Hi, welcome
Although we are restricted in practical help I'm hoping I can make a dent into your need for support.
Firstly, can you and your partner live with your grandparents for the near future period and rent your house out? That could lead to income from them for care and some from rent to keep you both afloat for a while.
My daughter was diagnosed with MS last year and fell pregnant that week. Eight years ago she was pensioned off from teaching due to mental health battles and was suicidal. I'm a motivator with bipolar etc and taught her to rebound in a positive frame of mind shortly after any life dips, and the MS was such a dip and she'd ring and tell us the endurance required for all her tests as you mentioned.
Being positive has its limits. With all your challenges of course you will be distraught and wonder how you'll manage. My answer to that is- think radical. Think along the lines of selling the house, buying a campervan for short term giving you mobility. All these things need thought and they should be on the table to brainstorm. Gather all information from sources like council services (food boxes). In hindsight your partner leaving his job might not have been ideal, thats done now, we move on, he can look for work and get motivated to get that separation certificate (I havent heard of that before).
I know you cant get Centrelink to move faster and they have their requirements, my wife and I waited for 3 months after I mentally collapsed at 57yo, no income. It's a terrible feeling. So what is the best answer to that? Well, as long as you are doing your best that is good enough. A relative of mine had to declare bankrupt in such a situation but once he realised that it only lasted 3 years and in that time he could still get some credit for things like white goods, he was ok, recovered and eventually like me he bought a kit home in a country location not unlike your area.
A crisis doesnt last forever, that isnt a consideration at the time so I'm planting that thought in your mind now, you'll survive this but as I said think radically. There is a growing number of people in Australia now that are facing similar challenges that have to call on organisations for help but you paid your taxes and such crisis are unexpected. You are not to blame.
I'm 70yo and at 40yo I had to leave the family home due to being abused. I went into a caravan park in my 3.5 metre caravan, had my young kids every second weekend. It was emotionally tough. But I dug deep, fought my way back and you can too. So when you push your walker think that at least you're on your feet, when you receive a bill and cant pay it say to yourself "well I cant manage it atm, it will have to wait" and when your partner worries about finances tell him you will both be strong and it will work out. Worry wont fix it, patience and ideas will.
You escaped an abusive relationship and the aftermath of that a few years ago... you will succeed this challenge as well.
Reply anytime. I hope that has helped.
"I used to worry that I took 9 tablets every morning until I realised if I had to take one tablet then 8 others with it was in the same motion, worry just creates ulcers"
TonyWK
