Mental illness can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; but, with help, people can get through it. I know because I did.
One challenging situation I have crossed with having mental illness has been dealing with the high cost of medications. For a short while I was on Medicaid while I was on Social Security Disability, when my medication was covered. After that ended because they said I made too much money with SSI, I applied for the Pharmaceutical discount Drug assistance Programs. I was also given samples from my Doctor. This helped a lot.
Now, I work and have insurance and yet even with insurance to get the newer medications it costs over $250 just for Abilify (arapiprazole) This one medication which I feel has helped me the most in the past 10 years yet it is too expensive for me to afford even with insurance every month. That is not the only medicine I take. I fear what is happening with Drug Companies, Medicaid, and insurance HMO’s. Mostly I fear I will not be able to get the newer medicines that work so well and have little to no side effects. I was on Haldol and Cogentin and there is no comparison as to how I feel on those drugs as apposed to the Newer Medicines like Abilify. I am grateful for the Pharmaceutical Companies for developing better and better medicines but the costs are enormous.
My recovery is only 33% Medication. I also go to a therapist once a month and Group therapy every week. I facilitate a DBSA (Depression, Bipolar Support Alliance) Meeting on Sunday night. I also do NAMI C.A.R.E. meetings at the Drop-In Center, Harbor Network. The Center is a great place to meet with friends and get a bite to eat. WE do lots of fun outings and I really enjoy the Arts and Crafts. I try and get exercise by playing tennis regularly and keeping to a routine helps me stay on track.
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