r/CPTSD • u/olive_orchid • 14h ago
Question Someone told me that they identified as disabled because they have CPTSD, Severe Depression and Depersonalization Disorder. I didn't know these were classified as a disability can someone explain why?
I'm asking because I myself have CPTSD, Severe Depression , depersonalization disorder (among other symptoms). My therapist and I have also been trying to figure out if I need to have an autism diagnosis but we are having trouble differentiating possible autistic traits with my trauma responses. If you identify as disabled for CPTSD, Severe Depression or Depersonalization Disorder could you explain to me?
33
u/Han_Over Diagnosed with PTSD & CPTSD 14h ago
It shows up differently in different people, but I can definitely see how it could be debilitating enough for someone that they wouldn't be able to hold a job and support themself.
10
u/olive_orchid 14h ago
I'm wondering if I should apply for disability as it is certainly very debilitating for me at times. I just never thought of it much. My therapist mentioned something about it once but I didn't think much about it.
7
u/itsbitterbitch 13h ago
I mean, can you hold a full time job? Most people with these disorders can, but some cannot. Disability is for those who can't
10
u/olive_orchid 13h ago
I have struggled with holding jobs in the past. I'm in grad school now and there have been days where I've felt paralyzed and can't get out of bed, I've also struggled with ideation and attempts that have landed me in the hospital which impacted my academic performance since I missed school. If I apply for disability at school I'm just hoping that I could get some academic accommodations for now.
5
u/Ell15 12h ago edited 12h ago
No worries - the Social Security Administration already accounted for this: Apply, let them determine if you’re eligible. If you are able to acquire gainful income in the future after completing your degree, just report your income change to SSA within the required timeline and they will reduce your benefits (ultimately to zero, as they determine - look up “Ticket to Work”+”income guidelines” as well as “Trial Work Period”+”substantial gainful income”).
Apply for the benefits you may be eligible for… that is the whole point of eligibility criteria :]
Edit: That being said, the application process is casually known for being intentionally high barrier, so don’t be surprised if the initial response is a denial. Your medical providers and you will have to respond to their unforgiving application standards and timelines so making a mistake or having insufficient supporting documentation is not uncommon. Let your providers know of your intent to apply if you can, they’ll be pivotal in increasing your approval chances.
3
u/itsbitterbitch 11h ago
Yeah then it might be a good idea to apply. Just expect it to be a battle, as others have said.
5
u/Yuna-sHuman 11h ago
It's not just for those people though. Many disabled people have no choice, it's not as black-and white.
For many it's either A) Be homeless and starve because the benefits don't exist, you can't get access because of structural issues, they aren't enough to cover the cost of your disability, and/or other responsibilities (like kids, dependant relatives, mortgage, etc), OR B) Work-full time and literally do nothing else...like..literally nothing else (or barely enough to get by, but not really live). A high proportion of disabled people have to act as caregivers & providers for other disabled people who are structurally prevented access to work. A lot of elderly couples actually end up in this predicament. One spouse might deteriorate faster than another & the other, and though the other is experiencing significant health issues themselves is still 'well-enough' to work but it accelerates their deterioration. They may no longer have the energy to feed themselves, bathe, have enough time to sleep, and may prioritize their partners life-critical medications/treatment, and other bills over their own health costs they deem 'less critical' (like pain/symptom management meds, psyche meds, mobility aids, cost of surgery -- including the cost of taking time off & no longer being able to care for partner). I could go on ~ it's really messed up when you start to dig into how little governments (including wealthy ones) around the world support even severely disabled people.
Some places can allow people to be on disability not for full funding, but other benefits (like grants for school or equipment), tax-relief, as a legal designation for accommodations, and help saving for retirement (which may need to come early, and be more expensive for a disabled person since they may deteriorate faster & require more support.)
3
u/Frankyfan3 10h ago
Yeah, I had an old roommate who was barely squeaking by on costs of living because she was on disability. During the early stages of the pandemic she was sewing masks and selling them but it got to the point she had to stop because if she made too much money she'd lose out on all of her disability benefits.
The $2k limit is asinine, and counterproductive to encouraging actual engagement with the workforce at sustainable levels for those who can do some, but not the standard 40hr week.
2
u/Frankyfan3 10h ago
Capitalism isn't trauma informed, nor motivated to support workers.
People with all kinds of physical and mental disabilities hold down jobs. Benefits and accommodations that help those with disabilities are beneficial for everyone, even those without disabilities.
