Because of my chemical injury and the lack of either acknowledgement of this condition as having a physiological basis, coupled with the meager and dwindling safety net in the U.S., I'm close to ending up homeless.

This is a profound threat for me because I cannot live just anywhere, unless the environment is at least relatively free of toxic chemicals.

Because of my age, and the string of personal disasters caused by chemical exposures, nearly everyone I know, even those who have been supportive in the past, have apparently abandoned me.

Maybe they believe they have finally 'got my number', and that I am the cause of these untoward events. I don't know. Most of my so-called 'friends' still associate with me, but even after I had pled for help and understanding, they just pretend like whatever I'm contending with is not worthy of even an idle comment. So it all moves into a series of pretend scenarios. I have continued to engage in these because I'm concerned about being totally isolated. Pretence may be better than nothing, for the moment, at least.

Nonetheless, I continue on, doing whatever I can with hopes that somehow, something will work out for me. I have done research about getting at little disability stipend, and I have located a doctor who is known to be sympathetic to similar cases. However, everyone I locate on SSI disability, regardless of the physical ailment, admits to accepting a psychiatric designation.

I am at the opposite end of the psychological spectrum from mental illness, as my life has been characterized by creativity, spirituality, and other 'higher values', for decades. Indeed, because of these commitments, I'm, like you, able to champion justice for the weak, etc. Strangely, despite years of living aligned with 'the Golden Rule', helping others, and championing worthy causes, in my time of greatest need, I'm cast on the dung-heap of life, and threatened with a diagnosis of mental illness. This has 'hit me below the belt', and has shattered my peace of mind, and stolen my the value of my future.

Certainly I support what you're championing, and though I cannot do much considering my state of trepidation and malaise. And I apologize for even writing this, except that I believe that you understand where others have apparently 'given up on me'.

Maybe I've been too mild-mannered, just explaining my situation, asking for help, and expecting others to do the right thing. I suppose that, rather than giving up on my own life altogether, I may as well push people a bit harder.

Anyway, I started this just to thank you for opening my eyes to the area of neuro-toxic chemicals. A Google search indicates that there are only around 1,700+ sites on this topic.

I hadn't even thought about these before, but I am convinced that my nervous system has been permanently damaged by toxic chemicals. This is an area that almost nobody is considering or even mentioning these days.

There may be good reasons for it, for the international drug/chemical/governmental bureaucracy keeping it under wraps.

In the U.S., the drug manufacturers are introducing many new drug to 'treat' so-called adult ADD, brain fog, forgetfulness, low energy, and much, much, more. It looks like a spiral to self-destruction for ignorant citizens, 'lead' by ignorant or coerced medical practitioners. Why are we running so far amuck from the 'precautionary principle' in the U.S. while other countries seem to be headed in a more wholesome direction?

Anyway, the topic of neuro-toxic chemicals is indelibly etched in my mind, thanks to you, and that is a good thing!

Patrick

Sedona, AZ