Bipolar Support Group

First I'm Bipolar, and was just diagnosed with HepC. I am a "selfunemployed"(work for myself when I can)cabinet maker.I have no insurance, and little in the way of a safety net.After the HCV news I realized I need to try to get some support, and have decided to apply for SSIDB. I wrote an e-mail to NAMI national alliance mental illness, looking for resources and an advocate to help with the SSIDB. I live in New Orleans with a broken healthcare system(hard to get help if you have good insurance)much less in my finacial state.

I recieved an e-mail yesterday, from the President of the local chapter of NAMI, and gave her a call. They are going to assign me a case worker/advocate, to assist me with filing the paperwork. She also told me they have lots of other resources, free meds,access to healthcare, food stamps, housing assistance. If i haven't said it before I see my Pdoc at a clinic run by NIMH and the parrish(county), I get this service for free, and they also provide me with my meds for free.

I have read many posts where people are freaking about finances, not seeing Pdoc, or taking meds because of lack of insurance or funds. I'm here to tell you you are not alone, and things are not hopeless nor impossible. It's not easy, especially being Bipolar with social anxiety issues, but if you really WANT HELP, there are resources.Do a google search for "mental health advocate/your city state" find your local chapter of NAMI,NIMH,Catholic charities(don't need to be catholic),St Vincent de Paul society,Your local church,bipolar support groups, even drug companies offer help with meds.I need an advocate, for i know the paperwork will overwhelm me or my pride will prevent me from asking for help. I'm serious enough about help that i'm going to meet with the adovcate Today(skipping the French Quarter fest, that says something about my dedication, could have put it off until Mon.)I am not an isolated case, my brother lives 2000 miles away and has found help in his locale.

I just want all to know that finances are not a ROADBLOCK to getting help, a large speedbump maybe, but if you want help, and are willing to put in the time and research, help is available.If you need help researching, or have questions i'm willing to help.

Dreux

ADDA DREUX, Keep up the good work. Proud of you!

Thanks Dreux. It's definately nice for someone to give others a bit of hope!

Good for you Dreux. Keep us posted. It is so good to hear a success story.

hugs, Norma

Thanks for posting this Dreux. As you know I'm 4 hours north of you, I believe that I will also contact the place that you mentioned. I am having neck surgery on Monday and I know that I need to get moving on filing for SSI. I have a new pdoc who is giving me advice, first step was to get me off of certain meds I was on and work on medicating the bipolar successfully. I just got a copy of the letter that was sent to my pain management dr from the psychologist that I went to in January. I have a therapist that I need to get info from and about 3 other drs who will be able to give me info about my physical disability.

You are so right, this is such an overwhelming thing to undertake. Thanks for posting this encouraging news. Keep us posted!

Thank-you Dreux...Its good to here such positive news...Keep us updated and let us know what happens...Hugs Southern

Good news. Keep the forum posted on how those agencies help you.

Thank you,

I am sure alot of people will appreciate this information.

We have a local NAMI office here, where, I live, too.

Hey Druex, thanks for the information, this is going to help a lot of folks here who find it overwhelming to deal with all the paperwork and such, and would not know where to turn for help, let us know how it turns out for you.

Update and links for help! Went to the NAMI "Drop in center" yesterday,met the onsite caseworker,filled out the paperwork(VerySimple)toured the facility,and recieved the calendar of events.They have assigned me a caseworker that i'll meet tues..The "drop in center" is geared toward more basic needs:housing assistance,food stamps,medicaid,a phone,an address for the homeless,computer access, a hot meal everyday at lunch,someone to talk to or play a game with,watch tv.They have some groups, and classes:Art,Crafts,computer,job training and employment opportunities. The advocate for me is important, but wanted all to know the things available to them. I know my PRIDE,SHAME,and "Irish" stubborness have been a roadblock to my getting help, I hope you won't let them stand in your way of getting some assistance if you need it.Below are some links that I have found to be a great help with information and assistance,if you need help I am willing to do what I can,JUST ASK(my new mantra)

http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx? srcid=-2

http:http://mentalhealth.about.com/od/localandregional/l/ bllouisiana.htm//www.ilusa.com/links/advo.htm

http://www.nami.org/

http://svdpusa.org/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

http://www.nmha.org/

http://www1.nmha.org/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar- disorder/complete-publication.shtml

http://www.ssa.gov/

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home

http://www.lawhelp.org/LA/StateDirectory.cfm/County/%20/ City/%20/demoMode/%3D%201/Language/1/State/LA/TextOnly/N/ ZipCode/%20/LoggedIn/0/directory/5