Hi, I am a female in my mid thirties. I have been diagnosed bipolar a little over a year ago. I have found I was bipolar way back in my teenage years. My sister is bipolar, my mother and my niece. In 06 I was put on medicine for bipolar and anxiety. During that time, I was missing alot of work because I couldn't face the stress of my normal job duties. My moods would swing pretty rapidly at times and I became extremely hyper. I also have Socialphobia or Social Anxiety. I can't go out in public by myself or I get very nervous that others are watching every move I make. I quit my one job in 06 due to not being able to function properly at my job. I have tried working at 5 other places since the job in 06. I can't face the stress of the job and get very hyper and my moods swing rapidly. I have tried applying for a medical card and have to be put on a waiting list. I can't get the proper medical treatment I need due to no insurance. I would like to know if anyone else has this problem and whether or not you can get SSI. not currently being under a doctors care. I know that they will send me to one of their doctors. But is that enough proof for them to approve me for SSI? Any imput would be greatly appreciated as I don't know what else I can do but try to apply for SSI.

Hi KareBear! You most definitely can apply for SSI and if you have enough quarters in as far as a work history(40, I think), you might be able to apply for full SSDI. I think a lot of people with bipolar, social anxiety, panic disorder, etc. are on some form of disability because each one of us has a disabling condition that deters us from either working for a full day or a full work week. A good counselor or psychiatrist can help with this through their reports. However, seeing that right now you don't have coverage, you could avail yourself of the phone book to see if there are clinics that can help with this (sliding scale payments), free clinics, and your state government who can lead you to a state run plan. You definitely need help with this and although you can apply for SSI, you need to start with personal medical help first and then seek out Social Security. Just a thought as I know this worked for me and I will be forever grateful. God bless and take care--Hopeto--