Found out yesterday that she is eligible for $2100 a month in social security, because she is a cutter... She's still a teenager, and she can hold a job, but she used to cut herself because she was depressed..

There's nothing physical keeping her from working, I can't help but wonder if it would be dishonest of her.... :dunno She doesn't have any scars that can't be covered during a job interview, she's also pregnant..

I can't help but wonder if this condition is so debilitating that classifies her as being unable to work, wouldn't she also be considered unable to properly care for a baby?

IMO, she can work just like everybody else, but she's considering an "easy out"..

:eek

What?? Are you kidding? How do people get paid for that?

hmmmm that just doesnt sound right. Why would they give her that money?

Damn... That is quite a bit... Not far from what make a month WORKING!!!

I never knew that was a disability specifically, is it depression? Or another psychological disorder that would make her mentally incapable of working? Cutting is ususally a component of a specific disorder

Either way, I hope she gets through this..that must be very hard. A lot of times if someone has low self esteem or self worth (cutters sometimes have those feelings) then working can actually help. It gives someone a sense of identity

I can't help but wonder if this condition is so debilitating that classifies her as being unable to work, wouldn't she also be considered unable to properly care for a baby?



Im sorry your sister is suffering with this disorder. It is my opinion that unless your going through it yourself...you just don't know how debilitating it really is.
Mental illness is a tough one. Cutting...is tough.

I never knew that was a disability specifically, is it depression? Or another psychological disorder that would make her mentally incapable of working? Cutting is ususally a component of a specific disorder

Either way, I hope she gets through this..that must be very hard. A lot of times if someone has low self esteem or self worth (cutters sometimes have those feelings) then working can actually help. It gives someone a sense of identity

I was thinking the same thing... Working and earning a living gives most people a sense of accomplishment, and self worth..

Im sorry your sister is suffering with this disorder. It is my opinion that unless your going through it yourself...you just don't know how debilitating it really is.
Mental illness is a tough one. Cutting...is tough.

I've been going through this with her, she hasn't cut herself for almost 5 years.. It's something that we've been able to work through, and put in the past. It was debilitating back when it was going on....

But she's moved on with her life... I'm not downplaying what she had gone through years ago, I'm just trying to think about this rationally...

Now, what I'm thinking, is that if she is considered to be so much of a danger to herself, wouldn't her parenting abilities come into question? Wouldn't the SSA be required to report someone who's self mutilating to the proper authorities if there was a child in the home?

Every mother knows that raising a child requires an obscene amout of work, far more work then most regular 9-5 jobs. You can't just punch out at the end of the day..

I think she saw dollar signs.... This was something that hasn't come up in years until someone offered to pay her for it... :shrug I dunno what to think about it..

Im a cutter, I also have serious depression. An have been in therapy an on medications for over 12 years an im only 20. An ive never heard of someone being on disability because of it, an I have actully quit jobs, an been fired because of my depression.

That makes me a little upset, an im going to look it up now.

wish i knew that in high school

I never knew that was a disability specifically, is it depression? Or another psychological disorder that would make her mentally incapable of working? Cutting is ususally a component of a specific disorder

Either way, I hope she gets through this..that must be very hard. A lot of times if someone has low self esteem or self worth (cutters sometimes have those feelings) then working can actually help. It gives someone a sense of identity

Im sorry your sister is suffering with this disorder. It is my opinion that unless your going through it yourself...you just don't know how debilitating it really is.
Mental illness is a tough one. Cutting...is tough.

I agree with both.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister.

I know someone who is on disability because her depression is so severe. She doesn't cut, but it's still pretty bad at times. She has worked on and off, but usually can't hold a job because it gets so bad. So, for some people I think receiving that money is great. There are people are who are truly clinically depressed.

yes, they would probably investigate her parenting capabilities...

also-- if she hasn't cut in 5 yrs... WHY would she go for disability? that just seems unfair.

hey i know cutting is tough, i was a cutter in high school but why the hell would you want to get disability for something like that? cutting is a shameful thing, at least it was for me.

hey i know cutting is tough, i was a cutter in high school but why the hell would you want to get disability for something like that? cutting is a shameful thing, at least it was for me.

I lived in longsleve shirts year round. I always got strange looks from people I didnt talk to. I actuly scratched myself very bad, insted of using something. I actully had to go to the dr's clinic to get antibiotics a few times.
Im proud to say it's almost been 1 year since I did it last. But I still have problems.

Im a cutter, I also have serious depression. An have been in therapy an on medications for over 12 years an im only 20. An ive never heard of someone being on disability because of it, an I have actully quit jobs, an been fired because of my depression.

