Depression Understood Forums

Hello from California,
I'm 61, lead a blessed life, till November 2011, then my life fell apart. Within 5 months, I separated after 25 years, became quite estranged from 2 of my kids, was homeless for 5 weeks, failed at suicide, (technical mistake, how depressing), confined to a Gereatic Mental Health Hospital, 1500 miles from anyone I knew, had a Scrooge moment, (descended to 3 stages of hell and then was happy to be alive). Came back to LA, where I still had a job until May 1st, 2012. Now I'm unemployed for the first time since ever. Weeks away from losing the family house to the bank, losing health insurance in January, it is the USofA after all. So since November, I've been diagnosed with clinical depression and severe anxiety. Living each day 10 seconds at a time, but afraid of losing my support group (friends and family) from either overuse or they don't get it. What more can I say but I'm fortunate to have found you.
Kozy K

Hey Kozy, you know some people knock it but i'm so glad we have the NHS in England. Can't imagine being without health care when you need it most and you have my sympathy there. Am unemployed too atm and it sucks. And i don't speak much to friends about stuff as i think they won't understand or just get bored of it.
Snap out of it Al...
If i had a frickin pound for everytime i heard that i'd be rich...
Hope the site helps you, see you around soon i hope

Hi Kozy, welcome to the forum. You have been through so much, it sounds very difficult. I am very glad that you are still here and able to continue the fight to put your life back together. It will happen. You have come so far and achieved so much. I am glad you have friends and a support system, I am sure they care very much. Please know that you are welcome to share as much and as often as you like here. You might want to check out our chat room as well. Chat is another resource at DU that offers support and interaction with peers. Welcome and take care.

Hello Kozy *hugs*

I can't imagine going through what you have, but it has proven something to me, you are a fighter. I know you have a full plate at the moment and have so much going on at once, but tackle one thing at a time and that will help.

As far as unemployment, does your diagnosis allow you to get on disability or apply for Medicaid? Maybe those resources will become available to you once your job runs out.

Your support system is important, especially at this time in life. I always think to myself, unless someone has a mental illness, chances are they will never understand. But that is okay if they don't, as long as they accept you thats all that matters. Thank them (which im sure you already there) for them sticking by you and whenever possible.

Please dont give up, keep on fighting.. also see what resources there are for your situation, hopefully there will be something that will take some of the strain off.

Good Luck and hope to hear from you again.