Dammy -
here's one of those 'weird thoughts' for you - kinda -
did'ja ever wonder WHY it seems to be so difficult for those of us who NEED help - to GET help? It's like they design the system with obstacles to prevent people from actually getting the 'help' they're supposed to be providing! mad
If someone has a problem - mental, physical, whatever - they generally have other obstacles to overcome along with the main problem - it might be money, transportation, lack of energy, lack of insurance, no telephone, all kinds of things. By the time someone realizes and accepts that they need help - any one of those obstacles could be overwhelming - if you have more than one of those problems, then the path to help becomes insurmountable.
Trying to get help for Depression, can be very DEPRESSING!
Why don't these 'help' agencies, doctors, etc realize that and make it easier to reach them? eyes Why don't THEY 'reach out' to those of us that need the help the most?
I feel the most despair and lonliness when I have to figure out this kind of difficulty alone. I am sure that there are lots and lots of people who never get the help they need, because it's just too hard to get there!
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I'm usually pretty good at brainstorming - there's always a 'storm' brewing in MY brain!
You say you are in a small town in Texas and don't have anyone to call on for help.
I live in IL - but still in a small town with no public transportation, either, and i would be hesitant to call n friends, too. Most of them work and wouldn't be able to take time for MY appointments, anyway.
It's not always convienient, but there are still ways to get around if needed.
There may not be taxi's on street corners in your town - but SOMEBODY will run a taxi or limo service - usually their business is running people to and from the nearest city airport. But they will usually run local trips too. It might be expensive - but it is also tax deductable ( medical expenses - transportation) and is probably in your phone book.
Check with the nursing/retirement homes - those who have patients who are still able to walk - someone has to get them to their DR's, Dentists, hairdressers, etc. often it's a subsidised specialty taxi or bus service - around here it's called 'Dial-a-Ride'. they don't run regular 'routes' like a city bus, but they will pick you up at your home and take you (and others along the way) to public places like the mall, grocery store, doctors, etc. here, they have a few local small buses that drive people within town - if you have to go to another town for your appt - they take you to city hall. From there, you can catch another Dial-a-ride that drives back and forth between our town and the next every hour - which drops you at their town hall/ police station. Where you can call another dial-a-ride that runs in that local town. It means 3 buses and lots of time to get where you need to go - but it's cheap ( like $3 in town, $6 out of town)
Check with the CHURCH - they may know of someone who drives people places. My mom has Glaucoma, and has to go to an eye DR in the city once a month. (Mom drives here in our small town where she knows the road and there light traffic - but Mom in Chicago Traffic? nono God Forbid!!!!) These appts are never convenient times. Usually, I drive her - but if I am working, then there is a lady at our church who drives the elderly and those who don't drive to appointments for gas $ and a small fee. My neighbor across the street never learned to drive - and she uses this woman, too - whenever she can't get her husband or one of her sons to drive her. The Church lady who drives, is about 65, a retired widow, and this is a way for her to earn a little extra 'untaxed' money, and often, visit with her friends from church!
Churches are a good resource for most public services, doctors, information of any kind
For Psychitrists/ doctors that are local - check with the local school - yes, the GRADE / HIGH SCHOOL. Every school system has 'special needs' kids that are usually identified and and tested in school for behavioral and emotional problems. usually the Dr's that work with the schools are those who take the most insurance packages and have the most locations and flexible hours - to serve the needs of the community. Ask to talk to the school nurse, explain that you are new in town, and ask for a refferral.
The Psychatrist that has treated my son's ADHD since 2nd grade has an office next door to the high school. I no longer take him to appointments - we schedule his appointment during study hall, and he gets a pass and walks over to her office by himself! If she needs to talk to me - she calls me at home or on my cell phone! Isn't that easy?
I don't know if these will work in your area - but they are worth a shot. In any case, the sooner you find some help, the sooner you will start feeling better.
Hope this helps, and if not - we're always here to 'listen'!
laura