Details: I'm 45 years old & married to a very loving husband; this is my second marriage. His two teenage step-daughters have lived or currently live full-time with us. I was laid off from my full-time job of 12 years in December 2008 & have not been able to find another job since then. I work as a pet-sitter when I can but it doesn't bring in much money.

As a result of my job loss, my family is deeply in debt. All my savings are gone, used up over the years to try & get by. Collections agencies call day & night. We need to get a new furnace before winter, somehow. Every agency I've applied to for help has rejected my application or hasn't responded yet. Because my husband works 12 hours a day, usually six days a week, we make just enough money so that we don't qualify for things like food stamps & energy assistance.

I am usually alone all day since my husband is at work & my step-daughter is busy with her life. My family only has one car. I don't have to many friends but the ones I do have are busy with their lives.

I feel so isolated, useless, & defeated. I've suffered from depression for years, but it has really gotten worse the last couple of months. I'm on Celexa but it isn't helping. I feel so empty & bleak--I've been crying a lot. I have lost my appetite & I'm not sleeping as well as I usually do. My stomach is constantly churning with acid reflux & has been for months.

I just don't know what to do anymore.