What can we do for our friend with intractable depression?
May 11, 2011 11:02 AM Subscribe
Service plan for friend with clinical depression - what can we do? Last resort ahead.
A friend of mine has debilitating depression. It has been getting worse lately. She hasn't had a job in two years. Her apartment is filthy and smells and is somewhat covered in cat detritus. She doesn't often go out, when she does, it is very hard to be around her because it is always the depression talking, not her.
She doesn't have health insurance, and she is not medicated. Filling out bureaucratic forms causes her to lapse into a near-catatonic state. For example, she had unemployment for the maximum time allowed (it is up now, so no income), but couldn't apply for other aid because she'd apply and then they'd demand more paperwork and more paperwork and she'd just retreat. I understand that government aid is built to include these hurdles to make it somewhat difficult to obtain, but it has made obtaining it impossible for someone with mental illness.
She only has about three friends left, of which I am one. We are getting together tonight to talk about what we can do. Taking her out to dinner, which she sometimes agrees to, only solves an immediate problem - hunger - but we know that she doesn't really buy food (no money) and hasn't been eating much lately. We have to force her to accept food we give her. We've already gotten her info on her local food pantry but she doesn't go. This is particularly frustrating to us (the three of us that are sticking by her) because we all have backgrounds in social services and mental health care; we can furnish the best referrals and completely understand her mental illness but cannot force her to go or do anything. She is not violent. Attention abates her symptoms temporarily, but is not a panacea by any means, and it is frankly exhausting.
It's also heartbreaking. We all snap into our professional-competent mode because it's OUR only coping mechanism. She used to be a teacher; vibrant, funny, loyal, a great friend. The life has been sucked out of her.
One idea we have is potentially to try to get her to check in to an inpatient mental health facility. There are no free ones in our (large) city that are safe for her, so she'd have to go into a private one. She doesn't have the money for this, so as a last resort, we wonder if it would be a wise idea to get her in, treated, and stabilized, and then work with her to file for personal bankruptcy. She has no money and no assets, so aside from her (non-existent) credit taking a hit for seven years, this may not even affect her. While she is gone, we would get someone to foster her cats, pay her rent for a month, and clean her apartment. She currently has no furniture except for a mattress on the floor (which we think is a symptom of her punishing herself for her condition), so we'd furnish it with freebies from Craigslist and have a home for her to come back to. Is this a good idea? Is there any reason why this would be an especially bad idea?
We are running out of ANY ideas, and we are not willing to abandon her, because if she is completely abandoned and her depression left untreated, she will die. I am not being dramatic; she will either unwittingly starve herself to death, possibly kill herself, or lose her apartment and end up on the streets where her mental state will eventually lead to her death.
A friend of mine has debilitating depression. It has been getting worse lately. She hasn't had a job in two years. Her apartment is filthy and smells and is somewhat covered in cat detritus. She doesn't often go out, when she does, it is very hard to be around her because it is always the depression talking, not her.
She doesn't have health insurance, and she is not medicated. Filling out bureaucratic forms causes her to lapse into a near-catatonic state. For example, she had unemployment for the maximum time allowed (it is up now, so no income), but couldn't apply for other aid because she'd apply and then they'd demand more paperwork and more paperwork and she'd just retreat. I understand that government aid is built to include these hurdles to make it somewhat difficult to obtain, but it has made obtaining it impossible for someone with mental illness.
She only has about three friends left, of which I am one. We are getting together tonight to talk about what we can do. Taking her out to dinner, which she sometimes agrees to, only solves an immediate problem - hunger - but we know that she doesn't really buy food (no money) and hasn't been eating much lately. We have to force her to accept food we give her. We've already gotten her info on her local food pantry but she doesn't go. This is particularly frustrating to us (the three of us that are sticking by her) because we all have backgrounds in social services and mental health care; we can furnish the best referrals and completely understand her mental illness but cannot force her to go or do anything. She is not violent. Attention abates her symptoms temporarily, but is not a panacea by any means, and it is frankly exhausting.