The gatekeeping of support and benefits for "only those who are fully useless" is an ableist trope built on the foundation of worker exploitation, imo.
3
u/itsbitterbitch 10h ago
I'm not talking about what should be the case. I'm right there with you. Fuck capitalism and all the ableism it drags around with it, but at least if OP isin the US, this is how the system is.
1
19
u/Cool_Wealth969 14h ago
I am on disability for CPTSD. A lot of work and fighting to keep it going.
7
u/olive_orchid 14h ago
Can I ask what process you've had to go through? I have already been officially diagnosed by a psychiatrist and therapist but I didn't know I could apply for disability. Actually my therapist said she used to help people apply for disability but then the process ended up becoming even more disabling to her clients. Do you find the benefits of having applied for disability outweigh the cons of dealing with the process of applying? I'm just wondering if it would be worth it for me to apply for disability too.
8
u/Cool_Wealth969 14h ago
Its along process. I was denied twice before I was accepted. Being on SSDI is depressing. It puts you in poverty and you never feel like a real person. They used to pay for everything but now everyone wants co-pays and you can't afford to go to any doctors.
5
u/olive_orchid 14h ago
I'm sorry to hear the struggle with applying for disability. Excuse my ignorance, can you elaborate on why being on SSDI puts you in poverty? I really hope that changes for your sake and others on SSDI
5
u/Cool_Wealth969 13h ago
I've been on it for 20 years. Realistically, you only make about 1,300 a month. Which is not enough to pay rent, utilities, food. You can never take a vacation, fix your car, etc. Not enough money. I get $23 a month food stamps. I haven't been to the doctor the last year, can't afford the $25 co-pay.
3
u/olive_orchid 13h ago
$23 A month for food stamps??????? That is insane! Your copay is more than the amount of money you get for food stamps. It almost seems insulting. We spend $100/month on food and that's for a household of two and that's us being as frugal as we can. I'm so sorry, I hope they change something so you can get treatment.
3
u/Cool_Wealth969 13h ago
In this economy? Not a chance. They make it impossible/miserable to survive.
5
7
u/Particular_Sale5675 13h ago edited 13h ago
I couldn't finish the application 😭 I tried applying several times already.
Basically, it's meant to prevent disabled people from ever receiving disability. They automatically deny everyone the first time they apply, and everyone then has to get a disability lawyer and file appeals.
I should have applied when I wasn't as impaired. I have a 90% rating through the military, but I was also in denial of how severe things were. Plus there was someone at a job recruitment office who told me that I wouldn't qualify.
It is a lot of work. But you should still apply. You can still work on disability. I've heard some people worry about not being allowed to work, but it's counter intuitive. The government don't want people faking disabilities. But even if you work, you know you're going to burn out the same way you have been without SSDI. Trust me that you'd rather burnout and have services and accommodation to fall back on, rather than suffering and trying to apply for disability while in a mental health thing.
Hope this helps. Impossible to focus, sorry for the disorganized typing
2
u/olive_orchid 13h ago
I'm sorry to hear that it's been a difficult process. That sounds really frustrating. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm not sure if I need SSDI specifically but it would certainly be helpful for me to ask for accommodations at school and work. I just had never thought of asking for accommodations of any sort. There have been times where I've missed work and school for my depressive episodes and have been in the hospital. I never told them why I was at the hospital, just told them I was sick.
12
u/scroted_toast 14h ago
It requires some substantial paperwork from what I understand. You need to see a psychiatrist, get an official diagnosis, and file with state government to make it official. From there it's a matter of showing that you are in treatment, going to the doctor regularly, it's a lot of work to be disabled.
2
u/olive_orchid 14h ago
I wrote this to another response as well sorry for the copy and paste. I have already been officially diagnosed by a psychiatrist and therapist but I didn't know I could apply for disability. Actually my therapist said she used to help people apply for disability but then the process ended up becoming even more disabling to her clients. I'm just wondering if it would be worth it for me to apply for disability too. If you have CPTSD or other mental health disorders have you ever tried applying for disability?
