My name is Patsy I am 56 years old and I am unemployed due to my health. I am depressed because it is so hard for me to work.

[Pmcconnell15]

I was so sick before I quit I have filed for disability for the second time.

[Hidden]

Hi patsy. I never worked a day in my life. I can relate.

[Pmcconnell15 in reply to Hidden]

I have worked 40 years I recently remaired 3 years ago he soon got disability and i had to work. About 3weeks ago I said I cant take it anymore. I am really depressed.

[Hidden in reply to Pmcconnell15]

Wow you have been working as long as I have been alive. I didn’t know people on disability could marry without losing their benefit. I was agoraphobic for fourteen years. It’s hard for me to find work without a work history at my age. Are you getting treatment for your depression?

[Pmcconnell15 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I take meds.

[Hidden in reply to Pmcconnell15]

Do you feel the medicine has helped you? On the flip side of the coin I think it is perfectly normal to be depressed if you are unemployed. It’s a normal reaction. If you weren’t affected by it then I would be concerned.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Speaking of which- I know you had gotten some information for social services from NAMI ( for finding training and work). Did you have any luck? Please stop saying " at my age" Believe me- you are still young!

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

I have called all three numbers NAMI provided me with. Two of the organizations were for psychiatric counseling and post employment support. The third number advised me to apply for SSI. I called NAMI back and they said that’s all the resources they have at this time for employment, but would email me if they find any new ones.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Have you heard of Recovery Learning Community? I do not know if this is national. How about finding a career center that will help you do a survey and advise for training/employment? Great to hear from ya!

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

Yes I looked them up. You gave me the tip in a previous post. The only one in NJ is down the shore. I am in central jersey. It would be a considerable drive to go to them. Just getting my parents to take me would be a job in of itself. I will have to keep looking.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Pardon me for the repetition - a little senior moment. Maybe it would be worthwhile to talk to recovery learning community- and let them know where you are located. Networking sometimes pays off. You never know.

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

I didn’t think of that! That’s a great idea. I will have to call in the morning. I could try now but it is nine o’clock at night. Thanks. I am excited now. 👍

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Me too for you! Met some people at the NAMI walk who had gotten some positions as peer workers - I do not know any details or any of the qualifications but I thought that sounded interesting.

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

The lady at NAMI was telling me how they are a fairly small group and new to my area. They are still trying to get the word out about NAMI and are hoping to expand.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Well, that is a real positive. Good luck calling recovery learning. Also, I have seen ads for product demonstrators ( for products in stores) . The pay may not be much, but at least you'd be a little busy and would be bringing in a little dough. You could check out craigslsit. I also do not know the requirements for applying ( even as a temp for the office for the post office- ) that is a good way possibly for getting a foot in the door. You could check out their website. Plus of course there is also stuff like lawn care etc if you are up to it. Anyway, we all know that it's not easy- but it can't hurt to check it out. Let me know how you're doing!

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

I used to do odd jobs all the time before we moved. All my neighbors knew I repaired small engines. So they would bring me their equipment when they needed it serviced. I would also cut lawns and rake leaves for the old ladies at church. Most of the time they didn’t pay me with money, but they would cook for me. Man could they cook. My parents moved to an over fifty five community. So all the yard work is done by the association. They even stain the deck. They won’t shovel the driveway so I usually ask around if anyone needs it done. So I make some money there. The big obstacle for me is transportation. I want to get a bike but my doctor warned me with the medicine I take I have to watch my exposure to the sun. I am patient. I spent fourteen years waiting to leave the house. I will keep plugging away. Thanks for the support and motivation.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

You take medicine for a medical condition? That's okay if you don't want to answer. I wonder if your doc has some suggestions then for transportation?

[gogogirl in reply to gogogirl]

Also- can your parents or any other people you know give you a ride? Perhaps the more you network - you'll get there. Also, you certainly have worked- you even do small engine repair!

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

I have several medical conditions that are being treated. The most high maintenance one being my liver disease. I got really depressed a year ago and lost sixty pounds in three months. The doctor thinks it caused me to develop non alcoholic fatty liver disease. I started to get nose bleeds and had horrible fatigue. This was after we moved. I missed all my old lady friends at church and doing the work around the house. I got really depressed. I now live with my parents in an over fifty five community. I am much bettter now. My last blood work came back perfect. So any time I hear people are depressed and don’t eat enough I warn them.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Sorry you're dealing with medical issues. I assume your doctor has cleared you to be able to work?

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

He is the one who keeps suggesting I might benefit from working. I did call the recovery learning folks. They gave me a lead on a place by me. Which I called. They said they aren’t taking any new community referrals and are at full capacity. They told me to call a number which NAMI already gave me. I have been busy playing phone tag.

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Yes, that is typical- but you are moving forward which is great! Kudos to your doctor also who is supportive of you.

[fauxartist]

sorry your so sick patsy....and there is no shame in getting the help you need when your body lets you down. many of us here too have health issues that limit us in living our lives they way we would want to. and the emotional distress of it all can just be as debilitating as the health issues are. welcome and glad your sharing....it's a good place to be.

[gogogirl]

Well Patsy- it seems like there are quite a few younger people on this site- so welcome from a fellow " over the hiller." You worked for over 40 years - you are to be commended for that you know how to tough it out. May I ask- what is you field?

[Pmcconnell15 in reply to gogogirl]

Business and Accounting

[Katlynn]

Hi, I know exactly what you are going thru. I am 58, I had to move in with my daughter 2 months ago for the same reason. I have not applied for disability yet.