It's also heartbreaking. We all snap into our professional-competent mode because it's OUR only coping mechanism. She used to be a teacher; vibrant, funny, loyal, a great friend. The life has been sucked out of her.
One idea we have is potentially to try to get her to check in to an inpatient mental health facility. There are no free ones in our (large) city that are safe for her, so she'd have to go into a private one. She doesn't have the money for this, so as a last resort, we wonder if it would be a wise idea to get her in, treated, and stabilized, and then work with her to file for personal bankruptcy. She has no money and no assets, so aside from her (non-existent) credit taking a hit for seven years, this may not even affect her. While she is gone, we would get someone to foster her cats, pay her rent for a month, and clean her apartment. She currently has no furniture except for a mattress on the floor (which we think is a symptom of her punishing herself for her condition), so we'd furnish it with freebies from Craigslist and have a home for her to come back to. Is this a good idea? Is there any reason why this would be an especially bad idea?
We are running out of ANY ideas, and we are not willing to abandon her, because if she is completely abandoned and her depression left untreated, she will die. I am not being dramatic; she will either unwittingly starve herself to death, possibly kill herself, or lose her apartment and end up on the streets where her mental state will eventually lead to her death.
Has she tried medication in the past and will she take it if provided?
Medication on its own is not nearly effective as medication with therapy but in this situation seems worth trying a long shot.
Psychiatrists (and even GPs) often have more pharma samples than they know what to do with. With your collective histories it seems like you may be able to contact one who is willing to help.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 11:12 AM on May 11, 2011
Medication on its own is not nearly effective as medication with therapy but in this situation seems worth trying a long shot.
Psychiatrists (and even GPs) often have more pharma samples than they know what to do with. With your collective histories it seems like you may be able to contact one who is willing to help.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 11:12 AM on May 11, 2011
Seconding the above. There is a toll-free line you can contact at NAMI that can help locate local resources, but I would encourage you to contact your local chapter for more direct help.
posted by goggie at 11:14 AM on May 11, 2011
posted by goggie at 11:14 AM on May 11, 2011
I strongly encourage you to contact NAMI as well (I work for a local affiliate). The resource line that goggie gave you is a good place to start, and they can give you the contact info for the closest affiliate.
posted by la petite marie at 11:27 AM on May 11, 2011
posted by la petite marie at 11:27 AM on May 11, 2011
anonymous: we would get someone to foster her cats, pay her rent for a month, and clean her apartment.
I don't have an opinion about the pluses or minuses of your plan; you mention that you all have mental health and social service backgrounds so I'm assuming that you are all local and that the plan is at least feasible overall.
However, assuming she does in-patient for 30 days, comes out medicated and with a social worker, an advocate and a support plan, she will need more than 30 days of financial support. Expecting her to come out and for all of those things to click into place so that she can file for and start collecting rent-sustaining public payments immediately is not how the system works.
In the very best circumstances - Canadian social welfare system, excellent social worker, legislated programme that exactly matched his diagnosis and needs, and a team of dedicated friends/advocates with resources - it took three months to sort that out for my dad. You need to make sure the support you are offering is a package the three of you can sustain for a realistic duration.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:37 AM on May 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
I don't have an opinion about the pluses or minuses of your plan; you mention that you all have mental health and social service backgrounds so I'm assuming that you are all local and that the plan is at least feasible overall.
However, assuming she does in-patient for 30 days, comes out medicated and with a social worker, an advocate and a support plan, she will need more than 30 days of financial support. Expecting her to come out and for all of those things to click into place so that she can file for and start collecting rent-sustaining public payments immediately is not how the system works.
In the very best circumstances - Canadian social welfare system, excellent social worker, legislated programme that exactly matched his diagnosis and needs, and a team of dedicated friends/advocates with resources - it took three months to sort that out for my dad. You need to make sure the support you are offering is a package the three of you can sustain for a realistic duration.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:37 AM on May 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
I think your idea could be terrific, if your friend is willing to try it.
