What do i do...

[Dranon92]

Im new to this platform. I'm currently homeless and working 32 hours a week at 14$ an hour. I wake up most days wishing I didnt. I am so self sufficient, every single homeless assistance agency has said i dont need their help. I feel like im losing my mind every day. I have suffered from chronic depression since I was 13 and am now 28. There hasnt been a single day since where I didnt feel depressed at some point. I had a horrid experience with Welbutrin so I've been hesitant to turn to meds for help but lately I feel like I dont have a choice anymore. To make matters worse, I have a chronic ankle injury from a previous job that makes my current job almost unbearable. (I was told by a doctor that I needed at LEAST 1 month off to rest because of how badly i have made it currently) The mental anguish im in is exaccerbated by the physical to the point where multiple times in the past month ive had to self harm with my lighter to get through my shift. I dont know what to do. A lot of the things i use for coping wind up getting stolen by the local meth addicts. I'm honestly lucky I still have this laptop im using to post this! But the truth is, I'm losing my will to continue. And, not trying to brag, i had a HUGE will. I've tried to look into "affordable" mental health services, but all the services in the area that help the homeless use this thing called "The Co-Ordinated Assesment" to determine how needy you are. I scored a 3... the worst possible score. So, I'm at the bottom of every list (meaning, for most programs, a minimum of 6 months wait and up to 18-21 months for some) If you managed to make it this far, please tell me what to do... cause im out of ideas for how to help other than a long walk off a short bridge. (for those who arnt good at math i make around 800 a month and thats not enough to afford even a 1 bed efficiency where i live, most go for around 1400 here)

[hypercat54]

Do you work every week? I make 32 hours a week at $14 an hour to be $448 a week?

[Dranon92 in reply to hypercat54]

sorry typo didnt mean month meant payperiod but yeah 1600 every month would take up pretty much the entirity of my paycheck, leaving me with not enough to even pay my phone bill

[hypercat54 in reply to Dranon92]

Could you share with others to cut down costs?

[Dranon92 in reply to hypercat54]

live with others in an efficiency? haha

[hypercat54 in reply to Dranon92]

I don't know what an efficiency is as I am in the UK. I actually meant as a flat share which is usually a lot cheaper.

[Dranon92 in reply to hypercat54]

an efficiency is a very small 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment where the living room and bedroom are combined into one small space with a half-bath and a micro kitchen. most in Austin have about 350-500 sq feet. I am 6'7'' (200.66 cm) so this is already too small but theres no way i could possibly share something like that. and the 2 bedrooms like you suggest to share are all around 2100-2900 a month so even if I WAS sharing with someone (which i dont want to do cause i dont know anyone i would trust to be alone with my things) i would only really be saving around 2-300 dollars at best.

[hypercat54 in reply to Dranon92]

Maybe a flat share with 3/4 others then with your own room? It would be cheaper and you could always put a lock on your door. Ok so it's not a perfect solution but at least you could have enough for rent, shared bills, and food.

Is it possible for you to pick up more work? Or even move to a cheaper area? Only suggestions as I don't live in the USA so don't know how it works there. Are there any benefits you could claim?

[Blueruth]

I am sorry you are going through this. You seem like a survivor. Many cities have peer to peer Facebook or Reddit groups because of covid. Have you found one? I only mention it because they can be a wealth of good ideas and sometimes even connections. I also mention it because every city has different rules.

There are a lot of companies offering all sorts of bonuses and pay raises right now. Even fast food joints and so on. At 14/hour I would keep an eye out. You should be able to get more right now. It is tough with your ankle. Shouldn’t your insurance be next to nothing? They lowered the eligibility requirements.

RE Wellbutrin… that med is known to illuminate a tendency towards manic behavior. You might never be out of control manic on your own and it will bring it out. It happened to me. If that was your experience you should know that it is not common. If you do talk to a doctor be sure to bring it up though.

[Hidden]

Why are you homeless? Do you have any family or friends willing to help you? Is there some stuff you're not telling us???

[Dranon92 in reply to Hidden]

of course, i didnt tell you im morbidly obease or that my favorite color is blue... there are tons of little nuanced things that i could tell you to explain my situation but i didnt think i had to give you all the little minuet details. Like the fact i never met my father or the fact every friend i have lives almost 2 hours away by bus so i cant just couch surf with them AND go to work like I am now.

[Shnookie]

Hi it’s Shnookie. is there Medi Cal or Medicaid in your state ?

Tho shrinks R jammed up especially with COVID bTry to contact a mental health

center near by. Take care

I’m here. 4 U hugs 🤗

[lovetodance2018]

Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry to hear about your situation. How long have you been homeless. You sound like a very strong person and can endure tough situations. Have you looked into checking with churches in your area? There are Christian organizations that provide shelter for the homeless and help get you set up. My suggestion is to look for christian homeless shelters near me on google.

It is wonderful that you have a job and that you are a devoted and hard worker.

As for your depression, your situation can affect your depression. I am sorry your medication didn't work well for you in the past. I will be praying that you get the help you need both for getting a place to stay and help with your depression. On page 33 of this article (bit.ly/3gy3abB) they have some resources you might find helpful.

We are here to support you however we can. Reach out anytime and know you are not alone. Hugs and God Bless

[lovetodance2018]

How are you doing? I have been praying for you. Hugs