That makes me a little upset, an im going to look it up now.

I should probably add then, that our father died while she was still a child. She received a monthly check until she turned 18 from that...

I know some have said you have to deal with it to understand... but I don't understand why she's getting social security based solely on mutilating herself.

My Mother has been SEVERELY depressed most of her life, to the point of locking herself in her room for days and weeks to avoid people and to avoid taking it out on her children. But she never cut herself. Does that mean she has suffered less?

I don't think so at all, and I find it very disturbing that people like my Mother and my Aunt (both of whom were sexually abused as children) can get no help from the government, but teenagers who slice up their skin can. :depressed

I should probably add then, that our father died while she was still a child. She received a monthly check until she turned 18 from that...

A big thing like that does bring on a huge depression, mine got worse when we had my grandfathers funeral on my 10th birthday an they . Some depressions come on from an event, some like mine has been with me since birth, an I will probably have to be on medications to help me for the rest of my life. An it sucks!
I just looked up the social security thingie an read how you can qualify. I aparently meet alot of the medical qualifications.

I know some have said you have to deal with it to understand... but I don't understand why she's getting social security based solely on mutilating herself.

My Mother has been SEVERELY depressed most of her life, to the point of locking herself in her room for days and weeks to avoid people and to avoid taking it out on her children. But she never cut herself. Does that mean she has suffered less?

I don't think so at all, and I find it very disturbing that people like my Mother and my Aunt (both of whom were sexually abused as children) can get no help from the government, but teenagers who slice up their skin can. :depressed

I completely agree.

I'm sorry your sister suffers from this problem. If she does accept the money, I would hope she puts it toward some therapy or medication to help her overcome this. Best of luck to your sister and you!

I know some have said you have to deal with it to understand... but I don't understand why she's getting social security based solely on mutilating herself.

My Mother has been SEVERELY depressed most of her life, to the point of locking herself in her room for days and weeks to avoid people and to avoid taking it out on her children. But she never cut herself. Does that mean she has suffered less?

I don't think so at all, and I find it very disturbing that people like my Mother and my Aunt (both of whom were sexually abused as children) can get no help from the government, but teenagers who slice up their skin can. :depressed

I think the government should help with therapy an if so medications if you have a mental health problem. An I personally think alot of teenagers cut them selves to get attention, or joke an say "oh im so depressed I should kill myself" personally hurts me. Ive been hospitalized a few times because of suicide attemps.
I still try avoid people, even on here I actully get anxiety sometimes by puting something up.

I'm sorry your sister suffers from this problem. If she does accept the money, I would hope she puts it toward some therapy or medication to help her overcome this. Best of luck to your sister and you!


She sad yesterday that she has no desire to attend any kind of therapy or counceling..

This isn't a problem for her anymore!!!!! She hasn't cut herself IN YEARS!!!! YEARS!!!!!!!!!!

She's not suffering from anything anymore... She's not depressed, she doesn't cut herself, she's a happy person. She's not chemically dependant, not emotionally unstable, not unemployed..

She's had the same job for 2 years. My mother was abusive to her back then, but our mother has since moved away...

She told me yesterday that she never considers it anymore, she said she's "grown out of it" (Her exact words) but said that it would be nice to get free money so she could stay home and take care of the baby..

ETA: I just think this could take funds away from someone who might legitimately NEED the help....

A person who self-injures doesn't just cut their skin, there's usually a complex disorder underlying. They are feeling extreme depression and pain inside. And many are uncapable of holding a job. Just as some smoke cigarettes to get relief from a stressful day or to cope with a situational stresser, those who have self-injuring tendencies cut themselves. Feeling pain is their coping mechanism, and cutting (or other means of self-injury) makes them calm. If a doctor labels someone as mentally ill and unable to work, then they do so, the government approves and the person collects disability. Bottom line. She wouldn't just write on a piece of paper "I'm a cutter" they look into it, she is examined.

Self-injury has been present in society for longer than most think. It's not some new, cool thing for young kids to do-it's a real problem that is just now getting the attention it needs to stop it.

She sad yesterday that she has no desire to attend any kind of therapy or counceling..

This isn't a problem for her anymore!!!!! She hasn't cut herself IN YEARS!!!! YEARS!!!!!!!!!!

She's not suffering from anything anymore... She's not depressed, she doesn't cut herself, she's a happy person. She's not chemically dependant, not emotionally unstable, not unemployed..

She's had the same job for 2 years. My mother was abusive to her back then, but our mother has since moved away...

