In today’s episode, Nicole sits down with Kim Beavers to discuss all things disability; exploring the challenges, the commitment, and the low success rate that often comes with filing disability claims. Kim shares her journey, starting with what led her down the path of disability and what it takes to qualify for a claim.

She delves into the importance of detailed logs, the role of referrals, and how she managed to balance work and life during the process. They tackle the stigma surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in disability claims and the lengthy process of approval. Kim offers insight into the impact of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and what needs to change for the government, clinicians, and employers to move beyond traditional evaluations.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

Guest:

• Kim Beavers
  • Kim’s Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Kimbriana-Beavers

  In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Interview)

• 1:07 Intro to Kim Beavers’ Interview and Beginning Pleasantries
• 3:21 What Leads You to The Path of Disability?
• 7:02 The Success of a Disability Claim
• 7:28 What Does It Take to Qualify?
• 10:10 How Detailed Were You With The Logs for Your Claim?
• 13:04 Who Were Your Referrals for Your Claim?
• 14:54 How Did You Balance Work and Life During This Time?
• 22:22 Medical Stigma at BPD In Disability Claims
• 25:39 How Long Is The Process for Approval?
• 31:35 Limitations on Work and Partial Degree of Disability
• 34:01 How Has The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Affected You?
• 38:22 What Needs to Change For The Government, Clinicians, and Employers to Move Beyond From Traditional Evaluations?

(End of Interview)

• 49:10 Nicole’s Closing Statement
• 49:32 BPD Daily Mantra
• 49:49 Outro
• 51:07 “Deep End” by Fousheé: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEgilud6tRU

Connect with the Host:

Nicole Darby: presspause4grace@gmail.com

Free BPD Support Resources and Weekly Support Group (Wednesdays): https://www.showmegrace.org

Credits:

Music Producer of Podcast’s Intro Music: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi

Research Team: Nicole Darby & Tamar Brignolle