Is there financial assistance for severely depressed/bipolar?

[Cannikin]

Im in severe need, and I'm not sure where to even begin to look. I havent worked since last June.

[Sgent]

1. Couple of ideas

1) Contact your local DHS office and apply for food stamps.

2) You might want to apply for disability with your local SS office -- even temporary disability.

3) Ask your doctor or regional mental health center.

4) Call your local salvation army, they may know of local programs that can help you.

[rockedthevoteinMA]

2. Also check in newspapers, on the net, etc. for hospitals that run

clinical trials/studies... some of them will give you free care, and meds.
I participated in one at MassGeneral - they didn't change my meds, they just kept track of how well I was doing.

Good luck from another bp :hug:

[derbstyron]

3. Start with applying for Soc Sec Disability

You might want to get some assistance (it's a long, lengthy, and
generally unpleasant process).

Check with your local churces (Catholic Charities is a good one)
they should be able to hook you up with some community
centers that will assist you in your area.

The community center should be able to help you locate
pharmacies that will give you drugs for a couple of bucks or,
in many cases, free.

They should also be able to help you get signed up for the
assistance programs that the drug companies themselves
offer. If you're not working then you will qualify for free meds
through the drug companies.

My community center was able to help me with both these
aspects, making the stress a lot less (they were even able
to have helped with Soc Sec. but I already had it by then -
so make sure and ask them about that.

The key is to hang in there and stay strong. It's an uphill
battle but there are people out there who want to help and
can be found.

[Ladyhawk]

4. SSI Disability.

I'm on disability for severe depression. My counselor told me it's a knee-jerk response for them to turn you down the first time, but that the second time--if you show a clear history--you will be approved.

My history was so severe, I was approved on the first go-around. It isn't much. Last month I didn't watch my budget as closely as I should have and if it hadn't been for a friend, I would have starved.

Also, if you're lucky, you can find subsidized housing. It took me years, but I finally found it.

I now get $812 a month (though the new letter said $815...dunno whassup wif dat) and my rent actually went down to $158. So, I got about $20 more than normal this month. After bills and necessary expenses, I only have $266.72 with which to ride out the rest of the month.

If I didn't have to pay $150 in debt each month, it would be easier, but I don't know whether or not to declare bankruptcy at this stage. If my surgery goes badly, I will for sure. I still haven't worked up the courage to call my credit card company to ask why they've doubled my minimum payment.

[Cannikin]

5. My MD said I'd have as much luck as someone with blood pres.

problems.....so I'll try the medicaid route.

[DemExpat]

6. Keep us posted, Cannikin....

:hug:

DemEx

[EFerrari]

7. It's a paper chase, when we can least manage, it seems.

Please keep us posted. The flip side of being here is, being more stubborn than God.

Take good care of you,
Beth