It’s not like I haven’t thought about writing in the last two weeks. I’ve actually wanted to write here more than that one post. But I just couldn’t.
Last month I wrote about the latest disability insurance bullshit. After that delay, I got a bit depressed. I wasn’t thrilled about the depression, but I also wasn’t worried. I’ve experienced it before. It wasn’t too bad, and I knew it would go away once the insurance stuff got settled.
Then last week I found out about a new delay. Now it looks like I should have an answer in April. Maybe. I had just gotten the notice from my landlord saying that I had to either renew my lease or give them notice. I had just gone to the bank to change my accounts, because I can no longer meet the minimum. All sorts of other things depend on this insurance decision. And it was delayed. Again. Still. More.
I was really depressed after that. I cancelled plans that I had been looking forward to for a long time, and I sat home alone in my apartment. I had no desire to go outside. I didn’t want to do anything. I dreaded seeing my friend the next day. She didn’t know the whole story. I didn’t want to explain it. I couldn’t explain it. But I also couldn’t have a happy, cheerful, pleasant visit.
Then I thought more about the way the insurance assholes are treating me like shit. They’re acting like I’m not a real person. They’re taking away from my focus on my health (ironically!) My health has suffered because of the stress of this. I was just starting to make real progress, and this bullshit has led to a backslide.
And I suddenly knew I needed to cry. I had to get it all out. I called the one person I really wanted to talk to: Mom.
I got her on her cell phone. She was on her way to a nice dinner party, so I tried to tell her we could talk later, but she heard it in my voice. She insisted we talk. What a mom! I sobbed on the phone to her for a long time. Yes, these were full-out sobs. I told her my frustrations, my anger, my fears. She listened and somehow she said all the right things. She supported me.
After that call I felt much better. It was the first time I’d cried about this insurance crap, and I really needed it. I was exhausted, but I felt lighter. I spent the night relaxing, and I chose a light-hearted, fun movie to watch before crashing early. The cry had really worn me out. The next day, I cancelled the long-awaited plans with my friend, and instead spent the day with my mom. The sun was out for a change, and we took a long (well, long for me) walk in a park I’d never been to. Fresh air, sunshine, trees, a pond, and dogs really cheered me up. Best of all, my mom is my best friend, and it was great to talk to her. Back at her place, we talked a lot. I helped her clean out her desk, which made her thrilled and made me feel useful and productive for a change. We had dinner with my dad, and then the three of us sat around talking about all sorts of things that had nothing to do with my health or with insurance. Like “normal” people. It was relaxing and lovely. I left their house feeling like I could handle things again.
I won’t say that my depression is gone, but it’s a hell of a lot better than it was a few days ago. Sometimes all it takes is a good, cathartic cry. And mom.
Chronic Rants 
I bet your mom wished that she could wave a magic wand for you too, but it sounds like her support made a huge difference and that’s worth a lot.
Good luck with the result, and with the landlord. I guess they don’t want anyone on month to month
Thanks! Yes, my mom often says that she wishes she could make it all go away. She can’t do that, but her wanting to is really sweet.
As for the landlord, even if they were willing to do month-to-month, I couldn’t do it. I’m going to run out of money right around the time the lease ends, so I need to either win the insurance appeal, or move in with my parents. Unfortunately, those are my only options.
Well if the appeal doesn’t work it is good that you still have an alternative. Insurance is so difficult and expensive. There are so many more productive things you could be doing without that worry.