I actually allowed myself to have a short meltdown.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (60005)
May 18, 2026 8:04pm CST
Today started out well, even though we woke up to dark skies, winds, and stormy weather. The power stayed on, and I was enjoying a calm day at home. All I had to do was pick up a medication for my son after 4:30 PM. