I been diagnosed bipolar for over 5 years now, currently seeing a psychiatrist for my meds, and a social worker for my therapy help. I have not worked in a few years due to this illness, and I still have manic/depressive episode at least a few times or more every year. 

Late last year, I had a really bad manic episode, Delusional I harmed myself, scarring my arms. I was not institutionalize, lucky my friends and family understand what was happening and didn't have me committed.

I realize working would not be a choice for me. After trying to applying for SSI benefits, I was turned down. I talked to my doctor about it, he told me he will release my records but he wouldn't fill out any forms or show up to any court stuff. He knows my bipolar is bad to the point where I harmed myself. I think he fears having legal ramifications so he is hesitate to help with the SSI.

I am now talking to a disability lawyer on my appeal case, they recommended that I get the doctor to fill out a RFC questionnaire that details the mental illness etc. I have a feeling he will refuse as well.

The sad part is I been going to this doctor for years, and I have learned this isn't uncommon for doctors to not want to deal with SSI stuff, can anyone give me some advice from their experiences fighting for their disability case? Did you run across doctors that won't help because of similar reason.

My lawyer's paralegal doesn't seem like they are helping to convince my doctors to help out either, I feel like the lawyers should help call the doctors office and push a bit for them, I mean I am paying them if we win, they can at least get off their asses and help, am I wrong in thinking this way? Should I be talking to another more aggressive law office ? They don't seem to care about getting the evidence for my appeal with any haste. 

I feel so trapped in this situation and frankly feeling hopeless and depressed, this entire process has been long and draining. Any advice would help, kindly thank you everyone.