She told me yesterday that she never considers it anymore, she said she's "grown out of it" (Her exact words) but said that it would be nice to get free money so she could stay home and take care of the baby..

ETA: I just think this could take funds away from someone who might legitimately NEED the help....

I doubt she'd get approved for disability then. She doesn't have recent cutting, no need to see a doctor= no disability. Unless she lies?

I doubt she'd get approved for disability then. She doesn't have recent cutting, no need to see a doctor= no disability. Unless she lies?


I dunno....... If she has to meet with a SSA case worker regularly, who knows....

That's why I'm wondering if they would look into her parenting abilities, and have CPS investigate...

I could see paying for help....but $ for cutting........wtf

She sad yesterday that she has no desire to attend any kind of therapy or counceling..

This isn't a problem for her anymore!!!!! She hasn't cut herself IN YEARS!!!! YEARS!!!!!!!!!!

She's not suffering from anything anymore... She's not depressed, she doesn't cut herself, she's a happy person. She's not chemically dependant, not emotionally unstable, not unemployed..

She's had the same job for 2 years. My mother was abusive to her back then, but our mother has since moved away...

She told me yesterday that she never considers it anymore, she said she's "grown out of it" (Her exact words) but said that it would be nice to get free money so she could stay home and take care of the baby..

ETA: I just think this could take funds away from someone who might legitimately NEED the help....

Sorry.. misunderstood or didn't fully read the original post.

Then I don't think she should get the money. You are right... they are lots of other people who might sincerely need the money from the gov.

She sad yesterday that she has no desire to attend any kind of therapy or counceling..

This isn't a problem for her anymore!!!!! She hasn't cut herself IN YEARS!!!! YEARS!!!!!!!!!!

She's not suffering from anything anymore... She's not depressed, she doesn't cut herself, she's a happy person. She's not chemically dependant, not emotionally unstable, not unemployed..

She's had the same job for 2 years. My mother was abusive to her back then, but our mother has since moved away...

She told me yesterday that she never considers it anymore, she said she's "grown out of it" (Her exact words) but said that it would be nice to get free money so she could stay home and take care of the baby..

ETA: I just think this could take funds away from someone who might legitimately NEED the help....

Im glad she can say that shes "grown out of it". I think she could get introuble for taking the money if she truly doesnt need it. If qualifies she could get WIC to help get the proper nutrition for her an the baby.

Im glad she can say that shes "grown out of it". I think she could get introuble for taking the money if she truly doesnt need it. If qualifies she could get WIC to help get the proper nutrition for her an the baby.


I reminded her of WIC yesterday in the grocery store... :suspect

I'd like for her to go, just so the nurses there can keep an eye on her weight and stuff, she had a heatstroke tuesday at softball practice.. :spank I asked her quit that team, I don't think it's healthy for her...

You sound like a very supportive sister! (L) :hugs

any subject relating to self-harm is a touchy one to me.because im a struggling to recover cutter myself...i have been told that one can get disability/social security due to the disorders that go along
with self injury.such as bi-polar or borderline personality disorder...not the actually harming of one self.if thats the case then..that just dont seem right.
i dont think she should be able to take the easy way out and get money like that =/.it just doesnt seem fair when some people who have worked all their life cant get crap...

I reminded her of WIC yesterday in the grocery store... :suspect

I'd like for her to go, just so the nurses there can keep an eye on her weight and stuff, she had a heatstroke tuesday at softball practice.. :spank I asked her quit that team, I don't think it's healthy for her...

That could not be healthy for the baby. She needs to start thinking about the baby first. Everything she does now has an afect on the baby.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/

any subject relating to self-harm is a touchy one to me.because im a struggling to recover cutter myself...i have been told that one can get disability/social security due to the disorders that go along
with self injury.such as bi-polar or borderline personality disorder...not the actually harming of one self.if thats the case then..that just dont seem right.
i dont think she should be able to take the easy way out and get money like that =/.it just doesnt seem fair when some people who have worked all their life cant get crap...


I understand completely... I was hospitalized for anorexia at 83 pounds when I was 17.. I was force fed through a tube, my teeth and hair started to fall out, my kidneys failed, and I have permanent heart damage, and capped teeth in the front...

I still diet daily, and I'm 5'9", and 110 pounds, my BMI classifies me as emeciated, and i'll never be cured....

But I'm not looking for an easy out, I've learned how to function, and I've learned how to hold a job.... But that's just me, I can't speak for everyone. But I look at how hard I've worked to take care of myself (best as I can) for the sake of my child.. It's a hard life to live!!! For anyone who suffers from a mental illness!!!

but I look at her, and she has gotten to the point that she has no worries, she doesn't deal with it everyday like we do. she's put it behind her, and it's not a struggle anymore. Sure, she has scars on her legs and wrists, but WHY is she classified as a disabled individual for having scars, when I weigh 110 pounds, and I still count calories?