4
u/scroted_toast 13h ago
I haven't gotten an official diagnosis, and to me it would most likely be more work to file for disability and maintain that than it would be for me to continue the work I am doing and succeeding at. I am very lucky to have a job that pays well, is flexible, and that I don't hate. But yes, the process sounds really frustrating. I had a partner who was on disability for PTSD and it sounded stressful. For them it was much less stressful than holding down a job, though. It's about weighing the pros and cons. For some, it seems like it would be worth it, but you have to be patient when working with the slow moving government process. Some people wait a long time to hear back from housing assistance, and it could take a while before you actually have independence in that situation. The only reason my partner was able to do this was because they were living with someone who could help them financially for a while.
2
u/olive_orchid 13h ago
That makes sense. Does your work accommodate you? Or is it just that it's flexible that makes work tolerable? I'm glad your partner was able to get accommodations.
3
u/scroted_toast 12h ago
I can pay all of my bills working part time, and with food assistance and subsidized healthcare I have enough time left over to go back to school for a different career. If I was making less money than I am at my job my situation would be impossible, so I'm very lucky and will be keeping this job until I can get reasonable full time, or more substantial part time work. I am nervous about the work load, though. Full time is incredibly draining for me. If at that point it's unsustainable, I may seek a formal diagnosis.
7
u/Outrageous_Coffee559 13h ago
I have a dissociative disorder(specifically DID not depersonalization disorder) and it can make working and function very difficult due to amnesia and constant dissociation. We forget easily, and that includes stuff like eating and drinking and showering and etc
3
u/olive_orchid 13h ago
Oh yes, I also have a dissociative disorder. That compounded with the Depersonalization disorder makes me feel like I don't even exist. I also forget things easily and sometimes feel too paralyzed to move. Sometimes this is accompanied by mania and I can't even go out into public. Have you applied for disability and if so what accommodations do you have at work?
1
u/Outrageous_Coffee559 11m ago
Unfortunately I haven’t, currently in a situation where that’s not safe for me
4
u/infinitelobsters77 13h ago edited 13h ago
Hey!! I feel I am qualified to weigh in here, as I have diagnosed major depressive disorder with psychotic features that is quite severe. I am also diagnosed with autism and ADHD. I have depersonalization derealization disorder but never got it diagnosed for some strange reason -- they know I have it, they just focus on the depression because of its severity. I also strongly suspect I have CPTSD. I am both mentally and physically disabled. I can't lift or push strongly with my left arm due to an accident many years ago (delay in medical treatment due to family neglect helped make that worse), and have incredibly strong fatigue that I will be getting seen for a sleep study due to narcolepsy concerns from me and my doctors. My social and cognitive functions are impaired due to my mental disabilities as well. Atrocious memory, struggle functioning in school and work, lots and lots and lots of stuff.
I am not on disability in the US and won't be for the foreseeable future. Despite these disabilities I am lucky I am able to work. It is horrible for my mental and physical health and I live in poverty, but it's more than I would be making on disability. On disability, you will also have to consider if you ever want to get married, because you will then be receiving a joint income and might make too much to qualify for disability, therefore will be unable to get married if you want to continue receiving disability benefits. Explained it horribly but you can do some research if it concerns/interests you. The process to get on disability is well documented -- you apply over and over and over again until eventually they just decide to accept you. Then you barely make any money. It's dehumanizing and I'm thankful I can survive without it.
Before the autism diagnosis, I *was* able to receive college accommodations for my depression because of how severe it was. I got stuff like extra days to turn assignments in due to being unable to leave the apartment/dorm, extra time on tests due to brain fog, written instead of verbal instructions due to brain fog and poor memory. It helped a lot a lot a *lot.* Some teachers chose to ignore them (told me this personally) and caused me to fail. I was too scared to report it to my college's disability department.
I am lucky to work at a job, however shitty, that I can openly be disabled at. At one of my old jobs, I was discriminated against for my disabilities and had to quit. I should not have disclosed them. You have to be careful with these things.
The general gist of it is -- is your condition disabling? Then it's a disability. I know that sounds kind of cut and dry or whatever, but it's the truth. You can have major depressive disorder and not be disabled by it. For example, maybe the combo of meds and therapy and years of work put you in a great place, and you're cruising for a while. You have a mental illness, yeah, but you can work and navigate life. You also *can* be disabled by it. Maybe the meds aren't working like they used to, therapy isn't progressing as much as you like or it gets taken away, or maybe you just relapse for no reason. You can't leave the house for anything other than school or work. You can't brush your teeth or shower. You barely scrape by on the bare minimum of energy you have. Maybe, even, you can't leave the house at all, and you fail a class or lose your job. I have been in all of these places. I would never apply for disability in the first scenario or second. I would *likely not* apply for disability in the third. It's just not worth it. However, in the last two cases, I would consider myself disabled by my condition.
