I get by with a little help from my friends

Over 10 years ago  I was diagnosed with a mental illness. Through the proper care and medication, my illness never prevented me from being a great employee or from raising my daughter alone. And then something changed...

For over a year I have struggled with exhaustion and basically incapacitated. I attributed it to hormones and perhaps I was perimenopausal but thought eventually this would pass. Until I was called in by my manager and HR. 

Without a doubt my work as a professional in the healthcare industry began to suffer. After 10 years of success and loving my job, I was on the brink of being let go. Because my manager was not unaware that I was dealing with health issues, I was encouraged to take medical leave and address whatever was wrong so I could return and be the productive team member I was known to be. 

I am getting better. Mental illness is usually handled with medications, but finding the right ones and for them to be effective takes time. I am hopeful to return to work within the next month. 

Short term medical leave only pays 70% of my salary - leaving a large gap in my household income, and I have exhausted my savings. I am regularly forced to overdraft my bank account in attempt to pay bills and rent, incurring a fee of $30 each time, and am left with a deficit after my check is deposited. I will get "paid" this Friday, but unfortunately, there will be no money in my account. I cannot get out of this cycle without at least a "paid" pay period to get caught up. 

As is often said, when it rains it pours. My 13-yr-old car has a severe coolant leak. So I am forced to keep pouring coolant in at $20 a gallon so I can get my daughter to school, go to appointments and handle daily life. I deeply regret that I spray and leave puddles of toxic fluid wherever I go. I am in no position to get it fixed yet.

I read about a woman who had her breast enlargement and butt-lift paid for by the kindness and generosity of the GoFundMe community. I have exhausted all of my other resources and sold anything of value I have on Craigslist. Despite my fears, pride, and the stigma of having a mental illness, I am reaching out for help. 

The financial stress I am experiencing is crippling and not helping my recovery. I am not asking for a new car- just enough money to get me out of the overdraft roller coaster and be able to keep a roof over our heads until I can get back to work in a few weeks. My need for funds is immediate.

Thank you for taking the time to read this (I am not known for brevity in my writings). I am so grateful for this platform and for the generosity of this community to help others. I promise to pay it forward and appreciate your consideration and help.