Christina Update #20: I Just Want to Die

A couple of weeks ago somebody hacked Christina’s phone. She doesn’t have (can’t afford) a laptop. Her phone was her lifeline to the world. Along with her van.

She finally got a Tracfone, intending to create new accounts and get back to her life. Instead this week she fell asleep at the wheel and smashed into a telephone pole, breaking her sternum.

The police on the scene thought she was high. Apparently, where she lives, it’s not uncommon for young people to use drugs, and many are addicted. They assumed she was a junkie high on heroin. As her prescribed medications were detected in her urine, the police are charging her with aggravated DUI.

She had all her meds in the van, not only for safekeeping, but also because she takes so many each day for her EDS-associated issues. The police didn't believe her explanation of why she had so many meds with her. So they may also charge her with possession.

Her hearing is in November. She has seen that the authorities in her town try to make examples of people they believe to be junkies, and she doubts that the public defender – who she knows – will represent her well.

This is her most recent message.

I'm crying so hard and it hurts so bad to cry. Or to breathe.

I wish I was dead.

My van is gone.

My way to escape the stress here at home is gone. 

The tiny bit of freedom I had is gone.

I don’t know what to do.

I'm really upset.

Scared.

Worried.

Done.

I can't breathe.

I am really just wanting to die. 

I don’t know what to do either. She lives a long way from here, so I can’t help her directly. Every couple of weeks I send her the donations I receive from events plus a bit more from me, but these small amounts can’t begin to address her needs.

I wonder: What can people do in situations like this?