[learning life]

This is something That shows when I took your test...
I am in healthcare/hospital setting for many years. Registered nurse. Several years ago I was hurt severely at work, resulting in me no longer being able to work. I am now on Social Security, which is minimal income. I had planned on working for many more years, so I would have decent Social Security when I retired. Didn't happen... I found a short lived temporary job a few years ago, but the patient passed away. It was someone I could physically care for. Gross monthly income is $770/ month when you are on SS.
I have used my savings, now have bad credit due to medications costing $1,00/month, property taxes, blah, blah. I have had to stop using Albuteral, Epi Pen, Xolair, Advair, due to cost. I cannot afford Medicare D. I do not spend money on alcohol, smoke, spend money on movies, restaurants, cable tv, going out, hobbies... There just plain isn't any money. My house is paid for, but due to the fact that I can not physically take care of it, and want something smaller, can,t afford heat, it has been for sale for several years. It is in a remote area.
I do not qualify for any Aid that I am aware of because I get $1,473/month. That may seem like a lot, but in today's world, with heating bills of almost $500/month, And meds that are not covered, I am in both financial trouble and very very depressed. I strongly believe the only thing that keeps me from considering suicide is my small dog. I was/am an only child from a small extended family. They have all died, so there is no emotional support or even to ask if I could live with them.
I do not go to church. What little faith I had in a god has been long gone.
I cannot get mental health help, because I still look for a small job that I might possibly do, but in the state I live in, you must report if you see a doctor for mental health and you lose your license. Very backwards thinking. Even some bigger states do this.
How do some of you get help, financially? Food? I do not qualify for Medicaid because I am 'over the income'. My meds don't matter ...
I will lose my home in the next year or so because I can not afford to have heat. I keep it at about 45 degrees in the winter. At night. Seriously. About 55 degrees during the day. The cold causes more pain.
If you know of anyplace where I can get help, either financially or mental health (it could not be recorded in case I ever find a little job), I would greatly appreciate it.

[Altered Moment]

Do you not go on Medicare when you get social security disability?

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[Altered Moment]

Did your state adopt the new Medicaid expansion under Obamacare?

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[Faking sane]

What state do they pull your license for mental health? Just want to make sure it's not where I live!

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[Secretum]

That sounds extremely difficult and painful. I didn't realize that disability payments were so small; I live in a pretty affordable city, and rent alone on many apartments is $770!

Have you considered getting an electric blanket? I have one (my apartment can be very cold because my landlord controls the thermostat and pays the utilities and he doesn't want to pay anymore than he has to), and it makes a big difference.

Would you lose your license if you got any mental health care at all, or only if you took psychiatric medication? Many people see therapists and counselors for issues unrelated to a serious mental illness, so I would think that merely seeing a therapist wouldn't get you in too much trouble.

Also, continue to post here. Social support is so important to mental health, and we're here for you. If you feel strong enough, consider self-help books for depression. I can't guarantee that they'll be effective, but anything that might get you out of this hole is worth a shot. Also, there are over-the-counter herbal "remedies" that can help mild depression; St. John's Wort is the one that comes to mind. Your depression sounds pretty severe, but maybe it would still be worth trying?

Please don't give up hope. You are here for a reason; you have a purpose. You are a child of the universe, same as the trees and the stars. Everything is bleak now, but things will improve, if you just continue to live.