I feel guilty even asking for advice about this

[davidthegnome]

But I have been wondering whether or not I might qualify for some form of disability.

I have chronic panic disorder, and generally, between two and four panic attacks every day. They seem to strike at random some times, or can be brought on by stressful, or even strange situations. This includes convulsions, severe difficulty sleeping at night, and real fear of driving anywhere. I wasn't quite "chronic" until December of this last year, when I had to be admitted to a crisis unit because I couldn't eat or sleep.

I've been seeping a therapist every week since December now, and have had a few meetings with a psychiatrist who I stopped seeing due to lack of money/insurance.

I haven't been able to work since last summer, when I was basically just doing odd jobs. My condition has restricted me to the point that I am kind of reduced to trying to make money on the internet without having any money to spend. I'm sure a number of you know how frustrating that can be. Affiliate programs... FFA advertising, search engine submissions, and so much spam mail your head will spin.

I am more fortunate than many. I live with parents who love me and have food, shelter, and clothing, a computer with an internet connection. The issue really is that my parents are going through some severe financial difficulties and I feel terrible that I can do nothing to help them, not even to support myself. I realize as I say this that many people have struggled by with far less than I have.

But I'd like to be able to pay my therapist on my own, at least. Right now I'm kind of stuck in a limbo of feeling completely useless to my family, my Country, and the world in general. Ok, enough of my self pity.

I talked to a lawyer a few months ago who told me I don't qualify for any form of assistance because my parents earn too much income and I don't have the required working credits. After reading some of the threads here though, I had to ask the question again. Does anyone know if I might qualify for some kind of aid? Finding reliable information about this has been difficult.

Not sure if this helps, but I'm 23 and I live in Maine.

[madrchsod]

1. have you tried federal social security disability?

i have a friend who receives 800 or so a month because of a "mental" problem..i know that`s kind`a crude...i do know they do not have a condition that is not as severe as yours. i know it takes awhile to get and you`ll need doctors to sign papers but it seems it might be worth looking into..

[pop goes the weasel]

2. parents' income shouldn't matter

But the working credits is a problem. You need to contact your nearest center for independent living. They will be able to help you navigate your state's system.

Oh, and don't feel guilty. You haven't done anything wrong. It's the asshats who create a system that makes it impossible for young adults to get assistance when they get slammed with disability who ought to be feeling guilty.

[hashibabba]

4. You're right Pop. He shouldn't feel badly that he needs help.

There are so many judgmental people in this country who have no idea what it is like to suffer from mental illness. I refused to get help for years because of what my family, and then my religion said (or implied). By the time I got help I was in really sorry shape and that still makes me mad because it has taken me nearly 20 years to get better!

Don't forget to call your county, too, David. Maybe they can point you in the right direction. That's where I have my therapist and psychiatrist and they charge on a sliding fee scale. I only pay $5 copay for each appointment.

[DeeDeeNY]

3. SSI

I'm not sure what it stands for (Supplemental Security Income?), but it's not the same as social security disability, and you can get it as long as you have what is considered a disability and you can't work. Your parents' income is not considered because you apply as an independent person living in their household and paying them for room and board. Once you have SSI, you are entitled to Medicaid and food stamps.

[cutlassmama]

5. That is correct. My son gets it. He has agoraphobia. You might look it up.

He qualifies for SSI. He has never worked and lives at home. He is 21.