Where do I go? Who do I tell I need help? Who will help?

October 10th, 2007

Good evening my name is Tracy and I have recently been involved in an accident that has caused me to be out of work since April of this year. I have recently had ACL arthroscopy on my right knee and may be looking forward to yet another on my left knee. The recovery time is up to 8 months. At this rate with no income I will be another number that stands in line at a homeless shelter by the time I reach a healing plateau. These injuries do not include the fact that I have 3 screws in my left femoral neck and in addition my back has it's problems too. To include deteriorating ,and bulging discs and I am sure some nerve damage that has not yet been determined as of yet.
I truly intend to eventually find employment that my injuries will not be an issue until then I am at a loss of where to turn for assistance, seriously I have no clue of where to turn at the present. Granted I have truly wonderful friends. But lets face it with the economy the way it is most of them are barely making ends meet themselves. I can鈥檛 expect them to feed me, pay my rent, clothe me or provide me with personal products etc for another 4-6 months..
I have been advised to apply for S.S. Disability. Is this a possibility and how long will it take? I know this much. Much longer than I will be able to stay afloat before it would be approved if it even would. I have my reservations about applying and one of them I guess is pride. I am only 35 and feel, kind of crappy even thinking about it. But I realize that it鈥檚 time to suck it up and get moving on it before I鈥檓 in an even worse scenario.
I have managed to not allow this depression, anxiety, frustration, insomnia and fear completely deplete my spirit since April. I am committed to surviving this bump in the road but I am not sure how much longer I can stay mentally glued together.
So if any one out there has been in a similar situation, have had friends who have made it through it or works somewhere that could possibly help. I would truly appreciate the advice or direction..

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Hey there,
The best thing you can do for the time being is to call social security and explain your situation. With cases such as yours you will probably be fast tracked in the system in order for you to receive disability payments sooner. I know your a proud person but the centrelink system is there for situations such as these. Everyone needs help from time to time and you will be entitled to financial relief. Get onto their website and have a look its not as bad as it seems.

Tracy, I really feel sorry for you. I never have this kind of situation like yours, but trust me, I know how you feel because I felt that way a long time ago. You have to keep yourself together, remember, you have friends and family with you, you are not alone. When you want to give up, think about them. Are you sure that you want to disappoint them after what they had done for you? I know it is hard, but you have to hold on, as long as you never give up, there will be a wide path waiting for you. Keep your head up, I don't know how to help you, what I can do is to support you mentally. Trust me, this is not the end, if you can endure this, nothing can block your way in the future. NEVER GIVE UP!

You can call the Volunteer Minister's helpline and get some assistance with your situation. The number is 1800 HELP 4 YU.
Take care and I wish you happy and well times.

See depression, anxiety, and insomnia treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on pages 2, 6, and 3. You are fully entitled to help from social services: that's what you have been paying tax for, all those years. Contact them tomorrow, get your reports, ID, etc. organised: expect a thorough examination, and a considerable delay: ask a friend if you can sleep on an air mattress & sleeping bag, temporarily: do more than your fair share; be seen cleaning, cooking, etc. Sell what you can; keep the few things you need, and see if you can "visit " with other friends, from time to time, to avoid wearing out your welcome in any one place. Try www.careplace.com Hypnosis may help with pain: autosuggestion (self hypnosis) using a tape recorder, and the info on page 3 is worth a try. Contact a social worker, through your local hospital, and also your county/local mental health agency. Locate charities, shelters, refuges, soup kitchens, etc. in your area: in some places, if you volunteer for Meals on Wheels, you usually get to eat. You really don't need a lot of personal products: visit a library and read how the pioneers managed. Consider babysitting, online surveys, and putting an ad in the local paper, offering to housesit while the owners are on vacation, deterring burglary, feeding pets, and watering the garden: references required (friends, as a starter?).

Hi Tracy,
I may not have been in your situation but I have seen many victim of such. And the most I could offer is my sympathy & empathy. For you, you have servived this far, and just hang on there, be courageous, pull yourself together and I know that you can make it. If you trust yourself and doing all the best to help yourself, The Almighty Eyes Is On You... don't worry. Get help/advise from your treating doctor as well and at the same time my family will include you in our prayer for speedy recovery. God Blees. If you wish to get in touch with me privately, My e-mail is s9m6jwq@yahoo.com. Feel free to keep in touch.