ToughGirl
Member
yeah, i didn't even tell you half the stories around here (and i wont) ... its like rampant in my area... "What? did you say that i don't have to work? all i have to do is keep doing what i'm doing? sign me up!"
You're right, I grew up in your area. After the steel mills closed a lot of people figured out loopholes in the system. So now there are generations of families that can barely read, but understand exactly how to fill out that paperwork perfectly and receive SSI and SSD from a young age. And that is bullshit since people that really need help can't get it.
Although I don't receive SS for it, I'm social phobic to a large extent. After my last tour in Afghanistan I've never really snapped back into complete normality. Apparently it was triggered by PTSD (or so they keep telling me). But I just can't be around crowds at all, or any situation that I don't have control over. It just triggers something in me and I get overwhelmed with paranoia and adrenaline. I have to assess everything, how many exits there are, how many people, who poses the greatest threat, etc. I feel a little better when I'm armed, but that in itself isn't a great way to live. So it was easier for me to just move into the middle of nowhere, and hide behind some seclusion. I've been around enough horrible shit to know that I don't trust people at all. With counseling I'm getting better about it, but I don't ever think I'll be 100% back to the way I was before. Luckily I receive pension, but if I didn't I don't know what I would've done.