Dear nkronsch:

You wrote: “I firmly believe people are not meant to work until they die. Unfortunately in today’s world that is what is expected.” I live in the U.S as well, and this is not the reality I am aware of: Lots of people retire and live decades post retirement. Lots of people are unemployed.

“It (living on the fringe) was the first place I felt truly accepted. Like I belonged… relationships were straightforward and real. People either cared or they didn’t, no pretending.”- didn’t feel that you belonged “home” then? Were relationships at home, between parents, between parents and you… were those fake, pretending?

“Tried the meds, therapy, etc.”- to treat or manage what?

I am asking these questions in hopes of being able to help (you asked for help).

anita