[Mrhomercat]

Hi, I am so despondent and scared. I am homeless and down to my last dime. I have 5 cigarettes left, I know it's a bad habit and I wish to quit, but in my current situation the stress is so overwhelming I need some sort of crutch. I have less than a quarter tank of gas in my car. I do need to find a job, but please understand that in my current mental condition, I cannot concentrate nor function in a capacity that is required to perform any type of labor on a consistent basis until I get stabilized with my meds. I am in such a deep and dark place right now. I want nothing more than to be able to work. I am currently staying in a shelter so at least for now I have a roof over my head. I helped out about a week ago on a couple of jobs, nothing real hard, with a guy who also is staying at this shelter. We painted the inside of a garage and stained a deck. He owed me $76.00 for the hrs I worked. To date, he's only paid me $30, and gee, what a surprise, he moved out of the shelter and stiffed me on the balance. I tried calling him, leaving voice messages, but he's not responding to my calls. I am so depressed, I just don't know what's up or down, my Bi Polar has engulfed me and the meds just aren't working. Thank you for letting me vent, good health to all and best wishes.

[Shakti]

Have you looked into emergency funds sometimes offered by the state? Have you applied for disability? There may be some options to help you out, although I realize those bits and pieces of help often amount to paltry and token nothings.

Your situation is terrible and I'm so sorry you are in this position at all. It's good that you have a roof over your head. I know the feeling of wanting badly to be able to work and not being able to.

If you feel very unstable right now, have you considered hospitalization? I realize that for many health insurance is the barrier to any sort of decent treatment or even any treatment at all. But maybe if you can get situated with the right meds you will at least have a foot on the right path.

I'm so sorry you are in this tough position. I'm staying afloat right now thanks only to the charity (he doesn't see it as charity, but I do) of my partner and if not for him, I think I'd be right where you are. And it is scary. Keep us updated, ok?

[Mrhomercat]

Hi Shakti, thanks for the support and advice. I am in the process of working with various state and county agencies to secure some housing and other needs. I will be applying for SSDI on the 20th. I voluntarily placed myself in the psych ward about a month ago, but if my condition continues to deteriorate, I will not hesitate to check myself in again. I am fighting the good fight to the best of my ability and wish you and all others do the same. Best to you.

[blueoctober]

Mrhomercat, I'm sorry you are going through this right now. I hope that everything works out with the benefits you are applying for. You may even want to speak to your Psychiatrist about what is going on as well. Not being able to work is horrible feeling, but it will get better. I felt the same way about work when I was first diagnosed, so you aren't alone. Keep us posted.

[lynn P.]

I'm sorry you're struggling and thank God at least you have the shelter. Detroit can be a scary place at night, if you're on the streets. Sounds like you're headed in a better direction and I pray your circumstances improve. Don't give up hope - you sound like you have spunk and want things to get better. Hang in there.

[pondbc]

Can you reach out to as many agencies as possible to help you, especially church based. There are many people with generous, loving hearts that are willing to help. Also contact the DBSA chapters in Metro Detroit. They have some wonderful people who have gone through some rough situations. Take care and God bless you.

[kadesgirl09]

(((mrhomercat))) hugs and encouragement for you! So sorry to hear all that you are going through right now.

[owllover99]

I wish I was there to help you. You might try the Salvation Army or the Catholic Church. They both helped my son when he needed it. You might try a they are called multi-service centers here around town. I don't know Detroit. I do know any big city is cold and scary. I would try a hospital for meds, too. You need your sanity the most right now. Please be careful and keep us informed. Hugs, Owl.