No Psychiatrist, Just a Therapist. Do I Have Enough Evidence?
Hi everyone,
A little backstory - I applied for SSDI last week. I'm worried I don't have enough evidence to prove my disability. I am agoraphobic, have a major anxiety disorder, GAD, PTSD, ADHD and past trauma. I'm 52 years old and have worked in the same field for the last 20 years (customer service specialist from home). I was always too afraid to go out and work. When working from home became available in 2007 for me in my state, I thought I'd be able to work with no issues. Though it helped financially, I still struggled really bad with concentration and anxiety. I pushed through all those years. I applied for SSDI a couple of times during those 20 years, but withdrew my applications because I did not want to depend on government money even though I paid into the system. Again, I struggled really, really bad, but stuck with. I can no longer do it. I am tired, exhausted and overwhelmed.
I have been seeing my therapist for psychotherapy for over 3 years now (online). I have only seen one psychiatrist in 1994. The reason for this is because I'm agoraphobic and was/is so afraid to go into an office or do online with to see one. I'm also VERY afraid of medication. I have been on an SSI now for about 10 years. I have had 3 increases. This is the only med I take for my disability.
During my 20 years of work, I have had to take FMLA, reduce my schedules and have accommodations. I have all this in writing from both my PCPs and therapist and also my employers with these all being approved. It does list my conditions as stress, need to attend psychotherapy, stress and can't function. This happened 3-4 times (need to check my records).
I have also gone to urgent cares and one ER for anxiety. But during these visits, nothing was mentioned about not being able to function or concentrate at work. I'm sure they only noted that I was there for anxiety. This happened about 5 times during 2013 - 2014. After that, I got on medication. Though it helped a LITTLE, I still struggle. Also, my PCP noted I'm agoraphobic and have anxiety, but work was also never mentioned until today.
I have also seeing many doctors online for anxiety, but again, no mention of work.
Can you please tell me your thoughts? Will seeing a therapist help my case? Is it mandatory to see a psychiatrist and get on different medications? Will my past FMLA, reduced hours and accomodations help? And also the trips to urgent care and the one ER visit?
Thank you for reading this long post.