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Is this discrimination?

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minimute

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida

I'm wondering if two situations I'm dealing with would be considered discrimination, and if so, what I could do about it. To preface, I have Social Anxiety Disorder (or Social Phobia) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. At this point in time, I am homebound because of it. I'm unable to leave my home without assistance, and as I don't exactly have much of a social life going on, that assistance is difficult to find, especially short notice.

Situation #1: The facility I go to for mental health treatment has become increasingly difficult to deal with. The side that handles therapy allows me to wait outside (instead of in the waiting room) when I come to see my therapist, which makes it to where I can actually handle going to see her. However, the side that I must go to see my doctor will not allow me to wait outside, and instead, they insist I wait in the waiting room. I have difficulty staying in busy waiting rooms without panic attacks. I've had to stop seeing the doctor over it, which means I'm no longer able to get my meds.

Situation #2: I currently receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) while I'm waiting on SSI. I've had a very difficult time keeping the assistance because I have a hard time getting down there every month. I'm able to take Goodwheels to medical appointments, but I don't have transportation for anything else. I'm unable to drive or take the bus, and I don't have any family so at the moment, my only option is to pay someone to take me. I also need someone familiar with me in order to handle most places, which again, leaves me with paying someone. I know very few people, so it takes me some time to come up with rides. I just got my assistance back a few days ago, only getting funds for the remainder of the month, which isn't enough to cover my bills, much less pay anyone enough for them to be too willing to take me anywhere last minute. Saturday, I got an appointment letter saying I must come in Tuesday (today). As the office was closed Monday, I couldn't speak to anyone then. I spoke to the woman now handling my case today over the phone. I told her I needed more notice in order to find someone to take me, but that I would have transportation on Friday. She told me I have to come in on Thursday, which I have no way to do. She got snotty about me needing to take the bus (which I can't), and ended up telling me that she's sending out a sanction notice. So 10 days from when the letter goes out, I lose benefits. I'm willing to fax or mail anything they need if I can't make it in. I'm willing to do whatever I can. Unfortunately I just can't leave the house without help, and I don't have much in the way of help. They have a form on file signed by my doctor exempting me from work requirements, so they are definitely aware of my condition.

In either situation is there anything I can do?
 
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ecmst12

Senior Member
Talk to your doctor about taking a higher dose of medication for when you need to be in stressful situations (such as a bus or a waiting room) to allow you to deal with it.
 

minimute

Junior Member
Thanks for the suggestion. However, I've been a sociophobe for as long as I can remember. I wasn't even able to handle public schooling as a child. This has been a life long struggle. If it was a simple as upping my dosage, it would have already been done (and tinkering with my meds has been tried). The whole reason for seeking treatment in the first place is the hope of eventually being able to function on a more normal level. But in the mean time, I need assistance to handle the outside world. I don't like it, and it bars me from what many take for granted, like being able to go to the mall, see a movie, or go to the Emergency Room to receive treatment for an injury. This is not the way I would ever choose to live. I can't imagine anyone choosing this. Right now I'm just trying to survive long enough to get better. I'd like to eventually be independent. Being unable to access the services I need is making that pretty well impossible, though.
 

ecmst12

Senior Member
It appears your only other option is to hire a home health aid to accompany you to appointments and help you.
 
dear minimute

Any chance you can request a therapist that is closer to where you live so you can take a Dial-a-ride bus or even walk? They are less full, or Social Security should pay for you to take a taxi, I know someone else that had that happen, but it was in Connecticut.
I am sorry that the lady was such a jerk to you. Some people just cannot walk in anothers shoes to understand their dilema.
Next time you get to your "doc", ask him for some advice and about how uncomfortable you are waiting in his busy room.
I wish you well and hope you get someone to help you out. Maybe there are volunteers through community service that would accompany you. Try calling your Social Services agency or Mental Health. They have to help you. Do not give up and keep us posted so we know your alright.
There are people who genuinely care~
 

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