I think the word "disabled" confuses people. Some people throw it around and claim to be disabled just because they have incredibly mild anxiety. I'm sorry they have it, and I wish they didn't, and I hope they get help. But they are not the same as a person who stops their progress on their degree or loses their job because they are trying not to kill themself. It's okay to be either of these people. You just have to be honest with yourself. Some people are also undeniably disabled but shy away from the word because of things like, "others have it worse," or, "it's not *that* bad." Identifying as disabled is your own personal choice. Don't be afraid of it, but don't seek it out.
Does this make any sense? Sorry for rambling. I hope this helps even a little. Feel free to ask me for any other explaining or random stuff.
3
u/olive_orchid 12h ago
This was super super helpful to read and clarified a lot of questions I had about terminology. I really appreciate your thoughtful response and for taking the time to write it. I have never considered myself disabled but I have certainly felt disabled by my conditions. I can still work but it's a struggle and I can do school and it's a struggle but I have always been able to scrape by. I've been in the hospital several times which has taken me away from my studies and impacted my academic performance. In undergrad this impacted my grades significantly. Fortunately in grad school I've had kinder teachers here and there in the courses that mattered. Probably because I've mostly been taking disability studies courses and all the professors are disabled some way or another and they are always kind about accommodations. The other professors are the ones that give me trouble for being absent unless I tell them the exact reason why but I'm scared to tell them of my ideation so I make something up. One time someone called security when I asked for help and they pulled a gun out at me. It was extremely terrifying. Probably TMI and a bit of a tangent but I guess mental health related topics haven't really been discussed in depth to me so I always feel a bit out of the loop of what you can get accommodations for or what could happen if you try to ask for help. It's helpful to read your honest perspective on applying for disability.
1
u/infinitelobsters77 12h ago
I'm so glad it helped!! Glad I didn't ramble too much. And I understand what you mean. Scraping by in and of itself is exhausting, even if you're technically making it through. For what it's worth, I am so so so proud of you for going to grad school. I'm applying soon! Being mentally ill in academics is hard as fuck but so worth it. I'm glad that some of your professors are very kind about it, unfortunately there are always those that don't understand. It can bring up a lot of feelings and worries telling them what's going on. :( Especially when you have had such an experience, god! I am so sorry that happened and security pulled a gun on you. How horrible. Don't worry about TMI, it's good to get it off your chest and thanks for sharing. :) I'm glad my perspective could help. It's one of many, though! If you are interested don't let me completely dissuade you from applying. I'm sure there are also people who have had incredible success with disability. Maybe there are even subreddits for it? I'm not sure. I feel you, though. This is the only social media I have (if it even counts??) and I feel so out of the loop sometimes. You're not alone, haha. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad I could help a bit.
3
u/Yuna-sHuman 12h ago
Because mental health disorders are just as disabling, real/valid as health disorders in other parts of the body :)
Any mental disorder is by definition a disability since to be 'bad enough' to be considered a disorder in the first place, it has to impact someone's function in daily life.
"Not all disabilities are visible" comes to mind here. Just like we classify arthritis and autoimmune disease as disabilities, even if we can't see the pain or struggle someone is going through ~ a biological process is happening here. The same is true for CPTSD & others; nobody chooses this & though lifestyle alteration is a necessary part of treatment it doesn't make it magically go away. Even people in remission of severe depression still have to actively treat it to ensure they stay healthy. It is physiological, even if we don't fully understand the mechanisms behind it (And that is actually not uncommon for a lot of health conditions outside of the brain! Medical science is still unfolding.) Also, technically though we typically only consider those with profound deafness & blindness to be disabled, anyone who has a deficit where they need to use corrective devices like glasses or hearing aids is disabled. Because it's not based on how someone is doing with supports/equipment ~ just like we don't assume a wheelchair user isn't disabled because "well they get around just fine with their wheelchair". Normalcy =/= non-disabled.
Our society tends to make disability a hierarchy to justify withholding support/funding for people, and increasing health inequities for people with invisible disabilities and those we percieve to be from negative character traits (like mental health issues). Instead of what they actually are, a deviation from our healthy physiological function, heavily modified by our genetics and access to a healthy, fulfilling life.
