Re: Disabled and Depressed

June 10, 2008

Hi ,

I'm so glad you decided to contact the list. I really feel your sadness.

It is frustrating to think of the things you cannot do...but what if you tried

to focus on the things that you can do? You are here for a reason. We all

go through feeling bad, having good days and bad days. At the end of the day,

you have managed to survive yet another day. Please keep posting to us

.....take care.

Heidi

To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

explanation is possible

In a message dated 6/10/2008 10:31:21 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

emilyspivey@... writes:

Hi all. I've been a member for several years, since I was diagnosed,

but don't post alot. I need to vent/seek some support. I've become

disabled from a combination of diseases, RA, OA, FMS, DDD and

bursitis. I am so depressed that I don't know what to do. Not being

able to do things I've always done really makes me feel like my life,

as I knew it, is over. To make matters worse, my only 2 granddaughters

are moving 1400 miles away soon. I just don't know what to do. I'm on

an antidepressant already (the most I can take) but I feel so useless

and hopeless. I can't afford phsycotherapy, our insurance only pays

50%. So, I just sleep. I can't read much anymore because I have

dementia and forget what I've read if I put the book aside. I feel

like if I had someone to talk to I'd feel better. Does anyone know if

the State of Alabama has any service that I could utilize. I think

I'll research that. Thank you all for listening, I feel better

already , just having gotten this off my chest.

**************Vote for your city's best dining and nightlife. City's Best

2008. (http://citysbest.aol.com?ncid=aolacg00050000000102)

June 10, 2008

I am so glad that you have posted for some support! As you know from reading the

posts, this group is full of amazing, courageous, supportive individuals WHO

CARE! I know how difficult it is being disabled and it leading to

depression. & nbsp; I'm 36 now and have been home for 6 years now. & nbsp; I only

got & nbsp; to work a couple of years out of college before it all ended. & nbsp; I

spend virtually all of my time alone, except for seeing my mom at the end of the

day, and my brother and nephew a couple of times a week. & nbsp; I have an anxiety

disorder with agoraphobia as well so getting out is a challenge in and of itself

but I am working on it. & nbsp; I'm not sure of your insurance, if you have

Medicare? There are some psychologists, most that I have worked with that have a

sliding fee scale. & nbsp; The psychiatrist I've been seeing for the past few

years to manage my anxiety/agoraphobia and treatment, only takes the money

Medicare pays him. & nbsp; & nbsp; He

doesn't charge me any copays. & nbsp; Some doctors do this and can use it as a

write off at the end of the year. & nbsp; Like pro bono. & nbsp; My Cognitive

Behavioral psychologist did the same. & nbsp; I'd pay $10 each visit and she would

take what Medicare paid and that would be it. & nbsp; There are also community

mental health agencies that might be less expensive. & nbsp; Support groups, which

are free can also be very helpful. & nbsp; I don't know if you have any pets, but

dogs have been proven to help lower blood pressure, help with depression,

anxiety. & nbsp; I actually have a prescribed therapy dog for my

agoraphobia. & nbsp; Antidepressants I have learned throughout the years, (as well

as my anxiety meds) simply do not work on their own. & nbsp; I know many

individuals think " oh the doctor will give me this pill and it will be

better " . & nbsp; Yet without some form of cognitive therapy behavior therapy they

don't seem to do much good on their own (except to keep

us from falling further). & nbsp; I hope that you can find someone to help soon!

From: eandsspivey & lt;emilyspivey@... & gt;

Subject: [ ] Disabled and Depressed

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2008, 10:30 AM