Homeless on Friday and I'm almost suicidal.

Hi everyone,
I’m not really sure where to start, but I’m feeling completely overwhelmed and scared. There’s a strong chance I could be made homeless soon, and I don’t know what to expect or how to prepare myself mentally.

I live in Northern Ireland and I’m on the housing list, but I’ve been told I might end up in temporary accommodation. No one’s explained properly what that looks like — will it be a hotel? A hostel? Will I be safe? I have my cat, Basil, who means the world to me, and I’m terrified I won’t be able to bring him with me. He’s not vaccinated and I don’t have the money to sort it quickly.

My mental health isn’t in a good place at all. I’ve been trying to hold it together, but I feel like I’m hitting brick walls at every turn. My sister has made it clear she doesn’t want to help, which hurts more than I expected — she just told me she “doesn’t need the agro.” It feels like I’ve been left to figure all of this out completely alone.

If anyone has any experience with this — being placed in emergency housing in NI, or even just how to cope mentally when you feel like you’re at the end of your rope — I’d really appreciate anything. Advice, reassurance, even just knowing I’m not the only one who’s been through something like this.

Parents
  • Basil has been rehomed. I'm numb. I've been referred to first housing, and their DIME project. Which apparently helps vulnerable people in temporary accommodation get housed. I just wish basil was coming with me. 

  • I’m really sorry as I know you love Basil and he was your world. Moving home can be highly stressful even in the best of circumstances, so you are doing well given your challenges of having Basil rehomed and of being autistic. It does sound as if DIME is trying to find the right home for you, so keep hope alive, even if you feel numb and hopeless. 

Reply
  • I’m really sorry as I know you love Basil and he was your world. Moving home can be highly stressful even in the best of circumstances, so you are doing well given your challenges of having Basil rehomed and of being autistic. It does sound as if DIME is trying to find the right home for you, so keep hope alive, even if you feel numb and hopeless. 

Children