I am an American, and I recieve full disability benifits ( social security ) from being diagnosed with PTSD, as well as Major Depressive Disorder and Somatic Disorder. I was diagnosed almost 8 years ago, but did not seek any help until 2 years after that, once I had lost my job, my home, and had a 30,000 hospital bill which forced me into bankruptsy, as well as everyone in my life not being able to stand to be around me, and constant abdominal pain that no doctor could figure out, as well as all types of gastro intestinal disorders, all because of the PTSD and the depression, but I didn't think PTSD was a disabilty either, until I was at the point where I was almost on the street.

Someone told me to go to the social security office because PTSD was a disability, and I felt wierd about it, but I was desperate, and there I was interviewed by a couple of the state shrinks, and it took 6 months for them to aprove my disability, but once they did it was the full amount, and I also get medicare now to help pay for my doctor bills, which I have had alot of health issues due to the PTSD so that has been a blessing. I live in Michigan, and our state has a program called a ticket to work, which I signed up for, agreeing to only keep my disability checks for 5 years while they try to help me get back into society as a normal person.

The state has helped me go to school, so that I could learn a trade that I could actually perform, and it has helped my depression alot. It also made me eligible to see a shrink at a discounted rate because who can afford $100 an hour. Not me. I have gotten better for sure, but I still have PTSD, and have learned to do things differently now. I have many memory problems because of the PTSD, so now I write myself notes constantly. I have problems with startle response, so I'm jumpy all the time, I get overly stressed out over small things, and get panic attacks easily.

Everyday is a challenge, but I'm sure I would be alive today if it were not for the help I recieved. The college I go to also recognizes PTSD as a disability, and they allow me to have extra time on tests which helps with the anxiety. The state is going to help me find a job once I graduate, and although I know I will never be able to do the kind of job I once did, I am gratefull for the chance to try and start my life over again which I could have not done without that.

PTSD is definatly a disabilty, and should be treated like one, but I'm proud that I'm graduating May 6th on the deans list.