Support needed: do not want to feel vulnerable and helpless anymore

by Kimberly in Florida

I was 8 years old when I had my first panic attack. I was so scared and thought that I was going to die. My mom reassured me that everyone had them. None of my friends were having panic attics nor were they being mentally and physically abused by their dads. As I got older, I became more overwhelmed. I think the only reason I kept it together was because I was so afraid of my dad.

At the age of 14, my dad accidentally shot himself in the head while struggling with my mom. I hoped now my fears, and foggy mind, would go away. But they never did. I still had poor concentration, I couldn't retain information, and my fear of the unknown was keeping me from achieving any goals. So I struggled with high school until I gave up and took my GED. I got married so I could leave college and, I had children so I could live through them.

A couple of years ago I had a job with health insurance so was able to seek help for my depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Unfortunately now we no longer have insurance and I am only able to afford one of my medications. There is no understanding or compassion for people who suffer from mental illness. People treat me like I have a choice. Who would choose to end their education, confuse their children or ruin up their husband's credit because you can't get it together? We need more support groups and prescription help. Creditor and financial support is also needed. I don't want to feel vulnerable and helpless anymore.