Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I can't believe it has come to this, but because of my inability to work and keep a job due to my depression and anxiety, (i screw up every job i get, because i lose my temper or feel under attack and inappropriately respond) I have to rent my house out and move in with friends and pay them rent. that means my son has to move, go to a different school, uproot our whole lives, We have lived here almost 9 years and stability is good for us, but i cant do it. I cant even deal with what to do with all my stuff, i sit here and look at everything and feel that i can not cope even with moving. I have bills piled up in my drawer and I cant pay them. I feel worthless and not capable of taking care of us anymore. I just try to hang in there, but its very difficult. I am also worried about my son, he does not deal well with changes, and he is ADHD and bi-polar. And i still have anxiety, depression, feeling of fear, lonliness, i dont know what to do, and feel I need help, but i have psyciatrist and psychologist and i take meds and still cant deal. What is my problem??/ Why cant i function? I might get up today and not get myself to do anything because i feel fear if i even think about doing anything or going anywhere. I lost my security, simple job, because i could not get myself out the door to go to work. i would wake up and not be able to do it. i'm trying to simplify my life so i can deal, but its too complicated. I feel confused and am in dispair, yet i keep holding on to some hope something will be bright in the future. But when????
It sounds to me like you are a candidate for Social Security Disability Benefits. Unfortunately, that is a long and arduous process. It won't help you immediately, but you do need to take action immediately because you need to get the ball rolling. 1. Make sure you have a doctor willing to state you are unemployable. 2. Go to your local SS office and apply for a DISABILITY benefit (file a claim). In a few weeks or maybe months you will probably be DENIED. Then go to a SSD LAWYER (local yellow pages). It will cost you nothing for him to represent you. He will handle your claim, ... appeal, refile, appeal, and hopefully get you your benefit. You will be paid BACK PAY to the time you filed or became disabled (according to your physician's statement), I cannot remember which, less 6 months. This could be YEARS of back pay. The lawyer gets 25% of your BACK PAY UP TO $5,000 (no more). You get the rest + your monthly benefit from then on. SS Disability Benefits including back pay are NOT TAXABLE. It took me 5 years to get my back pay and monthly check, but many are sooner, .. even a few months (not common).
Next: Consider a bankruptcy. Find a BK lawyer who will give you a free consultation to determine the viability. Do this right away before there is a lien on your house.
Consider selling your house unless it is free and clear. If it is, keep it (I guess). After 9 years, you should have quite a bit of equity. The housing market is DOWN right now, so you may not get many "bites", but listing it with an agent won't cost you anything and if it sells, you should put a good amount of money in the bank. Discuss this with both the BK and SSD attorney, .. it might complicate a BK and/or SSD claim,.. I don't know.
Next, .. you are a female with a dependent child with no income. Look into County Services and Women's services (White pages) and see what they can do for you as to housing, food stamps, medical care, etc.
Renting the house would bring you income. That COULD compromise an SSD claim and/or BK, .. but probably not. Find out from attorney.
Simply put, .. you need to tell someone ... Doctor, County Health representative, lawyer, that you cannot work. That means house or not, you have no income. You have a child which should qualify you for some kind of welfare relief. If nothing else, call your psychiatrist and tell them you are pretty much at the end of your rope (cannot manage your affairs). This COULD result in hospitalization and son in foster care. Both would be temporary and though seemingly OUT OF THE QUESTION, .. if you can't function, that is where you need to be. You may be able to avoid foster care placement if you have a personal friend or relative who can take him while you get treatment. I don't know, .. but if you need treatment, you need it. Get it one way or another.
You must be able to function in order to take care of him and yourself, .. estabilish income, provide food, shelter, clothing and healthcare for you both. If you cannot do that for yourself, go into inpatient treatment. If you can't do that for him, he needs to be in a caregiving situation where he gets what he needs. Seems your ONLY income will be from renting the house and some of that will go to your friend who you will be staying with. If you can provide for yourself and son on what is left, you are OK.
Rather than vacate and rent the house, could you possibly rent out a room or two, gain that income, and stay there?
Wish I could prioritize it for you, but I can't. Not SURE what you need to do first, but these are creative options. They are ACTIONS, and you need to take action. Let me know what you try, what you find out, and how you are doing. Message me if you wish.
Talk to your pyschologist/psychiatrist and have them help you get the forms filled out and mailed. Since you have a child you would not only get the money for you but would also qualify for some extra for him.
You should also see if you can get a diagnosis of disabled do to depression from your doctor and go to soical services in your state. Most of them that I know about will put you on adult public assistance until the social security kicks in and will continue with medical help for you and your child even after the social security kicks in.]
Please don't put off doing this. Taking care of yourself, let alone a child, when your depressed is job enough wihtout the constant worry about bills and how to make ends meet.