New guy, PCS, no support, need help/advice, please
 

Hello everyone,

I'm a 36 year old man and I suffered a concussion right around Halloween and have been since diagnosed with PCS. For almost three weeks after my accident, I could not speak well--slurred words badly, had trouble communicating thoughts and remembering words (I called eggs "chicken bullets", guys).
I lost my job. Was told I needed to go to a concussion clinic by my doctor, but my speaking improved enough that I started a new job. Now I'm suffering terribly. Terrible headaches nearly constantly, I can't sleep, I hear things at night, I can't concentrate, can't read, I'm tired all the time, I can't go out, I'm never hungry, I'm doing horrible at my job because it's complex and I just can't remember everything I'm supposed to do. I'm irritable, anxious, depressed, I cry all the time (I -never- cried before).
I know I need help but...I'm also single, I live alone. If I don't work...I'll be homeless, and because of work, I can't get into the concussion clinic, and I'm not able to rest my brain like I know I should be doing.
I'm just...really loosing it.
Help?

Typesetter,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles. If you are in the US, you could have some protections from firing and such when you are sick or injured. FMLA may offer you some protection.

I suggest you contact your county health and welfare and see if they can offer some help. Again, the 9 to 5 issue can be a struggle. But, you need to find local help. Getting fired again will make you look unemployable.

If you are in a state with a state disability program, that can help you if you need to take time off. California State Disability office has a good program. Some other states do too.

Where do you live and work ? Maybe we can find some local resources for you.