[Thaine]

My mental illness has, in my opinion, reached the level of a disability. I've got complex PTSD, bipolar, and anxiety. Since having a falling out with my roommates and them leaving, I cannot take care of myself, let alone find work or a new apartment.

I live in California, in San Diego county and have Medi-cal with Molina. How do I go about qualifying and getting in home support services (even just someone coming an hour a day to make sure I'm eating and taking my meds would be a blessing)? What about supplemental income for disability?

[*Laurie*]

Hi Thaine, I wish I had an answer to your question. Actually, I would also like to apply for disability, but have no idea how to get started. I know so many people who are on SSDI and wonder how they got on it.

[Quarter life]

Hi Thaine & Laurie

It would probably be prudent to speak to your GP to arrange some documentation of your diagnosis and the difficulties that you struggle with on a day to day basis. They should also be able to point you in the right direction in regards to support services, and the steps you need to take in order to qualify.

Be kind to yourselves

[Thaine]

I'll try, I've never had my own doctor as an adult yet, because I've just gone to my psychiatrist and urgent care through my university. I will try to get an appt with a real doctor through my medi-cal insurance.

[*Laurie*]

Thank you, Quarter life. So talk with my GP, not my pdoc?

[Quarter life]

Either would work I guess...depends who you are comfortable with...knowledge is power. They will set you straight on what's required

[*Laurie*]

Thanks so much for your advice

Here we have something called 'Home Care'. This is a service for just that; the sending of a nurse or homecare worker to your home. You may qualify for this service under whatever healthcare plan you are covered by.

Contact your mental health association.They may have some suggestions or resources available for you. In my city, we have what is called a 'transition team'. They are social workers and counsellors who visit once a weak to check in. The intent is that this is a service for those transitioning after discharge but I have heard of this extending some time beyond that.