Hello everyone,

I wanted to get some idea's or suggestions. I just started to receive Social
Security Disability. I have been asked, What kind of job do you have?

I feel very awkward telling them my story. Because then it leads to, what's
the matter ? I have major depression.


Thanks

It's great that you've found this board for help. . Welcome aboard.
People will soon be along to "talk" and, thank goodness, they will be smarter and better informed than I am.
But it can be a bit slow on weekends so don't worry.... people WILL be here.

Hi, Sassy,

Congratulations on getting approved for Social Security !!

Well ... as to the questions ... you could say that you're retired and you're doing valuable work now for your community. OR, you could say you are unable to work right now because of your health. OR, you could say you're between jobs.

It's all up to you. "Technically", it's really not anyone's business, unless YOU feel like sharing.

You can tell the truth, you can tell a fib. You can tell them NOTHING.

If you're young, I would probably just say "I'm between jobs" and then go off in another direction talking about what you liked about your last job.

People are very easily distracted and it's pretty easy to get them to talk about something else. You'll get to be an "expert" in that

Now, if I were talking to CLOSE family or CLOSE friends, I might tell them that I'm unable to work due to depression and say that I could use any help that they're willing to offer.

Everyone doesn't need to know EVERYTHING about us.

Some people shouldn't know ANYTHING about us.

And some people can HELP US <<-- those are the ones you give the details to.

Psyche 'issues' are part of the reason for my disability too (in addition to the spine from 7734). I'm glad you'll start getting some income coming in; it makes 'things' easier to cope with.

BIG HUGS (and congratulations).

Barb

Thank you, Moose & Wren for your support. I feel much better now.
Barb, I definitely agree, the income is a blessing. I can't believe I waited a full 13 months for a check, but really only 7 months to receive my first check.

Sending both of you Hugs.

I have drawn SS since 98. I fought for years to get mine. Even with RSD, Fibro and many other medical problems, they granted mine on major depression only. I tell everyone that I got mine on depression. I'm very open about my depression.I actually tell people when they go to apply make sure they put down depression if they are dealing with it. It seems to be what gets the SS the fastest from what others have told me.

What I have seen is that so many people are dealing with depression nowadays that it is more out there. You shouldn't care who knows.

By being open about it I have helped several people get the help they need for their depression.

I have not gotten any negative effects from people around me only on one of the forums did I run up on that.

People HAVE to know about depression nowadays due to all of the ads on TV and so many people dealing with it.

I am glad you got your SS. That will help ease your stress some so that you can deal with other things that come your way.

Ada

i was wondering if you have been thru a cdr from social security? i am wondering how they work and how often?
suellc

Hi, Sassy, I sympathize completely. I started receiving disability about a year ago. I had several conditions I submitted on the application, to include major depression, and I still have no idea which one got me the benefits. I answer "what kind of job do you have" with "I don't work." Sometimes it goes no further. If it does, "I have a disability" is a good answer. If it goes further, you might try, "I have an affective disorder" or giving any medical condition which may have figured into your application approval. If you feel boxed in to answering major depression, and someone thinks adversely of you for this [which may be partially your perception] it's THEIR problem, not yours. You would hardly have asked for major depression. Go online and get a printout on the condition if they want to know more. We may be depressed and misunderstood, but there's no basis for being ashamed. billie

I hear you, Sassy. I have additional medical problems and can't be certain which qualified me. However, I have told several people about the major depression, and they don't seem to fall apart. Not everyone understands it, we have to expect that. Have you tried "mood disorder", "sleep disorder", "from a chemical imbalance." ? I will say that my family is convinced that "getting out among people" would "cure" the disorder of depression. I only wish. Blessings on you - billie