Update: Navigating Mediation and Overwhelming Stress

by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH 

Update: Navigating Mediation and Overwhelming Stress

I want to share an update on what’s been happening over the past few weeks. In a desperate bid to avoid eviction, I participated in mediation and signed an agreement requiring weekly payments. I have to make these payments or else I can still be evicted. Even though I paid several thousand dollars already in less than two weeks. Those initial payments drained every bit of money I had. Without the generous help of people stepping in at critical moments, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get to work or even afford a meal over the past two weeks. 

I feel like giving up a lot of days. I pray 
and wonder how I will make it through this time.
Still, I keep looking for those rays of hope. 

Now, I’m facing another urgent challenge: my next payment is due this week—the day before I get paid. I reached out to several contacts who are supposed to be helping me for guidance, but they all said nothing could be done since I signed the mediation agreement, even though I believe that is not the whole truth. 

This financial pressure isn’t just a monetary crisis—it’s deeply triggering my PTSD. For someone living with PTSD, situations like this, where there is constant stress, uncertainty, and a looming threat of losing your home, echo past traumas of helplessness and loss of control. The relentless daily demands make it nearly impossible to feel safe, and exacerbating my anxiety. Some days, the stress is so overwhelming. I am emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted and keep trying to push through and holding back the tears, all while forcing a smile when I step outside and meet other people. When asked how I'm doing, I say "I'm fine," but I'm really having a state of panic inside.

I still need help to cover the basics and keep things together. Every donation, share, and kind word helps me cope during this incredibly challenging time.

Thank you for your support and prayers.