[Kate*]

Hey there

I know what you mean, I've recently considered looking into applying myself and am wrestling with the same issues. I never in a million years imagined having to do it. I was earning a masters degree, grew up with dreams of being a doctor, and here I am considering giving up on all of that and admitting that I'm just not as capable as everyone else while my family strongly disapproves.

I think you do what you have to do to get by, and if that means applying for disability, it's worth a shot. It doesn't have to be a permanent thing, you may be able to eventually come off of it. Also, depending on what type of benefits you receive, you can still work some if you're able to. I know there's a stigma I think because the expectation is that everyone has to "pull it together" and "pull their own weight" and it's "lazy", it's not and if the people who say those things dealt with what you're dealing with, they'd know that. The good news is that it isn't about them. As great as it would be for society to be accepting of this, they don't have to approve for you to do it. You do what you have to do and if others want to judge you then leave them to it.