If you're in a large city, though, could you perhaps apply for charity care from the hospital and work out a payment plan to try to avoid the bankruptcy issue? And you definitely need to help her stay on her feet once she's out of the hospital. Helping her get a case manager is absolutely essential. I know it's a lot of work for the three of you, but it sounds like there is a list of things she needs and furniture is sort of near the bottom. (Not to say the furniture wouldn't be a wonderful, beautiful, kind, completely appreciated gesture.)
So she needs to apply for the following:
*Social Security disability *Medicaid *Food stamps *TANF
That's what the case manager will help her do.
If you're in New York, she should also apply for Access-A-Ride so she doesn't have to worry about not having the fortitude to deal with mass transit. If you're in another city, check to see if there is a transit program for the disabled.
She will also need to get a therapist and a psychiatrist lined up before she leaves the hospital. If the charity care allows for it, you could look to transition your friend from inpatient hospitalization to intensive outpatient (or partial) hospitalization, which would help her make meaningful change in the weeks after she goes home. They would help her find a therapist and psychiatrist, they'd require her to get out of the house and attend their program every day, and they'd teach her some coping strategies. They'd also help her recover her sense of agency.
(If getting her out of the house and to the program is going to be very difficult, try to arrange for easy transportation for her. Getting to therapy is sometimes ninety percent of the battle.)
I find that short-term inpatient hospitalization can be more traumatic than helpful. That's not to say it isn't sometimes necessary. But even at the toniest of hospitals, there is a sense of captivity that can't help but fuel fear and anxiety. So if your friend does go for a short-term inpatient stay, it would really be so much better if she followed that up with a partial or an IOP.
I was able to complete the SSDI application without the aid of an attorney, but unless you and your friends can take the lead on this, you should probably find one. If she's going to have to file for bankruptcy, you've got to find one.
Good luck, and good on you three for being such terrific friends. She is very lucky to have you in her life.
(I am not any kind of mental health care professional, or legal professional, or professional, and this is not professional advice.)
posted by brina at 11:38 AM on May 11, 2011
If you're in a large city, though, could you perhaps apply for charity care from the hospital and work out a payment plan to try to avoid the bankruptcy issue? And you definitely need to help her stay on her feet once she's out of the hospital. Helping her get a case manager is absolutely essential. I know it's a lot of work for the three of you, but it sounds like there is a list of things she needs and furniture is sort of near the bottom. (Not to say the furniture wouldn't be a wonderful, beautiful, kind, completely appreciated gesture.)
So she needs to apply for the following:
*Social Security disability *Medicaid *Food stamps *TANF
That's what the case manager will help her do.
If you're in New York, she should also apply for Access-A-Ride so she doesn't have to worry about not having the fortitude to deal with mass transit. If you're in another city, check to see if there is a transit program for the disabled.
She will also need to get a therapist and a psychiatrist lined up before she leaves the hospital. If the charity care allows for it, you could look to transition your friend from inpatient hospitalization to intensive outpatient (or partial) hospitalization, which would help her make meaningful change in the weeks after she goes home. They would help her find a therapist and psychiatrist, they'd require her to get out of the house and attend their program every day, and they'd teach her some coping strategies. They'd also help her recover her sense of agency.
(If getting her out of the house and to the program is going to be very difficult, try to arrange for easy transportation for her. Getting to therapy is sometimes ninety percent of the battle.)
I find that short-term inpatient hospitalization can be more traumatic than helpful. That's not to say it isn't sometimes necessary. But even at the toniest of hospitals, there is a sense of captivity that can't help but fuel fear and anxiety. So if your friend does go for a short-term inpatient stay, it would really be so much better if she followed that up with a partial or an IOP.
I was able to complete the SSDI application without the aid of an attorney, but unless you and your friends can take the lead on this, you should probably find one. If she's going to have to file for bankruptcy, you've got to find one.
Good luck, and good on you three for being such terrific friends. She is very lucky to have you in her life.
