Im so sorry that it has taken so long for someone to get back to you. It is often late at night when you have some time to yourself that you want to connect with someone
I know it is hard when you are working to support the family as well as deal with an unwell partner. You are not alone, even though you feel it, you are not alone.
I know loneliness is something that comes into play when a loved one thinks about their own illness and themselves 24/7. It comes with the territory, I'm sorry
My husband has been sick on and off with depression for 10 years. He would have acknowledged my effort in his recovery maybe 2 or 3 times and that would have only been on me being heart broken, in front of a doctor or support staff. He would look at me blankly and say, but you are my wife, like it was expected. It used to devastate me. I also used to think and say to myself, if this was cancer what would I do? Treating the mental illness as a physical illness was easier to deal with
I went into early menopause, had/have blood pressure, all from the stresses, but it was never acknowledged by him. Speaking up and not being embarrased, lifted a lot of weight from my shoulders.
I have also struggled to find financial help and yes if you work, you fall between the cracks, it is awful. One suggestion is to tough it out and when it is tax time, he will receive a larger refund, because he hasnt worked the full year. Are you eligible for any carer benefit? Have you looked into that?
Another suggestion with your money is to get on the front foot. Don't let things get worse. Ring the bank, re-arrange payments. See if you can pay bills by instalment.
My final suggestion is to speak out, dont keep his illness a secret. I kept it a secret for many years and when I broke and spoke out the support was unbelievable, It lifted the weight from my shoulders. Look for schizoaffective groups, both online and if you can get to them, in person. Talking about it does help
zz
