I am 40 years old, I have no health care, I am also poor. I have had anti depressents in the past but at this time I have no job and no money. I dont know what to do, I feel so helpless,scared,lonly sad,misserable,hurt confused ect. I feel if I dont get help I will eventualy follow through with the thoughts I am having, I feel this is the place for me to get help, I (today) dont want to die. does any one have any advice for me?
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who can help me?
5/20/09 3:15pm
Can leave a person in a very lonely place. Here you will find lots of people that will help and support you. Hopefully you have someone that you can depend on close to you, if not there are lots of counseling centers that will help you get a course of action going. Just look up one in your area and let them know your situation. Push for help. Here is an article from one of the experts here it might help.
http://www.healthcentral.com/depression/c/84292/70431/money-insurance
Pat
5/20/09 4:07pm
This was posted by resident expert MerelyMe just a couple days ago. It touches on the exact question you have asked.:
Over the months I have spent here on My Depression Connection, I have answered a lot of your questions. Many of these questions focus upon acquiring mental health services. It has occurred to me that as I offer up a suggestion to contact a therapist or even to try medication, many of you do not have the money or the insurance to pay for these services. In these bad economic times, it is hard enough to put food on the table let alone pay for mental health care.
In response to those of you who simply cannot afford to pay a therapist or pay for mental health treatment, I wanted to compile a resource list of ways you can find care despite your lack of funds.
I want this post to be on-going and additive, meaning I want you to post comments of any other resources you know about out there to help others who do not have the financial means to pay for mental health care. Working together as a community, I am hoping to create the best list for resources for those who need it. Please help me to keep compiling information here.
Hotlines
If you ever feel like you are suicidal or wish to harm yourself I want you to call one of the many hotlines out there for this purpose.
Here are some numbers should you ever need them:
1-800-273-8255
1800-784-2433
1800-799-4889
There is also 24 hour email support for those who are feeling suicidal which you may find here.
There are also hotline numbers given by the National Mental Health Information Center from topics ranging from children's mental health to substance abuse treatment. Just follow this link.
Finding a Therapist or Mental Health Center:
When I was a young adult I was suffering from my mood disorder but had nowhere to turn. I was in college and was working for minimum wage at a bakery. I hardly had funds for a therapist. But someone told me about the community center where I lived and that I could possibly find help there. I called and found someone to see who was a graduate student training to become a counselor. She wasn't so experienced yet but she did help me get through some very trying times. So help is out there. You just have to be creative in looking for it and too you may have to adjust your expectations of the services you may receive.
Here are some resources which may help you:
* The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has a Free Clinic Finder if you type in your zipcode you will find clinics in your area.
* The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources also has a listing of free clinics in your area. All you have to do is plug in your geographic location. You may find that listing here.
* The National Alliance on Mental Illness may also provide information of where to find treatment or mental health care in your area. You may call them toll free at 1-800-950-NAMI or contact them through their web site which you may find here.
5/20/09 5:41pm
This is Tina in Greensboro, NC. I am unemployed living with my Mom and Dad. I too am 40. I made an appointment with the Health Department for a complete physical (free). They can help you with medication and someone to listen to. You never know who can help you until you give it a try. I have felt the same way in the past. I know how you feel. Those are precious feelings that we humans have and nothing else on earth has these feelings. Learn from them. I know that it may not feel worth anything, but it is something and any feelings will help you. It belongs to you. You are special. You have life.
My ex fiance committed suicide 2 weeks ago. It was devastating. Just knowing that, if I did that, how many people will feel sad, mad, helpless. I promise myself, no matter how bad it gets, live the gift of life. You and I and no one knows the next moment. Live in the now. Smile cause you can. Cry because you can, Live because you can.
5/20/09 6:15pm
Hi Sosad
I am glad you have found our community here. I know that this is probably such a difficult time for you and especially when you feel there is nowhere to turn for resources.
As Pat was telling you...I just wrote an article about how to get some help with both treatment and meds if you have no money or insurance. Here is that article.
This economy is horrible and especially for those who are in need of health services. I am so sorry you are in this boat but there are options out there.
You can find a lot of support here...our members are absolutely stellar in how kind and compassionate they are. Feel free to write here and...vent...share your story. You are not alone in this even though it may feel that way. And I understand that feeling as though...you just can't stand it anymore. But hold on okay.
I would like it very much if you write again and let us know how you are doing.
Thank you for writing here.
5/21/09 3:54am
I also have no health insurance and havent in almost two years . there are places to go low cost mental health place that will provide anti depression meds to you if no cost . I have a job so I pay but not high like other places they work with you on your meds. The best things that i heard for depression that only thing that really works for me get around people honestly everyone that can take your mind off what you feel. church was one place I felt hope . being out of work is one of the worst things that can happen to you it takes away all your self esteem and your at the will of others to help you. try getting out even to library or anywhere that can take your mind away and out it on something else. I have learned that I needed this site to help me in ways family and friends can a place to relive all my feelings without bother them.write every time you feel sad and just pray when you get down. I am always not good at that cause I felt I didnt deserve God but we all do. get help somewhere that low cost health clinic or mental health that will help you with your meds like they do with mine. take care and hope things get better for you times are very hard out there if you dont have a job but find a church or shelter that help you with food and get you to a place to find that right help like your med.write often even on good days.
5/23/09 2:11pm
I actually link to this site through a support group e-mail today. The moderator (who I have not physically met yet) is helping me get help for my daughter, she is 9 years old. I have not shared with this person that is assisting me, that I am also trying to find help for my spouse. It isn't going well for either of them lately and without insurance and steady employment, all the more difficult it becomes.