(I am not any kind of mental health care professional, or legal professional, or professional, and this is not professional advice.)
posted by brina at 11:38 AM on May 11, 2011
You didn't mention any family at all - is there no one from her past that you could contact for more resources? Even if her parents were sketchy or abusive, there could be an aunt or uncle who is willing to help out. I'd start shaking the family tree - if I found out one of mine was having such dire problems, I'd do what I could even if it was sending a check.
posted by desjardins at 11:44 AM on May 11, 2011
posted by desjardins at 11:44 AM on May 11, 2011
brina: I find that short-term inpatient hospitalization can be more traumatic than helpful. That's not to say it isn't sometimes necessary. But even at the toniest of hospitals, there is a sense of captivity that can't help but fuel fear and anxiety.
FWIW just as a counter-point to this totally valid point: That was not my experience at all. I have been in a swank-assed residential facility and it was absolutely positively the hugest relief I have ever experienced. When I finally earned out door privileges, I literally, physically did not want to leave the building, the floor, or even my wing. It took two days for me to walk outside.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:55 AM on May 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
FWIW just as a counter-point to this totally valid point: That was not my experience at all. I have been in a swank-assed residential facility and it was absolutely positively the hugest relief I have ever experienced. When I finally earned out door privileges, I literally, physically did not want to leave the building, the floor, or even my wing. It took two days for me to walk outside.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:55 AM on May 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
She very much needs a caseworker in your area who knows the services available and can help get her registered for whatever programs she's eligible for. I don't know where you are, but contacting a local mental health organization or even the city/county Department of Health might be a good first step to get a referral.
At first glance, your plan sounds problematic to me. Let's ignore the rather important issues of whether she would even go to the inpatient facility and how long she'll need to stay there to get well enough to come home, assuming she does improve. The private inpatient facility isn't going to simply take a patient with no income and no assets, because it's obvious they aren't going to get paid. If they want to give charity care, they'll do that, but they aren't just going to take her, run up a huge bill she can't possibly afford, and write it off in bankruptcy.
In many (all?) areas, Adult Protective Services will get involved in instances of self-neglect, which it sounds like is happening here (not eating, filthy home, etc...) If you call them, they may well be able to help. On the other hand, there are potential risks with this approach, as it's entirely possible that they could take control of the situation in ways you do not want, such as if she is involuntarily committed to a public facility.
posted by zachlipton at 12:09 PM on May 11, 2011
At first glance, your plan sounds problematic to me. Let's ignore the rather important issues of whether she would even go to the inpatient facility and how long she'll need to stay there to get well enough to come home, assuming she does improve. The private inpatient facility isn't going to simply take a patient with no income and no assets, because it's obvious they aren't going to get paid. If they want to give charity care, they'll do that, but they aren't just going to take her, run up a huge bill she can't possibly afford, and write it off in bankruptcy.
In many (all?) areas, Adult Protective Services will get involved in instances of self-neglect, which it sounds like is happening here (not eating, filthy home, etc...) If you call them, they may well be able to help. On the other hand, there are potential risks with this approach, as it's entirely possible that they could take control of the situation in ways you do not want, such as if she is involuntarily committed to a public facility.
posted by zachlipton at 12:09 PM on May 11, 2011
I've used free mental health clinics in the past without problem--they work on sliding fee scales. Your friend could see a psychiatrist and get on medication for free. Speaking as a formerly depressed person, it would probably help if you do as much of the legwork for that as possible: make the appointment (with her permission), go with her to help her fill out paperwork, etc. Depression makes everything seem daunting, and I found it very hard to admit "defeat" and had to have someone else make the initial call to set up an appointment.
Also, nthing the social worker. Their job is specifically to help people like your friend. You don't have to bear this burden alone.
posted by sugarbomb at 12:10 PM on May 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also, nthing the social worker. Their job is specifically to help people like your friend. You don't have to bear this burden alone.
posted by sugarbomb at 12:10 PM on May 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Everything sounds great, but forget about the bankruptcy.
