So What Do You Do?

[Ocean]

...

 

[General Zod]

As far as the food situation goes....................If there is a food bank in your area,they may be able to help. The electricity situation? Maybe explain to the electric company what kind of situation you are in. usually,they can set up some sort of lower payment plan .

 

[chicago]

I'd say talk to your landlord about your situation, maybe he/she can give you some sort of a break for a little, especially since it's the holidays and such. Don't worry about the electric too much. They tend to give you a few months leeway before completely shutting you off and you can explain to them what's going on as well. They'll probably help you out.

If I were you, considering you have no money for food, get food stamps. They're pretty easy to get if you qualify, which it sounds like you do, and it helps out a lot when you're broke like me.

Chin up, eh? 🙂

 

[venray]

Sound advice so far...also..remember that you are not a loser just because you are going through some really bad times....

 

[asutickler]

Maybe think about finding a second job... It'll put more money in your pocket, and leave you less idle time to dwell on your other problems.

 

[unclebill]

Some real good advice. And like Annie Hall said, keep your chin up. You`re not alone in what is considered the worst economy since the great depression.

 

[tickledorange]

If PTSD is severe enough to keep you from working, contact Social Security. You may be able to collect SSDI. Or if you are still working, but you make less than the high limit, you may qualify for SSI, especially since you're on meds for it.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

 

[Strider]

My advice is that before anything else, you should try to find a roommate so you don't default on your lease and you have more money to spend on necessities. It's not a magic bullet that's going to cure everything, but it will make things seem more manageable.

 

[Mister Scruff]

remember that you are not a loser just because you are going through some really bad times....

This is the most important thing to remember. Everyone gets shit on, you're not alone in that.

Getting a second job would be a good idea, especially if you have time to spare; you might also want to look around for another place, something cheaper, if you're renting and struggling to keep on top of things.

 

[Dax]

I agree with the above posters:

food bank (to handle food), roommate (so you don't get evicted), and you might also want to visit your local health department and ask if there are any free social services available to people who are dealing with mental health issues.

Also, if it's possible, look for a second job, not just for the money (which you could apply toward a therapist which I can tell you from experience is really helpful for dealing with traumatic events and mental health issues) but also for the distraction from that cheating [expletive] who did all this to you.

The best way to get over someone is to get really busy with other stuff. so busy that you don't even have time to think about her.

Also, if you have a network of good friends, now's the time to let them know that you need them. You seem like a really cool, likable dude. I'm sure that no one would think of you as some kind of parasite or leech and that you would totally pay back the favors. But really, more than just helping you out with cash and a place to crash, you can look to your friends for distraction and perspective.

Hope everything works out.

 

[Mitchell]

Ocean, I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through. As someone who is going through an awful year himself. My mom was diagnosed with cancer. On top of that, both my father, and my best friend of 30 years, who was like my brother, dumped me. I live with my mom, and have to deal with her cancer, and her rage and outbursts, 24/7, because I work at home. My situation isnt as desperate as yours financially, but.. things are rough. To top that off, I put up with abuse from an employee, daily, who I cant get rid of now, because we need him to drive my mom to cancer treatment.

In situations of difficult times, I find what is best is one has to focus on attaining small goals.

Someone mentioned the idea of trying to set up a payment plan with the power company. I think that is a good idea. Times are hard in this country now. If the company sees you are trying to pay, they will work with you.

If you dont have enough money for food, perhaps try social services. They might be able to help with food stamps, etc.

About the apartment you are having trouble affording. I have two thoughts. One.. can you move your things out, or sell off some things for moving expenses, and move to a cheaper place.. Or.. perhaps advertise for a roommate, to help pay however much of the rent you can negotiate. I myself might be confronted with doing one of those two scenarios, if something happens to my mom, because.. right now.. I cant afford this place on my own.

I hope my suggestions are helpful. Good Luck. I sincerely hope things improve for you.

Mitch

 

[kered]

If you are somewhere that has a county, district, or area trustee get in touch with them because there is usually a fund for people in immediate trouble such as yourself. they would also have connections to foodstamps and other means of aid including helping out with electricity and/or phone.

Remember everybody needs a hand up at one time or another. Hell, back when I was younger things were so tight that my electricity was cut off three times with one time in the dead of winter. I pulled myself out of trouble and so can you. Good luck.

PS......Get after this problem now because it is easier for them to help you with the power still on and the landlord still relatively friendly.

 

[Rustenexcel87]

Ocean the advice here is excellent. I have one minor thing to share. Please don't feel ashamed to ask for help. I knew someone who was in a situation much like yours and he did not want to do the food bank thing at first because of pride. I did not know the dire straits he had fallen into at the time but he finally worked up enough courage to ask for help. The person who ran the local charity had information for him to try and help him. As time went on things got better for him. He now volunteers at the food pantry that helped him as a way of giving back. What made the difference for him was the kind words of the people he interacted with there. As far as your meds go for the PTSD, you might want to check with the board of health, perhaps there is a comparable generic med that might cost less. Don't know what state you're in. Some states have insurance programs for people who have a low income. New York has one for example that is ran by Catholic Charities so perhaps in addition to looking for assistance from the government you might want to look into some faith based organizations that might help people get back on their feet with services like low cost prescription drug plans.

The most important thing in this situation is to remember that you need to be selfish now, and there is no shame in that. Do what you have to do. I understand things feel hopeless and you probably feel overwhelmed. Having dealt with bouts of depression I can relate (although I must admit I never experienced what you're dealing with.)Just remember this though; You're worth it, and you deserve to get to a point where life is enjoyable once more.

Look at it this way. For asking for advice, you are starting the process to recover. You're in the planning stages now.

Keep the faith man. Much respect your way. Best of luck.

 

[Dakine]

In addition to the advice already given, hoping you have some direction. Keep your mind moving forward to get out of your situation, and try not to reflect/dwell on what has happened, that got you in your situation, so much.

 

[Bugman]

There is nothing I can add to the advice already given, but I do hope things are looking up for you soon.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

Lots of good advice above. So, I won't repeat it. But, there are a coule of things I can add...

1. You stated that your PTSD is (in part) a result of "unlawful imprisonment, and physical/psychological torture". I'm not sure where you live. But, some areas have a Victim's Assistance program. I took advantage of this in NY to cover part of the counselling I needed to deal with PTSD as a result of abuse, rape and torture. They can help line you up with funds for both medical and psychological assistance that result from what you've suffered. (If a crime was involved that wasn't reported at the time, you just need to go to your local PD and fill out a matter of record report. They'll help you set that up as well.)

2. Not sure where you're at with the PTSD...how severe your symptoms are, etc. There are a number of things you can do to help yourself. Life is busy at the moment. But, if you want to talk about that aspect of things further, feel free to PM me and I'll respond ASAP. Having dealt with it for years myself, I know how miserable it can be and have learned things to help myself. I'm more than happy to share.

And, as others have said... You are NOT a loser because of things that happen to/around you. You've already begun proving that by having the courage to ask for advice.

 

[Bizkit]

A lot of great advice has already been given by some really good people so definately take notice. Hard times are inevitable but it's all about how you face them that defines you.

If you ever need someone to shout at send me a message,I know where you're at.If you don't believe me read my blog.