Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating condition. You may have to deal with problems such as pain, loss of movement, difficulty walking and/or difficulty using your hands, to name a few. It can be depressing. But I just read a terrific article in the Washington Post written by a rheumatoid arthritis survivor. It is so positive and upbeat it made me smile! As a former nurse I know the importance of a positive mental attitude in dealing with chronic disease. But the author also made a very important point about dealing with this condition – “Do not hesitate to ask for help; it is not weakness.” That applies to Social Security disability benefits too. I find that clients who have worked hard all of their lives frequently have difficulty admitting that they cannot do it anymore and are reluctant to seek disability benefits. But that is just what disability is for – to help you when you just can’t do it anymore. It is not a sign of weakness if you apply for disability. To learn what it takes to get disability benefits, go to my website to order a free copy of my book, Sharon Christie’s Unofficial Guide to Social Security Disability Claims.