Even if she is being sued by a collection agency, bankruptcy is likely a step way too far. If she does gets sued, BTW, don't panic. Getting sued by a collection agency is common and actually pretty easy to handle. She will have options because those folks don't want to go to court. If a collection agency does serve her with papers, they just want to get her attention. My husband knows someone who showed up in court, truthfully plead poverty, and the judge ruled he could pay the debt down by $5 a month. The better move is to dispute the debts to the agency in writing and before it becomes actionable in court, but I understand your friend might not be up to that. Basically, I'm saying don't suggest bankruptcy to her unless she has high dollar judgements declared against her in court. Every other type of debt is ignorable (for now) or negotiable.
And if there are judgements against her - so what?? If she has no assets or income, there is nothing a collection agency can do to her. She can protect things like a car (if she has one) by filing simple paperwork with the sheriff.
So! Yes on the plan to get her help (what about sending her to a nearby hotel or a friend's for a few days while you clean her apt and decorate if in-patient options ultimately aren't available?) No on bankruptcy. She's not in a head-space to even consider that decision right now.
(the only benefit to filing bankruptcy paperwork immediately is that it makes the threats and phone calls from agencies stop. but if your friend can figure out a way to ignore her debt issues and harassment for a wee while - because first things first, and she can deal with debt issues when she's better - then that's priority. IMHO & YMMV depending on details of your friend's situation.)
posted by jbenben at 1:15 PM on May 11, 2011
Even if she is being sued by a collection agency, bankruptcy is likely a step way too far. If she does gets sued, BTW, don't panic. Getting sued by a collection agency is common and actually pretty easy to handle. She will have options because those folks don't want to go to court. If a collection agency does serve her with papers, they just want to get her attention. My husband knows someone who showed up in court, truthfully plead poverty, and the judge ruled he could pay the debt down by $5 a month. The better move is to dispute the debts to the agency in writing and before it becomes actionable in court, but I understand your friend might not be up to that. Basically, I'm saying don't suggest bankruptcy to her unless she has high dollar judgements declared against her in court. Every other type of debt is ignorable (for now) or negotiable.
And if there are judgements against her - so what?? If she has no assets or income, there is nothing a collection agency can do to her. She can protect things like a car (if she has one) by filing simple paperwork with the sheriff.
So! Yes on the plan to get her help (what about sending her to a nearby hotel or a friend's for a few days while you clean her apt and decorate if in-patient options ultimately aren't available?) No on bankruptcy. She's not in a head-space to even consider that decision right now.
(the only benefit to filing bankruptcy paperwork immediately is that it makes the threats and phone calls from agencies stop. but if your friend can figure out a way to ignore her debt issues and harassment for a wee while - because first things first, and she can deal with debt issues when she's better - then that's priority. IMHO & YMMV depending on details of your friend's situation.)
posted by jbenben at 1:15 PM on May 11, 2011
Mod note: From the OP:
We are all in Chicago. We have not had a lot of luck with NAMI referrals due to endless on-holds, waiting lists, and people not willing to deal with us because we don't have medical power of attorney.posted by mathowie (staff) at 1:22 PM on May 11, 2011
She is not in touch with any family. We don't even know her parents' names, first or last. We're kind of it.
It sounds like a caseworker is the way to go, but how on earth do we get her one of those when she is an adult, without getting her involuntarily committed? Public mental health inpatient facilities here are dangerous across the board and we do not want to contact Adult Protective Services for that reason.
All of our experience in social services is related to the systemically urban poor in the inner city. So we know the food pantries, free clinics, etc., but she doesn't quite fit this demographic and is falling through the cracks.
Are any local hospitals and/or universities doing depression studies? The one I went to (in Boston) offered free medication and a month of follow-up treatment after the study was over. There's a little paperwork, but nothing major. Mostly stuff like, "in the past week, have you felt more depressed/less depressed/about the same (circle one)."
It might be enough to alleviate her symptoms so she can better take care of herself.
You're a good egg, anon.
posted by giraffe at 1:46 PM on May 11, 2011
It might be enough to alleviate her symptoms so she can better take care of herself.
You're a good egg, anon.
posted by giraffe at 1:46 PM on May 11, 2011
It sounds like a caseworker is the way to go, but how on earth do we get her one of those when she is an adult, without getting her involuntarily committed? Public mental health inpatient facilities here are dangerous across the board and we do not want to contact Adult Protective Services for that reason.