I get by, I deal with it... I prepare 2 dinners everynight, one for my son, and my "ana-meal" for me.. 1 grapefruit, salad with sugarfree dressing, and 4 ounces of grilled meat and a cup of coffee..

I'd rather hold a job and earn my living instead of looking for a handout...

How come her scars are so much more important then mine? Cuz a SSA case worker can see hers?

Ohhhhhhhh... the truth comes out... :no :no :no

I understand completely... I was hospitalized for anorexia at 83 pounds when I was 17.. I was force fed through a tube, my teeth and hair started to fall out, my kidneys failed, and I have permanent heart damage, and capped teeth in the front...

I still diet daily, and I'm 5'9", and 110 pounds, my BMI classifies me as emeciated, and i'll never be cured....

But I'm not looking for an easy out, I've learned how to function, and I've learned how to hold a job.... But that's just me, I can't speak for everyone. But I look at how hard I've worked to take care of myself (best as I can) for the sake of my child.. It's a hard life to live!!! For anyone who suffers from a mental illness!!!

but I look at her, and she has gotten to the point that she has no worries, she doesn't deal with it everyday like we do. she's put it behind her, and it's not a struggle anymore. Sure, she has scars on her legs and wrists, but WHY is she classified as a disabled individual for having scars, when I weigh 110 pounds, and I still count calories?

I get by, I deal with it... I prepare 2 dinners everynight, one for my son, and my "ana-meal" for me.. 1 grapefruit, salad with sugarfree dressing, and 4 ounces of grilled meat and a cup of coffee..

I'd rather hold a job and earn my living instead of looking for a handout...

How come her scars are so much more important then mine? Cuz a SSA case worker can see hers?

Ohhhhhhhh... the truth comes out... :no :no :no


totally agree with the bolded part..( well and everything else too). it doesn't seem fair because hers are visible as opposed to your internal scars...

:hugs for you Leftover. I understand what you mean.

I understand completely... I was hospitalized for anorexia at 83 pounds when I was 17.. I was force fed through a tube, my teeth and hair started to fall out, my kidneys failed, and I have permanent heart damage, and capped teeth in the front...

I still diet daily, and I'm 5'9", and 110 pounds, my BMI classifies me as emeciated, and i'll never be cured....

But I'm not looking for an easy out, I've learned how to function, and I've learned how to hold a job.... But that's just me, I can't speak for everyone. But I look at how hard I've worked to take care of myself (best as I can) for the sake of my child.. It's a hard life to live!!! For anyone who suffers from a mental illness!!!

but I look at her, and she has gotten to the point that she has no worries, she doesn't deal with it everyday like we do. she's put it behind her, and it's not a struggle anymore. Sure, she has scars on her legs and wrists, but WHY is she classified as a disabled individual for having scars, when I weigh 110 pounds, and I still count calories?

I get by, I deal with it... I prepare 2 dinners everynight, one for my son, and my "ana-meal" for me.. 1 grapefruit, salad with sugarfree dressing, and 4 ounces of grilled meat and a cup of coffee..

I'd rather hold a job and earn my living instead of looking for a handout...

How come her scars are so much more important then mine? Cuz a SSA case worker can see hers?

Ohhhhhhhh... the truth comes out... :no :no :no

I would love to have a job an beable to support myself insted of being here with my parents relying on them. I do get depressed about being 20 years old an never living anywhere but home. But I am going to community college so I can do that, hopefully in a year. I dont want to rely on anyone for the rest of my life.

if shes not showing any struggles then wow..thats a totally different thing right there.thats not right.
i can see your frustration.
she shouldnt be allowed to get any sort of money or disability.not when shes perfectly capable and is pretty much straightend out.
*huggs*guess i misunderstood >.< sorry.

Hopefully she'll be able to make an educated desision... i mean it's great that the help is out there for her if she needs it, but if she is capable of working isn't there someone that proabably needs it more?

Wow Leftover I'm sorry for her and for your struggles. However, how can she qualify for disability? I don't and I have CP and depression. Maybe I should try again but I like working too much.

I am surprised she got approved. Is it SSI or SSDI?

I've helped a lot of families both apply for SSI and go through the appeal process when they've been denied and we believe they are, in fact, disabled. You can get SSI for a mental illness. You need documentation of the illness, the severity of it, and that it is persistent (ex. not just depressed because someone died, depressed all the time due to major depressive disorder).

