Question
QUESTION: I am 25, on disability for PTSD and had a baby 8 weeks ago. Unfortunately, the father, who I have been with for five years has taken a turn for the worse in his drug use. While I have been trying to work with him and help him overcome the issue, I am no longer willing to do so now that there is a child who is also affected by his poor decision making process. However, due to my disability I feel that I am completely dependent on him and have no alternatives. To begin with, I receive 650 dollars a month to live off of which barely covers rent, let alone baby food and diapers, utility bills, or food for myself. Aside from the financial repercussions however, there is my disability itself. I have horrible nightmares at night and wake up and run away not realizing what I am doing if there is no one to monitor this and stop me form doing so. While this is problematic for myself, it is worse because it would leave the child alone should it happen and I didn't have any help. Similar things happen when I take showers, get startled badly or see or hear something violent. I am afraid that without assistance I would lose my child due to my dissociative episodes and flashbacks. It does not seem right that I should have to tolerate drug use which could result in me losing my daughter, or lose my daughter because of my disability. Are there any programs or options out there that could help? What are the possibilities of having a caretaker at night to help with the flashbacks? I am trying to make the right choices, but I feel there is no where to turn to do so.

ANSWER: Hi Jeszika.

Can you tell me more about your disability? What is your official diagnosis?

Also, can you tell me what State you live in?

Thanks.

Jon Eriquezzo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My diagnoses was Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as Dissociative Fugue Disorder. I have flashbacks and nightmares as well as having dissociative episodes where I don't know where I am and I think I am in danger so I run away. I have had these since my early teens but it got significantly worse in my early twenties after a very brief stint in the air force. I have been on SSI and disability for about five years now. Unfortunately, due to my young age, I had a nonexistent earned income credit and so I am only eligible for the minimum assistance. I am currently living in Wilkes-Barre PA.

Sincerely, Jeszika

Answer
Hi Jeszika,

Have you tried these resources?

Scranton Area Family Center
Jan Hess
541 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
Ph # 570-348-6493
Fax # 570-348-6495
E-mail: [email protected]

Ask them to provide voluntary family services to prevent child neglect.

Also...

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/MR Program
111 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre, PA  18701-3511
Phone:    570-825-9441

They may be able to provide some in-home supports.

Also,

Community Counseling Services
Write a review
110 S Pennsylvania Ave
Wilkes Barre, PA 18701
(570) 552-6000‎


http://www.bhswv.org/community_counseling.html

And,

https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/compass/CMHOM.aspx

To apply for benefits

Let me know if this helps.

Jon Eriquezzo