Depression and Disability Leave

John1969 · Post by **John1969** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:13 am

Has anyone take short-term disability leave for their depression? I've working on this program for almost three weeks and I do think it's helping. I am also on medication for depression and anxiety. A lot of anxiety and resulting depression seems to stem from work, but I have to work! My doctor recommends taking some short-term disability while I work on this program and see if the medication will help. The doctor will write me out for 3 months and I checked at work and I am eligible for up to 6 months of short term disability with full pay. I just don't know if I should do it or just keep fighting through each day as I work on the program? Any advice?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:25 am

I would take the time off. I unfortunately have to work. My husband is unemployed and my income is the only thing that is paying the bills. Take the time off and be good and kind to yourself. After three months, you feel you need more time, go ahead and take it. Don't feel guilty, you deserve it.

Best of luck to you,

Leopolda

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:13 am

John--I think it's a good idea that you are taking time off from work. What's truly important is for your meds and Lucinda's course to work for you. You need to build a foundation. That can be hard when faced with a stressful job. You need to get stronger first. I have OCD and depression. I was working two jobs until recently when I quit one and now I only work eleven hours a week. Sometimes, unfortunatley, I feel like a failure for not being more in the "real world." I challenge these negative thoughts through what I've learned in Session 3. I must admit it's a struggle to feel differently. I sometimes get down on myself that I may not be doing the course well enough or I would feel better by now. It's ridiculous because I try really hard to recover. The meds work for me in a big way. However, the obsessive thoughts and depression (especially the depression) remain. John, try not to be so hard on yourself. You're doing everything you can do for yourself to get well. You deserve mounds of credit. Expect to change. I may look for a second job again but not until I finish the fifteen weeks of the course. I want all my attention to be on the assignments. For the time being, this is more important than work. I am on SSI and SSD, so I can get by. So stop feeling guilty. You're looking to heal...and I admire you for that. Hang tough!!

Scott

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:13 am

Scott and Leopolda. Thanks so much for your comments. It's really nice to hear from others that are dealing with the same issues. Good Luck to the both of you!

Carolyn Dickman · Post by **Carolyn Dickman** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:57 pm

Hi John 1969,

My doctor recommends taking some short-term disability while I work on this program and see if the medication will help. The doctor will write me out for 3 months and I checked at work and I am eligible for up to 6 months of short term disability with full pay.

I think you provided your own answer. If your Doctor is ready to back you up on your disability claim, and your company will pay you full wages to give a good opportunity to get better, I don't understand the conflict.

You have an opportunity to work this program, and get better, and then return to work in what could be a much better state of mind and health. Don't let this opportunity to get paid while you work on getting better slip away.

Scott that was very well put. Leopolda you too are very encouraging.

I have been working this program about 1 month. This is what I found: the best thing that you can do is from the beginning of you day as you start to rise; give thanks to God for watching over you during the night and bringing you safely to a new day that He has made.

As you start to move to get going to do the usual thing you do to wash up, etc, I mean your very first step, thank God and praise him. A simple 3/4 beat song, like: What a mighty God we serve, What a mighty God we serve....

You must said it so you can hear it, and with each step you take believe it as you continue keep your focus on that. Then proceed to do your usual.

When you done getting ready for the day, repeat the song again and again, you must sing it so you can hear it. Continue with your day, and if you have a down moment, get moving, and singing and do that until there is no negative thought.

Here is the key: It is impossible for 2 opposing states of mind to occupy your brain. The physical movement to limber up and get moving, even the littlest, help to stimulate the release on endorphins that make you feel good.

Don't even think about not doing this because I it will prove that this does work. If you start out putting positive thoughts from the moment you rise, it will set the tone for the rest of your day. Don't know the song? No problem. Go to my profile, email me or just pm me, and I will email you my phone number, and sing it to you until you know it. What have you got to lose? How about those negative thoughts that have you down bunky?

You say you want to get better, load up on positive up beat and laughter from the moment you rise and all through the day, and you will defeat the bug that's got you down.

You will learn to say you fear no man, woman or disorder that will try to steal you joy, you will mean it and you will win. Say it, hear it, and believe it and repeat! If you say to yourself I can't then you won't. It is that simple.

I have taken others down this path and posted similar advice. here is the thread:

http://bbs.stresscenter.com/ev...?r=15510154#15510154

Seek and ye shall find. Dive in the the water is fine. You just have to get yourself to believe. These exercises will get you there. Now, I have brought you to the water, it is up to you to taste and drink. I can do no more, the rest is up to you.

Hey, look at what I found:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...m1iA&feature=related

Now you don't even have to call me.

This one is a bit more complicated by a great song, if you stick to the chorus/refrain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6G0U8Vg6nY

here are the lyrics: http://www.klove.com/lyrics/lyrics.asp?375

If you want more, I can do that. I have hundreds of songs, that demonstrate that God cares and is trying to reach you and lead you to his place where peaceful waters flow. Again, all is possible, it is up to you.

I love you guys.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:33 pm

Hi Gman!
I liked the utube videos of the songs.
I sent them to my 3 children. Maybe they can start their day on a positive note.

Enjoyed your post.
Thanks.
MJF

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:40 pm

Hi -

Part of our problem because of this condition is that we never give ourselves enough credit. I am a pro at never giving myself the credit I deserve for how many accomplishments I have made in the past few months.

I am really happy to hear that the medication is working for you and that you have the choice to take a leave from work. I am a senior in college and once my acute crisis made me hit rock bottom, my parents pulled me out of school and brought me home. The program has been helping me as well and honestly, taking a leave from work does not make you weak and you should not feel guilty. You have been given a gift to really focus on YOU and make yourself better. So many people wish they could do that.

I agree with your doctor and from my own experience, take the time off and really really work on your anxiety/depression. We are here if you need us and I'll pray for God to watch over you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 11:27 pm

Hi all,

Thanks MJF. I am glad you liked them. I like the handle, and count your blessings, you may not be feeling like a bruised one. I am a bruised and broken reed, but I thank and praise Him that made me for I know that a bruised reed He shall not spurn.

The other reading I love is Psalm 51: 11-17.

http://www.holybible.com/resou...e=Psalms&Chapter=51#

http://bible1.crosswalk.com/On...&new=1&oq=My+sin+is+

Different translations use "spurn" rather than "break" as indicated in the translation found in crosswalk.

Keep that in mind as you go through your journey. Lift up your prayers to God while coming to Him as His child or as your own child, if you have or had one, would come to you pleading with you to you and asking you for something, and He will show you mercy and not spurn your prayers or pleadings. This is very important, and gives you the confidence to move forward.

I pray you have a blessed day that is full of His joy.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:57 am

Thank you very much , Gman!
It was so good reading Psalm 51 this morning. It struck just the right chord with me. A passage that fit right in with my heart's needs!

And I had forgotten about the 'promise' that He wouldn't break the bruised reed. That, too, was very appropriate for me.

Indeed, that was a very good read for me to start my day!!!! Uncannily so!

Have a wonderful day yourself!!

MJF

~*schnauzermom*~ · Post by **~*schnauzermom*~** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:05 am

Hi and good morning,

Indeed, that was a very good read for me to start my day!!!! Uncannily so!

I wonder if other folks just think this just another one of those coincidences.

Holler and Praise Him. Amen

He just gave me this one as I was just now responding. Truly Amazing! He is a God of Action!

http://www.klove.com/lyrics/lyrics.asp?2061

I hope this sets the tone for the rest of your day. May God bless with joy all day through.