Thank you for all the replies with wisdom and compassion!
I got my approval letter which was a rather detailed document of my impairments from my medical records and therapists.
Frankly I was stunned and hurt.
Not a good way to find out how your trusted therapist is interpreting everything about you.
With my bipolar dx, everything I do can be pathologized, it's a no-win.
But I had to get a new one lately and hopefully she can get to know me better so that she can evaluate me more accurately, in light of my personality and values system.
On the outside, I no longer color my hair or wear makeup. I've gained a lot of weight and have few clothes. I don't spiff up anymore.
This gets noted.
On the inside I work on my spiritual and personal values everyday and feel the difference in my life every day. I suppose that is not so easy to see, but over time these qualities will be known.
I am now looking forward to having some money of my own, and yes, maybe I may qualify for SSI. I hope so.
I did hire a good attny firm, I wasn't up to all the paperwork, research & etc.
They key was that I have been in treatment for a very long time so had far more than enough medical documentation.