While I mentioned this as a concern in my post above, and it's not something to ignore certainly, I don't think it rules out Adult Protective Services as a potential resource. From your description, it certainly sounds like she is dangerous to herself and needs a great deal of services to stay safe and to try to get better. Adult Protective Services doesn't want to chuck her into an inpatient facility involuntarily either, if for no other reason than it costs them a lot of money they don't have and takes up a bed in a system with a critical shortage of facilities. They might well be able to help her stay at home and establish treatment and services for her, especially if the three of you are engaged and offering to help. Or they might want to setup care at an intermediate treatment facility or regular visits to a mental health day center. Or they might be mired in bureaucracy and limited resources and be of no real help whatsoever.
Since you guys work in social services and mental health, perhaps one of your contacts has some experience working with the local Adult Protective Services agency? It might help to get a better idea of what they are like there and what they might do if they become involved in this case.
Maybe try to get her some therapy through a local city Mental Health Center? Some help is better than nothing, and it could be a stepping stone to more resources.
You can also try contacting private inpatient facilities and discussing the situation with them. They might have some suggestions for who to talk to even if they can't make the financials work to take her directly.
posted by zachlipton at 2:25 PM on May 11, 2011
While I mentioned this as a concern in my post above, and it's not something to ignore certainly, I don't think it rules out Adult Protective Services as a potential resource. From your description, it certainly sounds like she is dangerous to herself and needs a great deal of services to stay safe and to try to get better. Adult Protective Services doesn't want to chuck her into an inpatient facility involuntarily either, if for no other reason than it costs them a lot of money they don't have and takes up a bed in a system with a critical shortage of facilities. They might well be able to help her stay at home and establish treatment and services for her, especially if the three of you are engaged and offering to help. Or they might want to setup care at an intermediate treatment facility or regular visits to a mental health day center. Or they might be mired in bureaucracy and limited resources and be of no real help whatsoever.
Since you guys work in social services and mental health, perhaps one of your contacts has some experience working with the local Adult Protective Services agency? It might help to get a better idea of what they are like there and what they might do if they become involved in this case.
Maybe try to get her some therapy through a local city Mental Health Center? Some help is better than nothing, and it could be a stepping stone to more resources.
You can also try contacting private inpatient facilities and discussing the situation with them. They might have some suggestions for who to talk to even if they can't make the financials work to take her directly.
posted by zachlipton at 2:25 PM on May 11, 2011
All of our experience in social services is related to the systemically urban poor in the inner city. So we know the food pantries, free clinics, etc., but she doesn't quite fit this demographic and is falling through the cracks.
It sounds to me like she is in this demographic. Is there a reason why you guys haven't helped her with applications for public assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid? That would seem to be the obvious first step. I understand that she can't handle those things on her own, but if you guys have backgrounds with this population, you should be able to help her out.
Any NAMI referrals are probably going to at least want her to have active Medicaid. I don't know if a private hospital will take her without any way to pay. I'm assuming they'll ask about insurance on admission, and then tell her to turn around and go to a public hospital. If the public hospitals are so dangerous, then getting her on Medicaid and onto some waiting lists seems like the next logical step.
posted by Mavri at 2:26 PM on May 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
It sounds to me like she is in this demographic. Is there a reason why you guys haven't helped her with applications for public assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid? That would seem to be the obvious first step. I understand that she can't handle those things on her own, but if you guys have backgrounds with this population, you should be able to help her out.
Any NAMI referrals are probably going to at least want her to have active Medicaid. I don't know if a private hospital will take her without any way to pay. I'm assuming they'll ask about insurance on admission, and then tell her to turn around and go to a public hospital. If the public hospitals are so dangerous, then getting her on Medicaid and onto some waiting lists seems like the next logical step.
posted by Mavri at 2:26 PM on May 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Anon, you have other options. See: Woman’s Board Depression Treatment & Research Center at Rush. If you can get in, it's free of charge and in conjunction with a social worker to sort out long term benefits, might be a workable intervention.
