Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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TC40
TC40

I am really feeling very sad about my current situation. I am working at a drug  and alcohol testing facility. I am only making $10 an hour. I have to give breathalyzers to people and watch other females give urine specimens. It is a job and I am grateful for it, don’t get me wrong. It only gives me 25 hours a week at best. The one thing about is that it is NEVER boring. There are ALOT of people that come there. It is sad what addiction does to people. 


I recently went through an attorney to help me file for disability. In order to keep my claim rolling along, I can’t make more than $1180 gross before taxes per month. This equates to me only bringing home about $900 a month. I am really struggling with money. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to make it until I get a decision. Part of me is still trying to find a full-time job. But I know that if I do this it’s going to jeopardize my claim, but yet I don’t know how I’m going to survive if I don’t make more money. And also, if I make too much money, I will get kicked off of Medicaid, and I can’t let that happen. I am feeling very low about myself. I’m 46, live in a place about the size of a closet.  I don’t have an education and I have no money. The only reason I have a car that runs is because my dad took pity on me recently and gave me his car when he bought a newer car. I am VERY grateful for it and I LOVE IT.   I’m barely able to support myself, and that makes me feel horrible inside.



Recently, I learned that I have left sided Congestive heart failure. I have to go see a cardiologist on the 19th.  


I just don’t see my situation getting any better. The hours that I’m working are rough, too. I have to work from 5:00 PM Until 9:00 PM tonight.  Tomorrow I have to wake up at 4:00 AM (after only 5 hours of sleep). I have to work from 5:00 AM until 10:30 AM. Then I have to go back to work from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. And then on Sunday morning, I have to get up again at 4 AM (After only having five hours asleep once again) And work from 5 AM until 10 AM again.  This bizarre sleep pattern is really messing me up with my medicines, too.


So despite the fact that I have some rough things going on, I am grateful for the roof over my head, a car that runs, and a job.  I just don’t know how long I’m going to be able to hang on Until I find out about disability. I did ask disability how much I would make if I were to be found disabled. The lady told me somewhere in the ballpark of $1300 per month. And I could still work and make it up to the $1180 mark per month gross. That would make my life so much better financially. I just don’t know how I’m going to survive this in the meantime. Does anybody have any suggestions for me?  Thank you so much!

Breezy28
Breezy28
I’m sorry about all the stress you’re dealing with, and I’m impressed at your ability to manage stress, work, and your heart condition. You are doing the best you can with the situation you have. I am not an expert in the department of insurance claims, but to me it sounds like you’d be in a better position if you went on disability. I would probably lean towards doing that at least until you know more about the heart condition and how to manage it in conjunction with everything else. Wishing you the best :)
beckyp
beckyp
Can you get food stamps or go to a food shelf for food? That would help you by not having to pay for much food. You probably qualify because you aren't making much a month. Try to hang in there for the disability. I really think it is the best thing for you since you've had so many problems with jobs and your health isn't the best. I pray everything will work out for you.
Deckard
Deckard
TC40. I am sorry that you have things so hard. Jobs are such a pain to get and also to keep. I always hated interviews. I knew they were analyzing you...and I sucked at them. I never could do well at interviews.

Anyway. Try and hang in there. The government gears grind slowly. I hope you can hang on till you get your disability. Then things should be easier for you.
enaid
enaid
Yes it sounds like you are caught between a rock and a hard place as far as your job situation. You need more income in order to live properly and yet any added income will jeopardize your your disability claim and medicaid benefits. By all means see if you are eligible for food stamps. I think you can do this online. The hours of your new job or rather the shift schedule sounds punishing. But if this job is only temporary until your disability claim comes through, then perhaps it would be doable to keep it until then.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Big hug for you TC...… Could you live with your Dad for a while, while you're sorting out your claim

Or have a couple of roommates in a house perhaps?


Another hug while you sort it out.....xo
bywena
bywena
soc security told me that i had to completely quit working i do not understand how you can work if you claim you are unable to a contradiction i am in ny may be different here i had been on disability for 30 yrs turned into retirement in name
ivorymuse04
ivorymuse04
I am glad to see you seem to be keeping a good attitude about this despite your circumstances. That work schedule is horrible and not good for someone with Bipolar and sleep for us is like a big deal. I really hope that disability comes through for you soon and that the congestive heart failure you have is taken care of properly.
mlr0853
mlr0853
Hoping this might assist you with filling out on line forms to determine if you are eligible...at least no waiting hour at dept. of social services. https://www.usa.gov/benefits

For your state, look up United Way, or type in 211 to find out local services. There are food pantry's, places where you can get clothing etc. I've been on ss for quite some time, on utube there are many ideas as to managing money.

All the best , ml
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