Depression

[Boston Brandy]

Is it just me or does this whole ordeal cause a lot of depression? Ever since I have been out of work due to my injury, I have been horribly depressed. The pyschiatrist my lawyer sent me to see is completely worthless and I don't know what else to do! This entire process has been miserable, and ever since I got an attorney things have been even worse....

[AQA]

Depreesion is a common side effect of the WC process. We all were living our lives and in control of most aspects of it. Then we make the mistake and got injured. None of us knew anything of the WC process and really didn't care until we got injured. All we want to do is get better and get back to our normal lives and nothing is making sence. With in time, somethings will start to make sence.

Take Care

[oblivyous]

Hi Brandy ,
All of us have gone thru depression at one point or another . Its understandable being your life just did a 360 . Workers comp is a not so pleasant process . Having an attorney is a good thing. Can i ask what state you're from ? Someone who is well versed in the comp laws of your state should beable to answer any questions or concerns you might have about the process. This forum is definetly a " good thing ". Keep your head up . Sher

[sparkey]

We all go through depression when we first get injured. We not only go through the pain but the part of not being able to do the things we use to do because of the injury. Then I know my big thing was I loved my type of work I did and could no longer do it because of it being my dominant hand that I hurt. I gave up my career which I really had no decision to make.


I also got my motorcycle license and a new harley that my husband and I both went out and bought for us to drive side by side through the winding country roads near our home. I put only 300 miles on my bike and could not use it and still 2 yrs. later it still has the same amount of miles. Workers comp. tries to say that I was depressed before my injury and stopped paying for all my medication for depression and pain because they hired a doctor by paying him good money to save them money and stop my medication payments. Using the excuse I was depressed before.

As time goes on and being back to work I still get depressed when I think back of all I use to be able to do. I still work 40 hours a week in a new career that I absolutly hate but pays me double what I use to make. I feel you have to like what you do for work. I stopped taking the anti depressants and feel they never helped me anyways, but as time goes by you learn to live with your injury and accept that is the way things are going to be for now on. Try not to dwell on the pain and things you use to do as it will only depress you more.

WC in itself can be very depressing. I was very fortunate that the IC I have has always paid me pretty much on time except for a few and that had to do with the adjuster I had. The one I have now pays me right away for mileage. He is very good to me and I have not been denied treatments for my RSD. I go to PM every month and each month they try something different. Nothing has worked yet, but will not give up the fight to live a normal life. This is the way I am and I have to accept it. I always look at the fact that there is people worse off than me and that is what makes me make it through each day.

DO NOT let WC get you down. That is what they want, and I will not give into them.

[capricorn]

Boston Brandy....hello and welcome. I agree with the others on depression. It is a part of WC. Most if not all of us have been there more than once. Like Sparkey, I still get glimmers of it. I lived my job and as AQA said BOOM! made the mistake of being injured and my whole life changed in a split second as life is known to do sometimes. Hang in there. There are ups and downs while this is all going on, not tomention trying to get well which is your main concern right now. Can I ask why things got worse when you hired an attorney?


CAP

[jayne]

Brandy....depression is part of the game and workmans comp uses it well...we all overcome it in different ways..the off topic part of this forum is a great place to play and many of us go to http://www.pogo.com and play games if you are interested PM me and I will tell you my user name there..most of the site is free and has card,dice,bingo,puzzels and many more to pass away the time...I have been there all hours of the nite and found people to chat with...I believe being lonely is the worst part of WC dont let it get you down all of us here will help you any way we can

[Still in Limbo]

Boston, Welcome to the Forum and Hang in There!! Remember there is always a Bright Spot in any Situation, and instead of Worrying where You are in Life Right Now, Reach for that Bright Spot, and don't Stop until You Reach it!! That's how I try and Deal With My Depression, I became Totally Disabled at the Age of 42, 4 Years Ago, and have been Fighting these Bastar** Since!! But after 2 1/2 Years, I Won 11 1/2 out of 12 Petitions in Workers Comp Court, and I'm also going to Win the Appeal!! I have My Bills caught up and to a Minimum, All Christmas Gifts Paid Cash For, and No Credit Cards!! Why would I Tell You All of this? Because 4 Years ago, I had to File Chapter 13 and almost Lost My House over My Injury and the Way w/c Delayed things, but I kept My Eye on that Bright Spot, which was get out of Bankruptcy 1 Year Earlier than Normal, and I did!! My Next Bright Spot is to Settle at One Point or another, and Pay Off the Home, and Live Debt Free!! So as I Hope You can See by what I've Written, even though You are at a Low Point Now, (I Spent over 3 Years there), if You fight to Reach the Bright Spot, there actually can be a Life within the w/c System!! My Best to You, and Have a Great Holiday, remember this w/c Problem is just a Bump in the Road Your Life will Travel, and with Perseverance, Some Day it will just be a Bad Memory!!

[Bummer Knees]

I was injured November 2005, and had my 3rd knee surgery last June.

After the surgery my physican noted my depression, it has stayed with me and I've made some changes in my life due to it.

I was enrolled in a college course this past fall and was forced to drop the class due to lack of concentration from the depression.

Bummer Knees

[Boston Brandy]

AQA Wrote:Depreesion is a common side effect of the WC process. We all were living our lives and in control of most aspects of it. Then we make the mistake and got injured. None of us knew anything of the WC process and really didn't care until we got injured. All we want to do is get better and get back to our normal lives and nothing is making sence. With in time, somethings will start to make sence.

Take Care

Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I really wish I could get back to work and get my life back on track. I am so miserable! The worst part is, is that I won't be able to go back to my job because I can no longer do the physical things that are required of me, the horrible part is that it's the only job I know. I have worked at that particular job my whole adult life and I have no idea how I'm going to start all over. It's rough!

[Boston Brandy]

oblivyous Wrote:Hi Brandy ,
All of us have gone thru depression at one point or another . Its understandable being your life just did a 360 . Workers comp is a not so pleasant process . Having an attorney is a good thing. Can i ask what state you're from ? Someone who is well versed in the comp laws of your state should beable to answer any questions or concerns you might have about the process. This forum is definetly a " good thing ". Keep your head up . Sher

Thank you Sher! I live in California, and Arnold (better movie star, then Govenor) has really done a number to our Work Comp system. Unfortunately my lawyer is very tough to get along with. He constantly interupts me, talks over me and makes me feel like an idiot when I have questions. Most of the time I talk to his secretary because they have way too many clients and he doesn't have the time to talk to me. I'd love to get another attorney but I'm not sure if I can, or if I will have to start all over again. The insurance company is screwing me big time. They send my TTD checks late every time. I live paycheck to paycheck, and without fail my checks are sent over a week late each time. My wonderful attorney tells me there is nothing they can do about that, and I just need to deal with it. It's rough because I can't exactly call my financial places that handle my bills and tell them, "hey, sorry, your gonna hafta wait because I haven't got my check yet!". It's screwing up my credit, and my life...it's really hard for me to handle.