I agree that it sounds like she is in fact "urban poor in the inner city" and I'm not really sure why you're so reluctant to avail of services that serve people with her needs. In fact, any community mental health facility will able to hook you up with social services, and as long as you are already working with that program, it's far less likely that any kind of involuntary commitment would take place.
I really think you need to evaluate a much broader range of options against the worst case scenario, which as you say yourself is death or suicide. Believe me, I had to get over an assload of my own classist bullshit when my Ivy educated alcoholic dad was facing homelessness but it beat the alternatives and was the best option for him.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:33 PM on May 11, 2011
I agree that it sounds like she is in fact "urban poor in the inner city" and I'm not really sure why you're so reluctant to avail of services that serve people with her needs. In fact, any community mental health facility will able to hook you up with social services, and as long as you are already working with that program, it's far less likely that any kind of involuntary commitment would take place.
I really think you need to evaluate a much broader range of options against the worst case scenario, which as you say yourself is death or suicide. Believe me, I had to get over an assload of my own classist bullshit when my Ivy educated alcoholic dad was facing homelessness but it beat the alternatives and was the best option for him.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:33 PM on May 11, 2011
The lack of good, affordable, available care for with mental illness is tragic. Your friend is harming herself with neglect. She should go to the Emergency Room. She needs immediate care. I recommend checking to see what ER is best for people with no money. Seriously, this is dire; she's not eating or taking care of herself and is incapacitated by depression. The hospital should have a social worker who can get a better response from aid agencies.
You'll take care of her cats and care for her home, which eases some burden for her. She's incredibly fortunate to have such friends. Good luck.
posted by theora55 at 7:24 PM on May 11, 2011
You'll take care of her cats and care for her home, which eases some burden for her. She's incredibly fortunate to have such friends. Good luck.
posted by theora55 at 7:24 PM on May 11, 2011
I have no advice. But I've been where your friend is. I still would be if not for a very few people who stuck by me and helped get me out. And I feel immense gratitude to you three for being strong enough to be there for someone else, through all the wretchedness and hell I know it entails.
Just... Good luck. And thank you.
posted by Because at 12:24 AM on May 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
Just... Good luck. And thank you.
posted by Because at 12:24 AM on May 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
I did the Google thing, and found Community Health, which is a free clinic in Chicago. They have a 4-6 week wait to be seen initially, but their patient handbook also provided this information about emergencies:
CommunityHealth is unable to provide emergency care. If at any time you need
emergency care you are encouraged to go to Stroger Hospital at 1901 W. Harrison,
where they provide free emergency services. If you are unable to get to Stroger you
can go to a local hospital, but you will be charged.
It's not clear to me if you have to be a patient of CommunityHealth in order to use Stroger Hospital for free, but I'm sure that the CommunityHealth people could talk you through that. I also found Resurrection Health Care, which has several hospitals and a confidential Behavioral Health phone line that provides referrals.
Resurrection Behavioral Health's Central Access service provides quick referrals to the appropriate level of care you or a family member need. Appointments can be scheduled, often within 48 hours. Just call 708-410-0615, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hopefully this is a helpful starting point!
posted by epj at 7:13 AM on May 12, 2011
CommunityHealth is unable to provide emergency care. If at any time you need
emergency care you are encouraged to go to Stroger Hospital at 1901 W. Harrison,
where they provide free emergency services. If you are unable to get to Stroger you
can go to a local hospital, but you will be charged.
It's not clear to me if you have to be a patient of CommunityHealth in order to use Stroger Hospital for free, but I'm sure that the CommunityHealth people could talk you through that. I also found Resurrection Health Care, which has several hospitals and a confidential Behavioral Health phone line that provides referrals.
Resurrection Behavioral Health's Central Access service provides quick referrals to the appropriate level of care you or a family member need. Appointments can be scheduled, often within 48 hours. Just call 708-410-0615, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hopefully this is a helpful starting point!
posted by epj at 7:13 AM on May 12, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by edgeways at 11:10 AM on May 11, 2011