Yes it has everything to do with your depression..All government programs with the exception of social security if your elderly , in my opinion should be kanked..They only stagnate your life in all aspects..You can't save any money unless its tucked away in your apt or matress somewhere..You can't reach goals for anything because you simply can't own something worth more than a couple of thousand dollars..You can't pusue dreams of work that you may be able to turn money into from a hobby because once you make money they cut you off..So if all these benefits programs do is only help people to barely survive if that and keep you stagnated what is the purpose of even having it..
It takes away all your freedoms even trying to work to get a new vehicle, keep you from having a bank account to save money..keeps you in a low paying job, jobless ..your social life becomes the same types of people...So what good is it really..
I use to get ssi for my disabled daughter and found myself having to do all these things..I too found my life a wreck..
I choose to not get ssi for her anymore and have very much the freedom to pursue odd jobs, make things from my hobbies and sell them to make money..Save money, buy a house, land, cars etc..Be able to give gifts to my older kids to help them in life..It is all a matter of the mind and doing with what you can do..
We in America will see a whole different set of people to come from this economy..Ones that want to stagnate and get all the benes..and ones that turn their dreams, little extra money into investments and make money off it..turn hobbies and other advntrs into money...With this new freedom comes a different type of socialization as well..
I hope this has explained your depression..I hope you too can turn your dream or hobby into a money making way..and I sure hope you will not just accept this unhappiness of being stagnate in a government program..
Wishing you the best..Please don't get me wrong if you are elderly or totally mentally incompacitated they do belong on these programs..

Turn anything and everything into a dollar..I see these people at wamart sometimes that there is nothing wrong with them other than the fact they are so obese they won't even walk anymore..If that were me I'd place an add in the paper/craigslist to gather people together for exercise and group support in my home...Its about finding something that close to you in this life you want to change and do it...shop for elderly..clean someones house, be a granny for a night watch some kids.. Go antiqueing and resale...theres plenty of ways to make some money..heck even take 500.00 and play the stock mkt with it see how quick you can turn it around..This year alone I have made 48,000 in it...started out with 2800...

Popquiz, I love your screen name! It truly describes how life is on a constant basis. You must have a sense of humor!

The government programs you are accessing were originally intended to assist folks in need to get back on their feet or at least not be an unwieldly financial burden on their families. The benefits were never intended to fully support an individual in the life style to which they were accustomed. Was your life change sudden? Permanent or temporary?

I agree that you are not, and will on an increasingly basis not be alone in your situation, yet what has happened is that your change in circumstances has isolated you which can deepen depression in itself.

It sounds like you can no longer participate in what you used to do because of financial constraints? Is it possible to connect with reasonably similar interests or activities that are free through church or community resources where the intellectual and socio-economic differences may not be as great and your sense of loss/isolation not so intense? It may only take one group to change how you are feeling at least a little bit.

There are many good ideas offered, and I would add that volunteering is a great way to get outside yourself and not feel so isolated. In terms of how to make more money, it means you need to put energy anc creativity to work when you may have little as it is. Perhaps choose one activity that is within your reach and commit yourself to doing that?

You've taken a huge step toward helping yourself just by posting here! Keep asking for support and it will be offered.

I find money does cause me depression...lack of money that is...

as for the handouts...yes I used food pantry more than once...it did not make me feel bad....it helped me some...I was thankful....

I am with billy, but I I am also on two not one antidprssants LOL and I have a nice family and friends to talk to on the phone and once in a while get out when I feel good enough, I medically qualify for disability but because my work credits were not recent enough I can't.
get it.

I also have my faith without it forget it I would give up. In fact I think it was my faith that made me content and grateful. We are pretty broke but I love to read in fact I asked my daughter to pick up three books at the library today. They also have movies and other stuff too.

I have also made wonderful friends here on Daily strength, which is especially nice because my activity level is so limited. I could cry when I think of how I used to be able to ride a horse but maybe I will get heald.

I hope you feel better but if its the kind of depression that is like a black hole I would get an antidepressant.
If I were well I'd work i loved my job but you know what? There are no jobs around here we are so blessed my hubby found work even if it is sasonal and the hours are very variable. If you are well enough and could make at least the same as your disability it might be good to be around people.

Are you on an antidepressant? We do not have medical ins but there are programs for low income people sponsered by the drug's manufacturer to pay for your meds if you are under a certain income level.

I was neglected ever since I was born by biological family in various ways. I'm an orphan & was adopted by one side of the family that became physically abuse, so I left home at a young age. I learned the same exact shite that I have come to learn in my late 20s and early 30s- the people that work in social services need mental health more than I do. Aside from that I float amongst social classes with relative ease when I'm not being robbed. I have had to steal quite a few outfits myself these past two years. I never didn't want to work. And while on benefits I've never had affordable housing. I pay rent and eat- sometimes two whole meals a day.