Think about it; if a person wasn’t mentally ill (MI) to start with, it only makes sense one would become MI, merely from finding themselves homeless!
For example, my story:
In early November 2008, I had a thriving, 10-yr-old business as a Graphic Designer, a new Prius (paid off), awesome neighbors & friends and an 820 – yes, 820 – credit score. I had just accomplished my longtime dream of moving to New Mexico, taking my Internet-based business with me. By the end of the month, the economy had collapsed and fear caused clients to pull advertising; overnight – reduced to less than enough income for rent.
Afraid to start over in a strange town at the age of 51, I moved back to Washington, believing I had people, business contacts, etc. In January 2009, I returned to a field I’d left due to repeated injuries and my growing inability to manage the stress of the job (or the low pay). I became support staff, working with people with Developmental Disabilities & MI, something I’d excelled at before leaving because of injuries. I had a repetitive strain injury & herniated disk from this type of work in 1993 & one of my clients w/DD caused a herniated disk in 2000, plus, I have lived with (full-blown) Fibromyalgia since 1988.
I began to get sick in August 2009. Vertigo, including nausea, vomiting & weakness. Between November ’09 & March ’10, I lost 58 lbs for no diagnosable reason. In August ’09, I lost my apartment because I’d maxed out my cards on medical bills & rent, thinking this mess was all temporary, that surely, things would get better! I’d always been self-sufficient, independent; I’d never relied on the system for help, except for temporary Unemployment!
Instead, things got worse. I became Mentally Ill and knew something was terribly wrong, but I couldn’t get the help I was begging for – in time. I said & did insane things and am now a Class C Felon. They say I am BiPolar w/PTSD. All I know is that with all the stressors of the past few years, I am not the same and my recovery has been long and painful.
I’ve lived in a 1976 22′ Cabover motor home since August 2009. There is a tarp over the roof due to leaks and I have no running water or toilet facilities. I receive $197/mo in State Assistance and $200/mo in Food Stamps. I rely on the kindness of my family to allow me to stay and use their electricity, laundry & shower. At this point in my life, I see no way out, but I have not lost faith or hope.
Today, I’m focused more on my mental health than employment. I know that if I get back on the horse too soon, I will get thrown again, and maybe even injured worse. My family doesn’t understand. They think I should have bounced back by now, that it is time to leave… but, how do you find a place to live with no income and as a Felon? Few people will rent to a Felon, and few employers hire a Felon, much less a homeless person.
My next topic? Probably “The working Homeless”
Peace & Love from Dogwoodangel
homeless1wa 