Valen's PTSD Recovery Fund

UPDATE 10/24/2024:

Since my first post, I've been struggling really hard with executive dysfunction. For those who don't really understand what that means, here's what it means for me:

I often have difficulty doing basic tasks, like laundry, cleaning, remembering to (and then) cook/feed myself. I also have to work up energy to do things like go to the grocery store.

With the job market being what it is, I've been trying to work through DoorDash for the past little while. It's exhausting, and there have been two occasions where I needed 2 days of rest before I was able to get back out on the road. :(

On Tuesday, I was downtown for an order, and accidentally hit a curb. Managed to limp around the block and finish the order, but yeah - blew out my tire.

I have an appointment Monday to get it fixed and my oil changed and things like that, and I'm also in a really bad spot since now I cannot work. DoorDash on a donut is not a good plan, I feel. ^_^

I'm not doing good, friends. Right now, I do not have enough to pay rent for next month, and while my landlord/roommate is wonderful and happy to work with me, the feeling of being unable to provide for myself is really awful.

As before, if you are not in a position to contribute, please do not feel obligated to do so. I know a lot of us are struggling right now, be it financially, emotionally, etc.

Love y'all. <3

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Original Post 8/26/2024

Asking for help is one of the hardest things for me to do.

Friends, I'm asking for your help. <3

As many of you know, I had a serious mental breakdown in mid-2022, which resulted in my being "laid off" from my previous employer. While I won't get into a ton of details, there's a lot more to that story (DM me if interested). This directly coincided with my realizing that I am, and coming out as nonbinary.

I spent most of 2023 in a haze, and what remained of my cashed-out 401K and severance dwindled. About a year ago, I spent a few weeks in a partial hospitalization program. Almost immediately after discharge, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD. In February, I was tested for and diagnosed with autism and ADHD. In that same time frame, I was subjected to retaliation from my previous landlord because I had the gall to move out when I could no longer afford to pay the rent for that apartment.

Since that time, I've been actively participating in therapy twice per week, including CBT and CPT modalities. While I'm doing *better*, I've also just recently gotten to the point where I'm able to apply for work again. Having all of these major life changes at 42-43 has taken a massive toll on my mental health, and I'm still attempting to reconcile my past experiences with the new context these diagnoses provide.

My 'safety net' is completely gone. My mother died in 2014, and my father is an abuser - for my own safety and sanity, I went NC with him last July. At this point, the only reason I'm not homeless is out of the kindness of my closest friend. I'm currently on MA and receiving SNAP benefits, and incredibly grateful for both programs, as they've allowed me both to obtain treatment that previously felt inaccessible and keep eating. <3

In terms of financial assistance, what I really need is a bit more time to get working again! As y'all know, the market is tough right now, and my search is only made more difficult by being unable to work for the past two years.

My monthly bills are around $1,000, which includes rent, my credit card payment, gas, and so on. Every dollar you send will go directly to bills, and making sure I can meet my minimum obligations until I'm able to find suitable work again. I'm actively searching, and in the interim, will be doing my best to work part time

This is a 100% guilt-free request - if you're able to help and are inclined to do so, you have my deepest appreciation. If you are not in a position to help, I appreciate you just as much. <3