Mental limitations are difficult to address in a general fashion. Almost inevitably, they are unique and often require a great deal of specialized advice, help, and preparation. If mental limitations are the only disability which qualifies you for Social Security disability benefits, you should consult an experienced Social Security disability representative.
If your mental limitations exist in combination with physical impairments, you should discuss both sides of your disability with your Social Security disability representative. When an individual has been suffering from a seriously painful and chronic condition, he or she will often develop emotional problems running concurrently with the physical ones. Sadly, many who suffer from mental issues due to physical impairments are ashamed of expressing the emotional side of the pain due to the fear of being seen as crazy. In contrast to this fear, developing emotional issues is a very common situation. In fact, it is normal enough that it is more surprising to find a severely physically impaired individual without them than with them.
If you are mentally affected by your physical condition, you are far from alone in your predicament. Instead of being ashamed of the emotional issues from which you suffer, you should include information about it in your testimony. Often, the emotional problems stemming from a physical disability are the ones which make it harder or impossible to for you to work. Pain has a great emotional effect which should not be underestimated or ignored in your testimony. Some of the most common mental issues related to chronic pain include difficulties in concentration, memory impairment, anxiety and nervous feelings, lack of patience and swiftness to anger, issues with interpersonal relationships, avoidance of social interaction, crying jags, and even depression.
As an overall rule at your Social Security hearing, you should mention all of the aspects of your disabling condition which make it harder for you to work, even if those issues embarrass you. You are your best witness at a hearing because you are the individual who has the most in-depth knowledge of why you are qualified for Social Security disability benefits.