[Burning Sage]

I am new to reaching out. I had a melt down 8yrs ago. Lived in my car and couched surf for 2 1/2 years. I struggle with Bipolar 1, Major depression,anxiety, and PSTD. I am adopted and fall under the LGBTQTI umbrella. I found refuge moving in with my cousins for awhile. I found an agency to support me in my mental health difficulties. They applied for SSDI for me and I am currently receiving it. I have a need for peer support however not sure what that looks like or accomplish.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Welcome Burning Sage.

[MuddyBoots]

Welcome! I hope you can find support here. Have you heard of NAMI or DBSA? They can be other sources of support.

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by Burning Sage

I am new to reaching out. I had a melt down 8yrs ago. Lived in my car and couched surf for 2 1/2 years. I struggle with Bipolar 1, Major depression,anxiety, and PSTD. I am adopted and fall under the LGBTQTI umbrella. I found refuge moving in with my cousins for awhile. I found an agency to support me in my mental health difficulties. They applied for SSDI for me and I am currently receiving it. I have a need for peer support however not sure what that looks like or accomplish.

Welcome to the forum, @Burning Sage! You are definitely in a place where there are people who understand. I look forward to supporting you.

You sound like a strong person having dealt with such hard times. I'm glad to learn that you now have the support of SSDI. Several of us here collect SSDI, or the equivalent.

[*Beth*]

Welcome to the forum, Burning Sage. Your screen name is beautiful, btw. Where on the west coast would you like to live?

@Burning Sage:

Welcome aboard! Sorry to hear you had tough times. I did too in my early thirties (55 now). Glad you're collecting disability benefits. I do too and find the steady income makes all the difference in the world.

[Burning Sage]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Welcome to the forum, Burning Sage. Your screen name is beautiful, btw. Where on the west coast would you like to live?

PNW - Portland Or. or Vancouver Wa. mainly I lived in Cali for 20 and PNW 20. The other 10yrs military brat! Hence west coast is home!

[tentoedsloth]

Hi, Burning Sage,

This is a good start for peer support. It's a group of people with the same problem getting together to express themselves without fear of being rejected for having these problems. We're all in the same boat, as they say. There are some really friendly people on this forum and you'll always be listened to and understood.

Edited to add: Sometimes you can get practical suggestions for a particular problem. Sleep is one of my particular problems and somebody suggested something that helped and I got people's opinions on weighted blankets, for instance.

Did someone like a counselor tell you that you need peer support? They might have meant in-person, or they might think this is enough.

[downandlonely]

Welcome @Burning Sage! Was great talking to you in chat today!

[Burning Sage]

I have been involved with both. My life in the past three years minus the pandemic has been unstable, uprooted and a lot of unforeseen circumstances. I will get involved again at some point. I have looked into both since moving from the PNW to the South. Nami in the towns I lived in were leave a message and we will call you back _ no call and I emailed.. no email back.

[Burning Sage]

My counselor actually suggested Facebook. So here I am not there. I have found so far this to be far more rewarding and supportive.

[tentoedsloth]

How could you leave the South? I live here and I like it. I've visited the northwest, and liked some things about it, but not the rain.

If you're anywhere near where I am, these last few days must have seemed like home, though.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Burning Sage

PNW - Portland Or. or Vancouver Wa. mainly I lived in Cali for 20 and PNW 20. The other 10yrs military brat! Hence west coast is home!

Oh, wow! What part of Cali did you live in? Portland or Vancouver are excellent choices, too.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Burning Sage

I have been involved with both. My life in the past three years minus the pandemic has been unstable, uprooted and a lot of unforeseen circumstances. I will get involved again at some point. I have looked into both since moving from the PNW to the South. Nami in the towns I lived in were leave a message and we will call you back _ no call and I emailed.. no email back.

I'm really sorry to hear that NAMI let you down like that. It sounds like they're short of volunteers there. I was a Connection group facilitator for 2 years. We're fortunate to have an active NAMI chapter in this county.

[Burning Sage]

I have lived in a variety of settings due to moving around at a young age and once my Dad was retiring from the Air Force we settled into Cali.
{Air Force Brat 10yrs, Bakersfield, Ca. 17yrs, PNW 20yrs, (Georgia 2yr, Louisiana almost 1yr)}
If I grow up in the South, I can totally see its charms. Half my life on the West Coast. Its amazing how different the areas of US are in culture, ways etc.
I moved from Bakersfield to get away from the heat to PNW.
Moved to Georgia due to eluded support with owning our own home (partners Mom) and
finding my natural mother living in Georgia. I am adopted.
In Louisiana with a roof over our heads and trying to save money to get back home.
We are now starting from square one again. Its so expensive over their now however that's home. I was doing well with my mental health, physically and emotionally on all levels.
Now not so much.

[Fuzzybear]

Welcome Burning Sage