If she didn't lie about it, I am quite surprised she got approved from what you've described.

I understand completely... I was hospitalized for anorexia at 83 pounds when I was 17.. I was force fed through a tube, my teeth and hair started to fall out, my kidneys failed, and I have permanent heart damage, and capped teeth in the front...

I still diet daily, and I'm 5'9", and 110 pounds, my BMI classifies me as emeciated, and i'll never be cured....

But I'm not looking for an easy out, I've learned how to function, and I've learned how to hold a job.... But that's just me, I can't speak for everyone. But I look at how hard I've worked to take care of myself (best as I can) for the sake of my child.. It's a hard life to live!!! For anyone who suffers from a mental illness!!!

but I look at her, and she has gotten to the point that she has no worries, she doesn't deal with it everyday like we do. she's put it behind her, and it's not a struggle anymore. Sure, she has scars on her legs and wrists, but WHY is she classified as a disabled individual for having scars, when I weigh 110 pounds, and I still count calories?

I get by, I deal with it... I prepare 2 dinners everynight, one for my son, and my "ana-meal" for me.. 1 grapefruit, salad with sugarfree dressing, and 4 ounces of grilled meat and a cup of coffee..

I'd rather hold a job and earn my living instead of looking for a handout...

How come her scars are so much more important then mine? Cuz a SSA case worker can see hers?

Ohhhhhhhh... the truth comes out... :no :no :no

:hugs

I have bipolar, along with a few smaller disorders I went to try and get some childcare assistance from the state as I am starting school full time and my husband works full time. I get a pension once a month from the VA and was medically retired. The way I am going to school is with the vocational rehab program right now I am unable to work.

The only way they would help me was if I had my DR write a note saying I was unable to care for my children myself. I looked at the woman and said you have got to be kidding me what person in their right mind would sign ANYTHING saying she could not care for her children. I thanked her for her time and walked out the door.

I have paid taxes for over 10 years not ONCE have I ever used state aid for anything. Yet when we could use some help they won't help us because I have to either sign something which would get CPS involved in my life, OR I have to work 30 hrs a week & go to school full time. If my husband was here that would be an option. With him gone all of the time is is not a choice. Besides if I COULD work I WOULD work.

Anyway my whole point is it is NEVER that easy to get money from the state/ gov there will be strings attached. There are how ever plenty of people who while they may be unable to work can care for their children just fine. I am one of them.

I was a cutter. Cutting is part of a MH disorder. I was at the point that I wouldn't get out of bed, I wouldn't go to school, I wouldn't answer the phone or anything. Maybe her MH problem is to the point that it is debilitating her to the point that she can't work. Of course I don't know your sister and the whole situation, but I can relate to some point.

I was a cutter. Cutting is part of a MH disorder. I was at the point that I wouldn't get out of bed, I wouldn't go to school, I wouldn't answer the phone or anything. Maybe her MH problem is to the point that it is debilitating her to the point that she can't work. Of course I don't know your sister and the whole situation, but I can relate to some point.

she said her sister is capable of working i believe

I was a cutter. Cutting is part of a MH disorder. I was at the point that I wouldn't get out of bed, I wouldn't go to school, I wouldn't answer the phone or anything. Maybe her MH problem is to the point that it is debilitating her to the point that she can't work. Of course I don't know your sister and the whole situation, but I can relate to some point.

Her sister IS capable of working. Leftover said her sister has held down the SAME job for the last two years. It's not even as though she has been bouncing around jobs. That sounds pretty stable to me.

Just because she is "eligible" for benifits like money through social security does not mean that she will be "granted" anything. And the process takes FOREVER. Like sometimes years. She can't just go in there get approved and be paid just like that. She is gonna have to go through a very long process. My mom has worked for social security for years and it is a very difficult system especially to try and fake a sickness. They will see right through her if there is nothing really wrong.

she said her sister is capable of working i believe

Her sister IS capable of working. Leftover said her sister has held down the SAME job for the last two years. It's not even as though she has been bouncing around jobs. That sounds pretty stable to me.

Ok. I musta misread. I'm sleepy.

Wow. That is something I struggled with years ago for several years and have thankfully been able to put it behind me. I have never heard of such a thing as receiving SS for it! That sounds crazy to me. I can see receiving money if it is a symptom of a medical disorder that is currently affecting your everyday life, but for something that is in her past, I don't see how she'd qualify for any kind of financial assistance. And I think if she did take it that it would be wrong of her, she's taking money away from people who really truly need it.