There are many who think that everyone who files for Social Security disability benefits could really work if they wanted unless they were "truly disabled" by which they sort of mean "in a comma." This leads to many disabled people feeling ashamed themselves at being disabled. They think others will look down on them if they know about the disability. It feels to them like their disability is a personal failure.
This shame at being disabled has several bad effects. Disabled individuals suffer from inappropriate guilt and depression. They con themselves into believing that recovery from disability is right around the corner. They delay filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits because they believe that would be the admission of a personal failing. Often they fail to act until they're literally homeless.
Please accept that disability is a real thing. Your disability probably isn't going away. If you think that others will judge you harshly because you apply for Social Security disability, they're not going to know unless you tell them. Social Security isn't going to tell them. In the end, what do you care what other people think? Get over it! Do what you need to do! How is being homeless less shameful than filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits?
On a selfish basis, it's stressful dealing with desperate clients. They wait until they're about to be homeless before they file for Social Security disability benefits. They can't believe how long it takes to get a favorable decision from Social Security. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see you if you've waited this long but be realistic. If you've been out of work due to illness or injury for more than about six months, you're not likely to be able to get back to doing enough work to support yourself. Do what you have to do.
If you're in NC and want help with your Social Security disability claim, call Hall & Rouse, P.C. at 1-866-425-5347
2 comments:
Ashamed of being disabled? No. On the contrary, I am proud of the 30 years I put in while copeing with disabilities. Disappointed? Yes. With the government that promised if I couldn't work that I would be taken care of. Six years is way too long to be approved. Aggravated? Yes, with people who supposedly care about the Disabled, including people who are also disabled, for looking down at you because they can't see your disabilities. I could go on, but you probably get the point.
I only felt ashamed because others made me feel bad. I overcame that a long time ago. Those people are far away and long gone from my life. They were gaslighting me! Which made me doubt I was disabled...it took a psychologist to ask why the hell I was listening to people who were not physicians, Social Security reps or my lawyer to get me to realize I had nothing to be ashamed of. Said offenders stopped getting any communication from me, but it did take a lot of time to get over the shame and stigma. I just don't tell anyone anymore, I don't need the judgement. If someone asks "What do you do?" I literally tell them to "Mind your own business. That's a rude thing to ask the first time you meet a person, as you're trying to "class" us into professional categories. My income is not your concern at this moment in time." That explanation is for people I just met. Those I am close to know about myself and my income/disabilities, and those I chose to keep near to me are supportive.
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