Sick and stuck

I am disabled and don't see a way for my life to change ever. Im living off nothing and my daughter makes most of the money but she's moving out in a year. I feel sick and stuck and no prospects in life. Left to go round and round through the merry go round of bipolar.

I'm so sorry you're struggling, Moose72 Please don't give up hope. You can never know how things will turn out. Please don't be too hard on yourself. Do you see a therapist? I'm so sorry you have to deal with this

I'd like to express what MickeyCheeky wrote. Please don't give up hope. Though planning for changes is important, be sure not to catastrophize or dwell too much on what will be.

Do you collect any form of disability (SSI or SSDI)? Of if you're an older person, do you have any amount of Social Security or pension to live on? I know you said you're living off "nothing", but something, however small, can be worked with. If you are not receiving any kind of disability support income, that is definitely something you should look into.

I don't know how dire your situation, but I do believe people can and do find enjoyment in life living a very simple life. There are wonderful things to be experienced for free in life (love, nature, hobbies, community events, etc.) I have written about my emphasis on simple pleasures many times. They enrich my life and help maintain my hope.

I am not 100% sure how much (or if) I will really ever work again, but I don't know. I will not say I never will. It is my hope that I will. I will try to work towards that aim, but if I continue to savor my simple pleasures, as I can, I will hopefully never grieve if I don't reach all of my goals.

I'm also disabled and often also feel hopeless left to 'repeat' my mental illness track record. My son is living with me now but will soon move out too and then I will be back to living alone.

It is a matter of taking one small step at a time in life affirming directions but I struggle each day with how bad I feel as a person.

Friends can really be a big help if you have them. I struggle with that too.

Yes- therapist. Yes- disability.

But only one more session. I just dont see how i can live off 700$/month.

I’m so sorry you’re going through such a tough time

Hi Moose72. $700 per month is indeed an extremely small amount to live on, especially depending on where you live. I certainly hope you have some health coverage as part of your disability. Have you applied to receive Food Stamps? If not, that's what they are there for. Sharing an apartment may sound unpleasant, especially with a stranger, but that helps cut living expenses. I've shared apartments in my life. My husband shared an apartment when I first met him. If you can find such a situation in an area that is within walking or bus distance to shops, that's even better.

Can your daughter help out a bit? I imagine even $100-$200 per month can really make a difference. Often churches (even if you are not a member) and other non profits may offer some assistance, too.

It is a very sad situation how people with mental illness (and certain other disabilities) live near or at the poverty line. Many elderly do, and there are predictions that more and more could, too, depending on the decision-makers of the land.

Have you considered calling your local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to ask for some advice? They offer a free help line you can call. They have various resources they can recommend for various things, from living situations to healthcare, and more. I know this because I very briefly volunteered at a NAMI office. For the NAMI Help Line and other NAMI info, visit NAMI HelpLine | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Check out this NAMI page, too: Top 25 NAMI HelpLine Resources | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

That's really tough. I'm so sorry you are in this situation.

Financial stressors can really cause problems, likely exacerbating at least some aspects of illness.

I had lived on disability alone, trying to make ends meet, for many years before I had married. It was very disheartening and still is, often.

I get through, as best I can, by taking one day at a time.

I am sorry you are in this jam.


WC

i'm sorry you're struggling so much. it makes everything much more difficult having to worry about money constantly

I live off disability. When he moves out we have to get a smaller apartment which we have to pay all the fees to move. Do you have TANIF? If not I’d apply for it. We’re trying to save up but we make such a low income it’s hard. Are you in public housing or section 8? That may make a differences too. I would sit down with your bills and see exactly what you have going where and how negative you are. I uses everydollar. Do you have a bus system? They usually have half off monthly passes for disable and that can save on gas and insurance. Even if you keep your car and use it less that’s still saving money. Also shop around for car insurance we found a place that is like $160 a month minimum coverage.