A view on disability leave that you probably haven't seen before

On the MS Society's Momentum blog, I write that disability leave is usually very helpful, yet it's a two-sided coin:

I remember the quiet, so pristine I wished I could bottle it. It was my first week on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). I couldn’t believe I didn’t have to go in to work: No more taking 3 hours to get ready, then driving 45 minutes downtown, parking and struggling to reach my desk on the 14th floor in time. I didn’t have to do any of that, only heal. My apartment was so silent and still that the air was almost ringing.

It was heavenly.

Fast forward a few years. I got up to start my day and begin the long process of pills, washing, dressing and breakfast. My apartment was so silent and still that the air was almost ringing.

And it was driving me freaking insane!

It surprises me that I've never seen another writer saying this: that going on disability was a lifesaving opportunity for me, but the comeback effects in terms of social isolation, depression and more, brought serious consequences for me. I'd definitely like hearing from any others who had experiences like this. 

I encourage you to go for a better life on disability ... but keep your eyes peeled for both sides of the coin.