@CosmickTrigger @sidereal @hannu_ikonen
Most of my major depressive episodes were triggered by or exacerbated not having enough money to pay my bills. The last one was after my husband died and I had moved, ran out of money and simply couldn't work. I sought out therapy on a sliding scale, helped a little, tried meds that fucked me up worse and rendered me unable to get off the couch.
I knew exercise was helpful, so I started walking every day, in the woods and swamp (boardwalk, I might be crazy, but I'm not stupid). Eventually met a few folks, took up photography, became a part of a group of fellow widows/ers and now if the depression peeks around the corner, I can cope with it.
Without my SS, I wouldn't be alive and happy today. Financial stability would help a lot of folks who aren't too deep in the weeds.