Im in therapy now. I have been struggling with lots of anxiety, panic attacks, intense worry, compulsions and depression. I live alone, and I have no support system (no friends, no family). I am really starting to struggle I am almost constantly experiencing some type of mental distress. Weather its anxiety, intense worry and dread, deep sadness or compulsive behaviors. I am exhausted, and living like this is really killing me, I just cant take it anymore. Going to therapy once a week just is not cutting it for me anymore. I really feel like I need something more than a 50 minute session once a week. But I don't know what to do.
I have bills, and rent and a cat to take care of. I have literally no one to help me either. I think some kind of inpatient or intense outpatient program would maybe help. But I cant afford to take any time off. I barely get by as it is. If I take time off work for it I will not be able to pay my bills and rent. I just have no idea what to do.
Anyone have suggestions of what type of extra mental health help I could use? And how do I get help while still maintaining bills and rent?
Hi 👋
This sounds like me just over a year ago. Pretty much word for word.
I went manic and went to hospital for it. I had a dog, I live alone, no support, no family, no friends, just my job and trying to stay afloat with bills.
My struggles were bad and I had a coworker take me to hospital in my darkest time. Looking back, yeah it was crappy feeling, but I realized I had to do this for myself to be better. Sadly, I rehomed my dog. It hurts still, but it was best for not only me but for him, too. If I couldn’t take care of myself properly, how could I take care of him?
The bills, yeah, still dealing. But it’s not the end of things. I’m not sure if your job allows time off like leave of absence or anything. Mine has and even that was a mess because of how some LOA places don’t recognize mental health. But you know what? I’ll burden those bills and eventually get them taken care of as I get better. I’m still working on that.
After hospital, I did an outpatient program for 2 weeks for CBT. That was eye opening while learning all these new skills. Then I found therapists for what I’ve gone through. There’s therapists trained for specialties, do research. It does help. I’ve also gone TMS and Ketamine therapy since. Payment plans, because my mental health and well-being is more important than money or anything else. I’m making up for that, even if it takes time.
It’s up to you when you’re ready to take additional steps to work on yourself to be better. Listen, embrace recommendations, research them for your comfort, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
I hope you have a positive journey and know that you’re really not alone. It’s hard not having support but I’d suggest looking into community resources if you feel comfortable. For me, my therapists and psychiatrist have been my support. If it weren’t for them, I don’t think I’d be here or anywhere near feeling better and growing, realizing life and opening up to them honestly.
I know I’m just one person, but your post really sounded like me just over a year ago. That’s why I wanted to share my experience. If you have questions, let me know. It’s a hard road, but it’s a road you can travel on your own terms with the tools at hand you learn along the way.
Whoever this is, don’t do it. I may be the first comment on this post, but don’t do suicide. It’s hard I know, but you need to push through. Everyday is rough. Other people gamble and get billions of dollars in debt. But please, don’t join the people who kill themselves over serious things like this. You’ve outreached for help, yes you have. Mental health is a serious thing that people look for quick solutions. But don’t be those kind of people. Look at the positives in life! Sure you may think nothing good is happening for you, but trust me things will turn out better. Do your favorite activity, enjoy some nature, enjoy the beautiful aspects of the world. But leaving the world, means you leave the memories of people. People may forget what you said, and what you did. But never the impact you made on their life. Don’t leave the cat that you feed everyday. If you leave him, he will leave the world just like you. You have someone who loves you, and their right there. Your cat. So every single day, look ahead and say “I can do this”. If you hear the things in your head saying bad things, say the opposite. Say I have the power. When it feels helpless, and you feel like your about to do “it”, think about this post. Go watch a YouTube video about nature. Don’t quit, don’t suicide. Don’t leave us please.
I’m in a similar situation and it’s incredibly difficult. Socializing is important and how you’ll develop new relationships but that takes time and is easier said than done. I don’t have the answer, but I am 29F and here if you need someone to vent to.
Ask for twice a week. You are your best advocate