Troubles applying for disability

Okay, here goes. I've been diagnosed with depression since I was in my teens, I'm in my 30's now. I have been hospitalized off and on since I was around 10. I am currently trying to apply for disability for my depression. The thing is I can not take any of the meds because of the horrible side effects. I have always had to quit them. Here is a list of side effects from my last period of medication: jaw clenching, heavy sweating, blurred vision, severe constipation, anorgasmia, dizziness, forgetfulness, severe dry mouth to the point I could barely talk. My body is too sensitive. The doctors up at the MHMR refuse to treat me if I won't take meds. They say, "Well, we can't help you if you won't take your meds." If they had an antidepressant without side effects I would take it. I have been on basically every kind and combination of med since I was 15 and none have helped. I do not take drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes. I have applied for disability, been denied, appealed, and denied. My next step is to see a judge. My question is should I get a lawyer and if so, what do I say to the judge. It seems because I won't and can't take the meds that they refuse to believe I have depression or even help me.

So if taking meds means you get to keep your doctors and you get to claim disability why not just say you're taking them? I know you shouldn't have to do that, but if that's the only thing causing you a problem maybe being honest isn't the best policy. You can always ask them to review the medication at a later stage once the claim is sorted out

If you're going to take a stand and try and claim disability anyway you're going to need evidence to support your diagnosis of depression and evidence from a pdoc to support the fact you can't take the meds and why. I think without some sort of supporting evidence you may find yourself in difficulties trying to take on the system. Is there a disability rights charity where you are? They can often advice and assist you with things like this.

Yeah you need to find any medical papers showing your past with depression. I got on disability with the help of a mental health support place in my area, they set me up with some one to help with my case. I hope you can get on disability. I hope you can find something that helps you cope with your depression as well.

If you're in the U.S., disability is more about work then it is about specific things you did in treatment. You need to verify that your depression keeps you from keeping a job. I think many people are denied for SSDI because they apply while they are working.

If you don't have a therapist now, another type of doctor can write a statement about your condition and what you have tried in the past.

I applied for disability when I was young. I was denied and didn't worry about it. I had jobs, but always lost them. Eventually I applied for SSDI because I had enough work history for it and was accepted. I think the initial application might have helped - their reason for denial is that I could recover within a year.

Good luck, yes the lawyers really help with the process. It can be overwhelming for anyone.

I'm confused. What have the doctors said about your side effects? Have they wanted you to keep taking the drugs in spite of them? That would be really unethical if the side effects are severe. Or are you just quitting without supervision?

They SHOULD have documented all your side effects in your records. If not, get another doctor, and tell them ALL the medication you've been on, and detail ALL the side effects you had from them.

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Well, I went and got a lawyer. He said I should still go to counseling as it would help my case in court. So, I scheduled an appointment. Went up there. The lady cancelled. Scheduled another appointment. Went up there. Lady cancelled again. Yes, this is MHMR. I believe that since I told them I refuse to take the drugs that they are messing with me. I talked to my caseworker and she acted really weird and was asking these strange questions. So, I stopped going. My lawyer appealed about 2 months ago so right now I am waiting. How long does it take?

-- Sat Apr 26, 2014 3:22 pm --

I think the workers up at MHMR need some mental health help.

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Thanks bitsandpieces. Your encouraging words really help!