Annie’s Mailbox: Get out of debt – whatever it takes

Dear Annie: I am a college student, and I live with my boyfriend, who just lost his job. He’s actively looking for a new one, but hasn’t had any luck yet.

As much as I enjoy my newfound “grown-up” life, I find it very hard to survive financially. I work full time and go to school in the evenings until midnight. My typical day lasts 16-18 hours, depending on homework. I don’t have time for a second job. With student loans and car payments, insurance and rent, my budget is so tight that if I go a penny over the amount allotted for gas, I am in the red.

I go to a private college, which means I’m applying for new school loans every seven weeks. I don’t know how to stay afloat. Any suggestions? – Broke in Phoenix

Dear Broke: Yes, but you may not like them. You can live with a roommate who is able to pay half the rent and all other joint expenses. You can find a cheaper place to live. You can get a better job or ask for a raise. You can move back into your parents’ home temporarily. You can attend a public university. You can postpone college until you have saved up enough to go back to the school of your choice. It’s nice to live independently, and all young adults should do so, but when you are drowning, you need to take whatever steps are necessary to get out of the ocean.

Dear Annie: I am a 33-year-old wife and mother of three. Lately, I have been reading a lot on bipolar disorder, and it scares me. Both my father and paternal grandmother are bipolar. What are the symptoms? What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder? What kind of doctor do I need to see?

I feel I am shortchanging my kids because no matter how hard I try to be calm and patient, I can’t. I snap at the smallest things, and it is getting worse. Please point me in the right direction. – Longing To Be Normal

Dear Longing: Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) causes extreme shifts in mood, characterized by recurring episodes of mania (elated or angry moods, impulsivity, increased activity and energy) and depression (prolonged sadness, loss of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of guilt, thoughts of suicide).

Treatment includes medication along with therapy and support. Your doctor can refer you to a psychiatrist, or you can contact the American Psychiatric Association (psych.org) for a recommendation. If you are diagnosed as bipolar, you can find support through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org) at (800) 950-6264 or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (dbsalliance.org) at (800) 826-3632.