Getting Disability for Mental Health: Experiences and Advice

This isnt legal advise....but I have a family member who used to work in social security for disability and the best I can say is that the reason why many don't get approved the first time, is for lack of documentation. Even if it's obvious that you have a disability, they still need supporting documents. Plus it can take a few months to get approved. I think claiming mental health is a little more challenging, not for them, but for the person with that disability. Because it can be difficult for some to even get themselves to seek treatment or even realize they need treatment, let alone have documentation that this has been going on for a while now. They also would need to be able to prove that they can't do gainful work regularly. The important thing is that you're seeking help. I recommend as your Alike friend to pursue help as much as possible and have that documentation. Really give the treatments a chance. If the help works, that's great and then you'll realize that you don't need the disability claim after all. And if it doesn't, then you'll have supporting documents. If you think you think you should apply, or even thinking about it, I encourage you to talk with your doctors. Also there's other programs too outside of disability that you could qualify for, so feel free to talk with some from government aid offices like food stamps cards to help. People can and do get approved the first time with disability though.

I'm currently in the process of getting my diagnoses/paperwork together so I can apply. As long as you have a paper trail so far as diagnoses, you may be denied the first time, but keep trying, because I know someone who got on it with anxiety and depression. It's possible, but it's work and a waiting game. I believe in you, best of luck