagnosed with? It sounds to me like he needs some intensive therapy. I've been down that road myself and it's no walk in the park.

And all of you who don't understand mental illnesses need to do some reading before you start judging people. Would you tell someone with Cancer they are an ****** or something if they were too sick to work?

Answer 2

I honestly think it could be a mental disability with the way you described. It sounds a lot like Asperger syndrome or disorder. If you look it up in the Wikipedia you will find more information on it. I've known a few people with similar problems and this was said to be the cause. If this is the case, it can be medically treated but its not going to go away completely. Look into it.

Answer 3

My boyfriend has bipolar, recently diagnosed about 5 or 6 months ago. He had the same problems with work among others. He is trying to get disability for it now. He has been seen by a physcologist since he was 8. I am pretty sure that your husband should see a doctor to be diagnosed, and to get treatment. There are alot of people out there with bipolar and have disability benefits. So don't give up. I wish you and your husband the best. It's hard Its hard to go through, I know!

Answer 4

Yes because they will not issue him ssi with just a complant of sorts. He will have to get a doctor to certify him. That is what I did.
There are always a social stigmatism that goes with mental illness. People will treat you differently, act differently and even doctors will treat you like a morron. even if you have a greater than average IQ. You see I have been diagnosed a few years ago and I have been fighting the system ever since. Doctors will not want to treat me and if they do it is always with contempt. I wish there was an easer way to tell you that but there just isn't.

Answer 5

yes he will need a diagnosis if a mental or physical condition to be eligible for SSI. I don't believe bipolar by itself is sufficient as a diagnosis to receive benefits. Perhaps the best course of action would be to have him see a psychiatrist for an evaluation - maybe all he needs is some medication to balance his brain chemistry or a book on anger management. Best of luck ~

Answer 6

Have you considered that he may be on the wrong planet? You will need more than bipolar and anxiety and you will have to apply more than once and possibly need a lawyer (after 2-3 tries) First get a strong diagnosis and doctor who agrees that is needed. Mine forced me on disability so they have a lot of say. Of course, I went to work and got off it but I need it back 20 years of frustation latter. I have asperger's autism and can't get along with people-no anger issues, and won't quit, but fired for oddness/coworkers feel uncomfortable.

Find the proof of earlier diagnoses that support this for proof of long standing problem and get multiple diagnoses. Like ASD with Bipolar tendancies and disabling anxiety for example. You may be able to get accomadations on the job after the diagnosis that alllow him to continue working. It will be harmful to his self esteem if he can't work.

Answer 7

I think he should go to the Doc and then wait and apply for SSI it's hard to get for mental disorders he should also see a Lawer to help him get SSI you have to be out of work for 6mo before you apply

Answer 8

Starky has no idea what he is talking about. Everything he said was ignorant and just plain wrong. I don't know how to answer your question, but I do know what its like getting stressed out to the point that you feel if you don't get out you may just retire from life altogether.

If that isn't a valid reason to quit starky, you need to get your head examined as well.

Answer 9

first he needs to see a therapist to be evaluated
if he does have a problem it doesn't mean that he'll get ssi
it takes a long time to get and you won't have an income while waiting for it
see the doctor he may just needs meds and some counseling

Answer 10

He definitely needs a diagnosis of being unemployable before collecting SSI.