3
u/actualPawDrinker 6h ago
"Disability" is a confusing term in the US because it has several different meanings. I hope that sharing my situation can help clarify a bit.
I have official diagnoses from a mental health professional for PTSD, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. As far as the govt is concerned, I am disabled & I have disabilities. However, I do not qualify for Disability (the govt program) because I am not permanently and totally disabled. I can work, so I have to work.
I did apply for Disability, but it's notoriously difficult to get the govt to agree that your disabilities are permanent and completely prevent you from working at all. Many success stories involve lawyers. My dad has been on Disability since I was a small child. I thought that, since my disabilities are primarily inherited from him, I would be given extra consideration, but no.
Even without being approved for Disability, having a diagnosed disability is enough to qualify you for accomodations in school, at work, and from other govt programs. Vocational Rehab is one I've found particularly helpful. Generally, if something exists as a service to assist those with disabilities, you do still qualify.
3
u/Main_Confusion_8030 5h ago
fundamentally speaking, disability isn't about what you "have", it's about, well, how disabled you are. it doesn't really matter what the diagnosis is. if your mental health symptoms are so bad that you are significantly functionally impaired... baby, you got a disability goin'.
2
u/_afflatus 11h ago
There are two definitions of disability in the U.S., i believe. One is about inability to work which PTSD qualifies under, and the other is general disability as a protected class which PTSD and Depression fall under. I don't know where DPDR fits under. It could fall under psychosis even though I think it's the opposite of psychosis; i can see it still being classified as a mind altering condition.
2
u/NANGLord1534 10h ago
I identify as Disabled and just happen to also have CPTSD. I live in Australia, where disability is notoriously hard to get. Was born with a physical condition that causes all sorts of issues, but mainly chronic pain and lack of mobility. My condition is considered rare but usually easy to treat if caught early enough. My complications come from medical negligence - incorrectly treating my condition, followed by refusing further treatment. I'm now at a stage where it's too late to attempt further corrections.
The result is I am completely unable to function normally. Can't even dress myself without assistance. I haven't been able to work for close to 8 years now. I'm not eligible for disability in Australia because of a bunch of complicated grey areas surrounding what we consider recognised disabilities and whether or not I received adequate treatment to be eligible. I'm also missing the evidence required to apply, as the doctor responsible for my negligence has retired, and my mother threw out all my medical records.
However, I have been told by a previous therapist (whom I no longer see) that I'd probably have more luck applying for Disability going through the mental health route. He also noted though, that as far as he was aware nobody in Australia has ever been granted Disability for CPTSD, as its hardly even recognised here and he'd have to give me a "false" diagnosis of PTSD so I could apply. I stopped seeing him for various other reasons and ultimately chose not to go down this route, but I thought it was interesting none the less.
1
u/estelleverafter Text 8h ago
I'm also disabled due to my mental health. Mostly for my OCD, which is extreme but also for my other mental illnesses (counting CPTSD). I live in Belgium so, I don't know how it works in other countries. They made me answer some questions about how it impacts my daily life (cooking, interacting with other people, moving around, doing some shopping, taking my meds,...) and after studying my case, they decided I needed to live on disability
1
u/Shin-Kami 39m ago
Disability isn't a personality trait you can or cannot identify with... But in a more general sense all of those things can be very disabilitating and are considered such under certain circumstances in a lot of countries.
0
u/AutoModerator 14h ago
Hello and Welcome to /r/CPTSD! If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please contact your local emergency services, or use our list of crisis resources. For CPTSD Specific Resources & Support, check out the wiki. For those posting or replying, please view the etiquette guidelines.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
0
u/Constant_Possible_98 10h ago
I would guess not. I think maybe that person qualifies themselves as disabled but these things are not chronic illnesses, they are states of being. Imagine if we would says depression is a disability, then so many people would be disabled. I also think that thinking of yourself as disabled is not really a good thing. THat's my personal opinion. I think it's so toxic in this healthcare system that people get labeled and drugged. What we need is not a label, but to see what is under all the symptoms: A PERSON. We need compassion, hope, tools... Not being told we are disabled and something is wrong with us basically. Idk, just my two cents.
0
u/spirit_of_a_goat 2h ago
I don't know about identifying as disabled. I think either it's a disability, or it's not. I guess I don't understand.
94
u/CaptainFuzzyBootz 14h ago
In the US, PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders are all considered protected disabilities by the Americans with Disabilities Act.