Mental illness I tried treatment for 13 years before giving up. Physical illnesses I tried 6 years for my chronic illnesses (though I still take meds), a little les than 2 years for terminal (diagnosed at an awkward period where it wasn't quite terminal but prognosis wasn't good, tried treatment because it was required to apply for SSDI, didn't work and became terminal, SSDI app got expedited but still needs time to get benefits and the amount I'll receive 1) won't start before I become homeless and 2) won't be enough to help me survive anyway).