My friend, who is 28-29 years old, lives with his mom, and posted on FB how he's pissed off at Section 8 (subsidized gov. housing) because he's been waiting for free housing for 8 years, and they told him he is still on the list. According to him, he's considering just renting an apartment with a friend instead at this point. Um... if you can just rent an apartment, you don't need free housing! There are so many other people like single mothers with three kids who DO need help with housing!d
He is the total definition of learned helplessness. He doesn't work due to his anxiety, and instead relies on survivor benefits. When I asked him about his anxiety, he doesn't see a therapist, and has never tried medication. Yet, now he's saying that he wants to get on SSI benefits since his current benefits will end at some point, and he "can't work, it makes me anxious". Yet he's able to go out partying and paying for cabs home several nights a week, consistently. He was also left a large sum of inheritance which he has all but spent, on partying no doubt.
Now, I work in the mental health field. I am very liberal and support helping the poor. I myself, have had mental illness. All this together yet he pisses me off! He does not need to be on benefits, have free housing. He doesn't even TRY to work on his mental illness. Even with my past of mental illness, I tried EVERYTHING to get well, and to become self sufficient. Was it difficult? Yes of course. But I worked hard, and now am a professional, and own 2 properties. It just bothers me to see someone squander their abilities, and have zero goals, when I know they are capable. /endrant