How to Testify Effectively in a Depression Social Security Disability Hearing

What are the likely work problems that can arise if you suffer from severe and chronic depression? In a Social Security disability context, you and your lawyer must identify symptoms you experience that would make it impossible for you to function reliably at a job.

As I discuss in this video, you and your attorney need to prepare your testimony to explain these work limitations from your perspective. Further, you need support from your treating doctor or psychologist regarding the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

If you can demonstrate through testimony and medical evidence that you would not be reliable at even the simplest, low stress jobs, you have a good chance at winning your disability claim.

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[bjcastle]

Your videos are helping me so much because I didn't realize that I actually do have a strong case for my disability claim. So many of the things you mention in your videos really do describe what I go through daily.

[PhoenixRising]

After watching this video, I realized that the fact that I never talked about how my depression had affected my work at previous jobs...which is why I was denied at the initial and reconsideration stages. So I've included in a written statement I'm always working on (I have my hearing scheduled for April), I wrote about how I had frequent crying spells at my last retail job (my longest-held job within the last 15 years) because of abuse from my bosses or from customers (I'd often hide in the restroom or the back room where no one could see me). I also frequently called out of work because I was so miserable, and...I even relapsed into self-harm (which I would occasionally do *at* work; I'd hide in the restroom and...hurt myself [I don't want to detail it because I don't want to cause someone else to be triggered]). I was honestly too embarrassed to go into detail about this when I first applied for Social Security, but since I understand now that I have to make a case for why I'm unable to work...I needed to talk about it.

[GremsLv]

I very much appreciate all that you are doing here to support disabled people! Thank you! Just want to point out the use of "bad vibe" in describing someone having emotional dysregulation at work. I understand where you are coming from, but that's ableist language and could be very hurtful to some. Thanks for hearing this feedback--ableist language is everywhere and I am unlearning as best as I can.

[Cluless]

I lost my case because the judge thought "you look fine so you must be fine" even though 2 suicide and a lifetime (50+ years) of severe depression.

[Lissa]

Thank you, it's hard for me to articulate my mental illness limitations, your videos are very helpful. Thank you

[KalanyMightBeADawg]

I have been turn down 2 times now and this is my last time I can appeal. So I am getting a lawyer. I spend the majority of the day in my room in my bed; I don't socialize, I don't go out, like a normal 34 year old would do. My mothering skills are suffering. My paperwork from the psyholigists say that I am paranoid and that I have severe depression and I am Bi-polar. I have a hard time cleaning my house; I feel so ashamed daily. I cry myself to sleep at night, the medicine they put me on doesn't help at all..

[pameladavis]

Thank you so much for all your disability videos. My hearing is in 7 days and my anxiety is through the roof. I have anxiety depression and bipolar and take 6 different medications for those. My doctor, my psychiatrist, my counselor and my social worker all say I’m disabled. But my on the record was denied. What do you think my chances are? If you are too busy to reply, I understand. Thanks for putting these videos out there, because they have helped to calm me and be more prepared and know what to expect.

[MrNateMCM]

What about someone in their 20s ? I imagine the younger you are makes it harder

[calfcalf]

Wow. Thank you for clarifying the exact symptoms that limit the ability to work. I experience a lot, if not most of those symptoms. I need time to improve my mental state. Disability might be the right answer for me. Thank you

[joyceoxfeld]

This is scary.  All I want to do is get stable and return to normalcy.

[desireejohnson]

My boyfriend can really benefit from this information; thank you.

[flippingforreal]

Thank you for the update information and videos

[remotehog]

i've been waiting to see the judge for 19 months now and my lawer says it'll be at least feb or march 2016 before it happens, there as slow as molasses in winter time over here.

[kathyhays]

Before I got on SSI I wrote them a 4 page letter, I got through college n got my certificate, I had been through therapy n I told them about my dad's mental illness, my stepdads physically n emotional abuse. N how he broke the child labor laws. In high school I started running to the bathroom with IBS. N what I was forced to do at home, I skipped school n went back home to sleep. My first husband is abusive. N he stalked me. I had a great Dr. But didn't tell him. N I think I got on SSI after 3 months because I had the documentation about my dad n my stepdads abuse .I had hospital documents stating that I was in pain. That Dr. Didn't know what was going on. I had many jobs n then I had to quit them. N most of all is my father was getting VA disability. But I never knew why. Except he'd go to jail for the way he treated his wives. N beat his own mother for pills. My job that I loved I told my supervisor I was on Ativan n told that I should resign. That probably was on my work records. So I applied told them the truth, had all documents. N in 1991 I was approved right away n got back pay . In 2000 my 2nd husband got cancer n I was put on 2mg Xanax. N I got so depressed I stayed in bed for 10 yrs. Today I don't hear from my 3 kids. N I don't know why. Except my mother has put me down for everything in front of them.KH

[MrSexymanhere]

Thanks much. It was very helpful.
GOD Bless!!!!

[kellynielsen]

thank God for your videos lol thank you!!

[uberdriver]

I have 15 minutes with my attorney and today is my hearing and I'm a nervous

[elliemathews]

How can most of us afford getting a lawyer. I have been unemployed for over a year because of severe depression. I have had major episodes for years. I couldn't possibly afford an attorney.

[bevp]

My lawyer told me that a letter from a coworker would not help...and spent about 10 minutes or less preparing me for the hearing. My case was denied at the ALJ level...smh

[ourevilone]

im very confused what i am suppose to do. got a bachelors degree and worked 6 years over that time and then some dealt with severe depression and anxiety from 13 years old to now im 30. my last few years of work i started to feel more symptoms like on and off dissociation and OCD. my work has disability insurance that ive been on for the last year but only with mental health do they cut you off so i will not get anymore checks from Unum after November this year. My appeal for social security isnt until 2018 or late 2018 at best. So I will have a gap of NO income. Its like I am forced back into work when i know full well I am not improving whatsoever in my condition. I have been to 7 therapists, multiple doctors, been on a whole range of medications but the side effects are physically impairing. One thing you did not mention in this video which is my largest issues is that my condition also includes excessive insomnia and I use to go to work falling asleep at the wheel most days. But thats my biggest issues what am I suppose to do while I have NO income and I am waiting on my social security appeal which I may very well get denied again.