I have been on SSDI since 2002 and by extension medicare.

Prior to my daughters's death I was, what I would call, successfully treated, I was on a regular schedule, the Lithium was doing the trick. Down days were easily dealt with, though some time the depression waylaid me. For the most part I was able to carry on a stable life.
Then it hit the fan. Immediately I saw my pdoc. Told him that the grief was going to cause me to not be able to keep the momentum going and if he didn't give me anti-depressants to get me through the crisis, as he did before, I would relapse. He wouldn't, saying grief was normal. Well now I am in a major hole. The big test is whether or not I can leave to buy groceries. I am reduced to eating the canned sardines. After they go, it is tomatoes and peppers from the garden. The protein will be gone. I am trying to find another pdoc but I really do not have the strength, I am easily discouraged.

Oh well, no one ever said I was owed a life, let alone a good one. It is my lot, and at this point I am sitting passively waiting to see what happens. It's also the disadvantage of living alone.