New here, first post. Have been on SSDI for Bipolar 1 since 1997, I am 53 yrs old, have made it past several reviews. Review came up last June, I got notice this March that it failed and benefits were terminated. Hired an attorney, filed an appeal. Finally had my hearing today.
I feel like I've been hit by a truck. Hearing via video conference. One of my BP issues is paranoia. I've been feeling like I've been being followed for the past 6 months. Oh guess what? I have been. It was very upsetting for me to see a whole folder of photos of myself taken by investigators. They said I didn't look depressed enough. One photo I was putting my scarf on outside my car. You can determine how I'm feeling by this, HOW??
But yes, THIS is why I was denied benefits. They said I'm doing 'too well'. Drs medical records say my condition has not changed. (three different drs and an SSDI medical review)

One thing that has upset me tremendously is that a week after Christmas two men came to the house saying they were policemen/detectives and had to question me, saying I was a victim of ID theft. I was alone and very uncomfortable having two strange men in my home. I have prior history of sex. abuse. They asked me questions about where my husband and I had used OUR debit and credit cards for Christmas shopping. My husband does all our shopping. The report given to SSDI was that I gave a list of all the stores I go to 3-4x a week and all the places I socialize. I did not. I gave a list of all the places THE JOINT account was used (my husbands activities) because I was told it was ID theft. They had me look through books of mug shots. I had the flu at the time and I was just doing what I thought 'the police' asked of me. I was scared. I was worried because my dog was there and there had just been a story on the news about police shooting dogs, unprovoked. Told you, I suffer from paranoia. But why is it when I fill out my forms totally honest, they can come to my house and totally lie to me and scare me?

I am 53 yrs old with no education, no job skills and bipolar disorder. I am very upset. This has set me back big time. I am afraid to leave the house or open the door for anyone because of the people they sent here. WHY WHY do they not understand how damaging this can be for those of us with mental health conditions??

The lady at the hearing said I will know something in 10 days or so. I've been crying all day long.

I don't expect an answer from anyone here, just needed to talk. Thank you for anyone who read this.