[NishQuiche92]

Hi. I was diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety about a year or so ago. I was also diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 14 years old, and a learning disability when I was 16 years old. Recently, I found that I am struggling more and more.
Today I lost my job. I have been struggling to keep a job due to the economy and my different mental health issues. I used up all of my unemployment because I was laid off of my last job, and I feel like all of my resources are gone. I am only 20 years old, and I feel like there are very few options for people like me. I am trying to attend college so that I can find work, but I no longer qualify for financial aid. I cannot afford school on my own, especially now that I don't have a job. Now I can't afford my bills either...no job, no unemployment. I'm not disabled enough to qualify for things like SSI, as they denied me before...but I'm too disabled to be able to donate things like eggs or plasma for money. I'm too old to qualify for children's support, but not old enough to take on 21+ responsibility. I'm at a loss, and I feel like I am slipping further into depression. I have withdrawn from my friends and family...spend most days in my room, not wanting to interact with anyone...the idea of having to face another day scares me...the idea of having to leave the house kick starts my anxiety every time. I feel like I will have a panic attack every time I have the thought of having to be somewhere outside of my home...as life has become a struggle. I have family who is struggling with diabetes and cancer....and right now, I feel like I can't face the world. I spend no money, yet I still find myself in debt. I worry that I will end up on the streets because society turns its back on people like me. I am not a case of expecting the government to help me with everything. I worked hard for everything I wanted, and it was a let down every time. It was a sad case of me getting knocked down time and time again.I worked hard, found a job, business closed. This happened multiple times. But my unemployment is gone. And as much as I continue to try and get back up, there are only so many attempts a person can make before it starts to make you feel like you wont smile again. I'm scared of what will become of me. And I am afraid I wont be able to pull myself back out of this dark place I am in. Lately, I am now struggling to keep up in school. I can't seem to focus, and have trouble understanding. It makes me feel worse than I already do....and fearful...I worry that I will wind up failing no matter how much I study and stress. It feels like a cycle I can't break free of, and more than anything I wan't out of it. I just don't know how to do so...

[Leed]

Hi ! I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. Things are so difficult right now in this country. It seems like everyone is struggling, and some are worse than others. You are having a REALLY rough time! I'm so sorry.

How about talking to your counselor at school. I'm sure they have one, as most schools do. They must have one -- or an advisor or something. I'm sure they'd be happy to talk with you. They would undoubtedly have a list of resources for you to try in your area -- places where you could get help. Talk to your advisor/counselor and see what they have to say. I'm sure it will help.

You really could use some therapy too, but I know you can't afford it right now. I wish I could give you some solid answers, but I can't. Like I said, I think your advisor at school would be the one to talk to. Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee

[tokiwartooth]

You no longer qualify for financial aid? There should be something you can qualify and apply for. Have you tried applying for a Pell Grant? Maybe some scholarships or grants? My mom is a financial aid officer at my local community college, and she told me to go to the office and start looking for scholarships and grants. You could take out loans, but don't go down my route and end up owing 85k after grad school. They probably have websites with different scholarships on them as well. I was surprised at how many I did qualify for through financial aid, and I ended up getting some that I applied for. I know I'm probably not helpful, but I just wanted to share that. And this might sound not good, but have you tried some place like McDonald's? I know it's fast food, and fast food generally sucks, but they are usually very flexible with hours and are willing to work with you. At least they were when I worked for them in college. I worked quite a few jobs like that before I graduated, and even after when I couldn't find work in my field. I don't know if you're opposed to working retail either, but I worked for Lowe's for a long time and they were an awesome place to work. Also, places like Walmart are almost always looking for someone, especially around this season. A seasonal temp job is often what they offer, but a lot of times they turn into a permanent position. Have you tried the local employment office? They might have some leads for local places that are hiring. I'm probably no help at all, but I hope I did a little. I'm sorry for your situation, I can relate. I could never donate eggs or plasma either, and I was denied a disability when I applied as well. I don't know where you go to school, but most schools also have job placement or job search offices, or websites, etc. They also might have help for students through the school, and like Leed said, they probably know where you can go for help if they don't offer it. The only reason I mentioned fast food is that they almost always need people, bc no matter what the season is, people are going to want to eat. I really hope you find the help and the answers that you need.

[NishQuiche92]

Hi I appreciate all your suggestions. I no longer qualify for financial aid because I am 20 years old, and anyone under the age of 25 is counted under their parents income...and supposedly my "parent contribution" is expected to be about $5000....even though they aren't paying for my schooling...which means, I don't qualify for grants. I could take out loans, and that is what I have to do, because I didn't get any scholarships this time around either...I did try that though. I have been applying to jobs, but my major problem is feeling burnt out. Between work, then losing work, then school, and losing financial aid I have been stuck in depression for a while now, and I am finding it to be hard to want to get back out and find a job, because the rejection is very hard to cope with at the moment. I do appreciate all the suggestions though!

[NishQuiche92]

Thanks I appreciate the good well wishing thoughts. It helps

[Confusedinomicon]

You won't be counted under your parents if you are financially independent from them. You should talk to the financial office to see if they can help you with this.

If you still have gen-eds to take, you may want to transfer to a community college to save yourself some money.

[NishQuiche92]

Confusedinomicon, in the state I lived in, anyone regardless of whether you live with your parents or not, or whether you are dependent on them or not, is counted under their parents income until age 25.
Also, I am already at a community college, but again, with the state I live in, we have one of the highest tuition costs in all the country at about $110 per credit....so each term runs about $1500-2000....