Mental Health Support

To begin with please let me offer my sympathy since I've been in your shoes being under psychiatric observation. I was diagnosed with major depression and the diagnosis was revised to bipolar disorder. It can take weeks before any medication to take full effect so be diligent about following your doctor's orders taking those pills--and yes, I had the same feelings about whether the pills would make a difference.

I also agree with you that the social services are abysmal. I still retained my analytical abilities and knew something was wrong with me and asked for help, but often found that the help was lacking or that I would have to jump through hoops and deal with frustration along the way.

I don't know where you stand financially or your age, but if your issues result in difficulties at work, holding employment or finding employment then you should consider filing for Social Security disability income. I also suggest getting an attorney that specializes in that field early in the process so that you have an advocate on your side. They work on a contingency basis (usually 25%), but they have the expertise that you will need for your claim.

It is difficult to get claims approved for mental illness and you may initially denied during the initial review and reconsideration stages, but the appeal stage is where many claims are approved as the administrative law judges receive testimony from psychiatric, medical and vocational experts. If you have other medical issues that limit the type of work that you perform then they will also be considered as far as whether you are employable.

Depending on your situation you might also want to obtain food stamp (SNAP) benefits or getting reduced price medications through your mental health network or indigent care programs.

The short haul might be tough, but hopefully you can get stabilized, make rational decisions and feel more comfortable with what is occurring in your life. I'm usually around during the night time hours if you need to send a PM so please contact me.