Anyone have experience with SSI for Borderline and/or BPD?

[yannyorlaurel]

So I realized I have borderline personality disorder most likely, probably comorbid with Bipolar II. I left university after two years of really struggling to even complete a few classes each semester, while self-sabotaging and slowly realizing I had an issue. It's nearly impossible for me to hold down full time employment (I only work a few hours intermittently with gig work so I can set my own hours), and I'm now living back at home. I have never worked a full time job, and only part time after schools even felt like it took the life out of me.

I'm really nervous about getting help because I don't even know how the process works. I know you need two years of documented health issues and haven't seen a therapist at all yet. My concern is do they need to recommend you for it? I don't want to state that as my intention right off the bat, as that would look like I'm simply scheming for a handout. At the same time, what if after two years, the therapist laughs off my concerns that I can't hold down employment and doesn't "recommend me?"

Honestly work is the largest factor in me planning to CTB. I feel like it's a full time job trying to manage these illnesses, but at the same time all my friends are graduating, getting careers, etc. and I'm stuck worried about if I even have the POTENTIAL to get a few hundred bucks a month. If anyone has any knowledge of how this shitty bureaucratic process works, or the likelihood of being accepted for these conditions feel free to chime in.

Thanks!

 

[DyingAlf]

I'm not in your country so I don't know about SSI requirements but wouldn't it be better to get properly/officially diagnosed (I think from what you said that you've selfdiagnosed??) & start medication/treatment/whatever to see if you can find anything that actually works for you/helps you before you worry about whether or not you can get SSI in a couple of years time?

Ugh, I feel like this sounds kinda judgmental or bad somehow but that's not how I mean it! & I can't think of a better way to word it (supertired right now) so please take it in the supportive way I mean it.

 

[rt1989526]

Just a heads up medication did not help my BPD and just ruined my mind and body. Just an example to consider. Going on medication probably my biggest regret in life.

 

[yannyorlaurel]

Just a heads up medication did not help my BPD and just ruined my mind and body. Just an example to consider. Going on medication probably my biggest regret in life.

Good to know, I'm already very wary of pharmaceuticals... high CBD weed is the only thing that provides me temporary relief.

 

[JustLosingMyself]

Same here. There are no real meds for BPD . The side effects of what's on offer are worse than the problem.
If BPD is the only problem, try therapy but stay away from meds.

 

[tidalwxves]

Good to know, I'm already very wary of pharmaceuticals... high CBD weed is the only thing that provides me temporary relief.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a good option, it was literally invented to treat BPD and has helped a lot of people, more than medication since BPD is about learned responses. From what I can tell its more effective than medication and also other forms of therapy. But what I will say is don't be totally afraid of medication, it could be helpful in the early treatment stages. Like for example if you are really struggling with anxiety: DBT will provide you with a lot of concrete tools to combat that long term, but betablockers or some other medication might be helpful in the mean time while you are building up those skills. I hope that helps! Good luck, this disorder is a beast to battle

 

[MrAsclepius]

If you haven't received your BPD as an official diagnosis, please try to get one asap. They won't accept anything less, and typically you have to show that you're in recovery and trying to improve through medication, therapy, psychiatry and/or a mix of all. (the benefits are meant to aid you during a period of recovery, so think of it that way.) Unfortunately the therapy is a big part, as they can write formal letters and referrals that do magic. Even if you don't like it, if you plan on getting any kind of benefit for mental illness it's a good idea to start when you can.

 

[BPD Barbie]

I have BPD and Bipolar. I take meds for them and so far it's helped with things like extreme paranoia and hallucinations, it's also made the mood swings less aggressive. Meds do ocme with side effects but you need to weigh up what's worse. Meds aren't a quick fix either. Therapy, especially DBT is the gold standard for BPD and I'd recommend it. But like everything related to this subject, it won't cure you and it will work as much as you want it to/you're willing to put work into it. Best of luck, if you have any questions feel free to PM me.
Just to add, I'm in the UK and here I claim welfare from the government as I'm unable to work. I don't know what country you're in and the process, but wanted to share that it's possible to get help in that way also.

 

[JustLosingMyself]

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a good option, it was literally invented to treat BPD and has helped a lot of people, more than medication since BPD is about learned responses. From what I can tell its more effective than medication and also other forms of therapy. But what I will say is don't be totally afraid of medication, it could be helpful in the early treatment stages. Like for example if you are really struggling with anxiety: DBT will provide you with a lot of concrete tools to combat that long term, but betablockers or some other medication might be helpful in the mean time while you are building up those skills. I hope that helps! Good luck, this disorder is a beast to battle

Had DBT, was an unmitigated disaster that left me a lot worse off than before I started it.
The therapist I had was in a complete new class of incompetence though.

 

[tidalwxves]

Had DBT, was an unmitigated disaster that left me a lot worse off than before I started it.
The therapist I had was in a complete new class of incompetence though.

Do you still have the work books/work sheets? Those might be helpful even if the therapist was not. I'm sorry to hear that, a lot of medical professionals really aren't equipped to handle BPD. It's hard to find a good fit, I get your struggle.

 

[Life_and_Death]

Do you still have the work books/work sheets? Those might be helpful even if the therapist was not. I'm sorry to hear that, a lot of medical professionals really aren't equipped to handle BPD. It's hard to find a good fit, I get your struggle.

i find my biggest thing with medical professionals is they dont listen (please keep in mind this is based off 2 therapist and my second one is working out) its almost like they think "i did all the schooling what do you know?" welll.....thats nice.....on a general concept but everyone is different, much like raising a child theres no 1 how to book. you have to listen to the person not just assume you know everything because you can read a book