This past year has been a struggle to say the least. I think that I have felt every emotion. My husband has been battling severe depression, which has been very difficult for my family, mentally, emotionally and financially. He was going to counseling, but stopped because the cost, even with our health insurance, was expensive, and he didn’t want to spend the money on that when we are struggling financially. Plus taking unpaid time off of work for the appointments was lowering his paycheck. I tried to get him to go anyways but he wouldn't change his mind. The whole mental health field needs to be revamped - people should never have to decide between paying bills and getting the help that they need. We are looking into online therapy options to see if it is cheaper, but most have denied him saying his needs are too extensive. This has taken a toll on our marriage and our family. The last few months he has been having suicidal thoughts and I worry that our financial situation is making it worse.

Last year, during a time when his mental health was really bad, he thought that it would be better if he left our home. The 8 months proceeding that were very difficult financially. I fell behind in my bills, including my mortgage. I applied for assistance and was approved, but they never honored it. During this time, they wouldn't accept any payments - they said that I would need to pay the balance in full, which I obviously couldn't do. My husband got mental health treatment and came home in April. I have been trying to get out of the financial hole that we are in but it is impossible when the cost of everything has increased.

I am a special education teacher and that is not a profession you get into to make lots of money. I absolutely love teaching, it is my passion and brings me so much happiness. My husband works at a rock quarry and makes decent money, but works overtime every week just to make that. I was injured at work 6 months ago (ligaments in my knee, which have not healed and I am in a considerable amount of pain every day but continue to work because I cannot take a paycut), so I am not in a position to get a second job right now. Working my full time job and taking care of our 5 children is about all I can handle right now. I have also been struggling with my gallbladder for the last 10 months, feeling nausous and in pain every day and losing 30 pounds, but there is finally light at the end of that tunnel. I will be having surgery later this month and am hoping I will feel better after. This has been a bit of a rough year for me, medically, financially, emotionally, and mentally.

We have 5 beautiful children and I am doing my best to keep everything as normal as possible for them. But the reality is that things are not good. We are struggling with paying bills, as I know alot of people are with this economy. We are in the preliminary stages of a foreclosure, and I do not want to lose our home. I'm doing my best paying our other bills all while keeping food on the table.

I have never been one to ask for help in the 41 years I have been alive. I would much rather help others. I feel bad asking when I know times are tough for so many. I am hoping that some kind strangers, who are able, will help this momma out, I would be forever grateful.

I am at a loss on what to do. This momma doesn't know how much more she can handle, and the thought of Christmas being less than 2 months away gives me so much anxiety. Dealing with our financial struggle, my husband's fight with his mental health, my medical issues, and every day life, has really tested me to my breaking point. I am trying to figure out how to get my mortgage current - I do not want to lose my home. Receiving any help at this point would be an immense help. Having all of this on my plate is starting to take its toll.