We have tried several times to apply for the NorthStar insurance program but that has created additional chaos, thanks to the disfunctional communication and training provided between the clinic and the insurance program. We have done everything they have asked 4 times over to no avail. However, this site seems to have many good leads that I feel will (hopefully) lead us to a solution quickly.
If you feel like you need immediate help, please do not hesitate to go to the ER at your local hospital. They can provide you with a temporary solution for now and also provide you with a referral and/or set up an appointment for long term treatment at the proper facility for your location. It's a very easy (not scary) process.
I wish you the best of efforts to get you where you want to be.!
6/14/09 5:18pm
I only have a few things to say but take it from one that knows there nothing or anyone worth taking your life for!!!!!!!
Today I have bipolar,anxeity disorder,ocd and MS and I can tell you there is still no way I would ever do it again, I didit once and was brought back 4 times and I'm still here and plan to be for as long as god allows it-this might not be what I would have want but it is and I with help from loving family and friends will be here till god takes me.
Please think and take care
p.s. I don't work and have 3 kids and no insurance there are places and people that will help you just have to look and ask
ladygraycloud
6/16/09 7:42pm
Most every hospital has a indigent care program. That would be one of th options--have you applied for SSI? what about medicaid? Can you claim unemployment?
Call Around the local churches--they usually have a program for people in your circumstances--
I don't know if you have an American Red Cross, Salvation Army or some program that can assist you .
Life is too short to worry about it likeyou have had to do.
Sign up for food stamps!! you can usually get some free medications from the health department or from your doctors. They cannot refuse treatment becuase you don't have health insurance at least here in Georgia they can't. I wish you the best and don't give up..
6/17/09 10:55am
I was in a similar situation as you are experiencing now. RUN...DON'T WALK TO THE NEAREST MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC!! The cost is based on your income......Social workers are available to assist you to the agencies where you can obtain assistance with your economic condition....They will even take you to different agencies....No matter how horrible your conditions may be now, they WILL improve with medical & social assistance. You can NOT give up!! If you are considering sucide, please remember you can't turn back after you have completed the self destruction of your life. People will be sadden by your death and relatives will be feel guilty. However, these people will continue with their lives and you will be only a sad memory. Killing yourself is not the greatest revenge for the wrongs inflicted on you by others or yourself.. Stay alive & this will be your greatest revenge! PLEASE seek medical help now!
Good luck, my friend!!
7/14/09 7:38pm
8/11/09 4:01pm
I can understand how you feel been there and still somewhat there. Do you have any close friends? My friends have helpd me through a lot of stuff from the death of my son to barely scraping by finicially. i would recommend you get back on your meds -there are usually mental health centers that will not charge you for seeing the doctor and a counselor-I used to work at one before my first major depressive episode that landed me in the hospital. You may find it odd that I did not say anything about your family-if you are close they can be a support but if there is a problem (as with mine) friends are a life saver along with community services. True friends do not judge you.I have sat with a handful of pills ready to check out, but I did not do it and i am glad I did not. Take your time to connect to the resourses you need-gather friends around you and family if that works-look in the mirror every morning and say to yourself iI will make it today. My thoughts are with you
9/ 7/09 3:16pm
Hi sosad69, I am right there with you when it comes to being very depressed and not wanting to live. I attempted suicide a month ago and can't even do that right. I'm glad it didn't work I love living when I feel it. I go to my Community Service Board. Every city has one for Mental Health. I get my meds for free and pay what I can per month to see the Dr. Look into this it might be your solution. Also have you tried to get disability for your depression? I got it after trying several times, get a Advocate that's how I got mine. They get paid if they win it for you. I can't work and I get Social Security Disability every month. I also found a support group I usually go to three times a week. Being around people who have the same problem as you really helps.
I have been antidepressant resistant for several months and am thinking of trying Vagus Nerve Stimulation or ECT. But that's not for everyone. What you need is to be on an antidepressant and talk therapy.
So good luck my friend and if you want to talk let me know. I am 58 years old and have been through alot with depression/anxiety disorder for a long time.
9/23/09 12:55am
You've received some excellent advice and suggestions, and I don't have a lot to add except to say that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you follow through with them. I know what it's like to be so depressed you want to die; I can only tell you that I'm grateful I'm here now. Please chose to live and get better. Keep us updated on how you are doing. And as one of the other responders recommended, hit 911 if you need to in order to save your own life.
9/29/09 12:58pm
10/ 6/09 3:11pm
If you need your meds, the drug commpanies ,can help to get it for free. If you need a doctor, every city has a "Free Clinic", for those in need. Also, while you wait, help others who need a friend, that live near by. And the churches offer free food at their pantry, just walk up to the nearest church, and ASK for help. Also, call the 800 helpline in your city, listed in the phonebook and online, and TALK to someone! The more you sit and THINK about your SAD live, the more you get depress! Please look up and keep you self safe, someone loved enough to give you life, you must then LOVE yourself to love others!
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Hello there!
I am new to this site myself, but maybe I can help a little... And I think it's really great that you're here at this site. There seems to be a lot of really great people here and a whole bunch of fantastic information that can help a whole lot more.
A couple of years ago,I was in the same boat you're in now...no paddles either, if you know what I mean. I know how hard it can be to go from having medication to help manage your depression to having none. Add a couple of other obstacles to that and things get pretty dicey, right?
The first thing to remember is you aren't alone and that what you are going through is not forever (even if it FEELS like it) but sometimes we feel like choosing options for "fixing" things that are permanent and only end up hurting people that love us.
Check around on this site, there's a lot information for getting medications at low or no cost.
Post here, vent here, let people know you're here! You matter, no matter what!! (I gotta say it, some days when I'm having a down day, I could cry all day because I got egg shells in the pancake batter... but that's just me...)
If I can do anything real to help, let me know, okay? I'll be around!
TreecieLynn