All good tactics listed above... I vote to go with depression since its true as an elder I never wanted to deal with that since we aren't trained professionally to give advice to depressed individuals. A depressed person will get sympathy from the elder body instead of disdain.
As for how long it will take to get reinstated it really depends on that particular committee and honestly how they feel about you. Were you a difficult person, did you ever "challenge" them or dispute with them since they will call all of this into account even though it has little to do with your case.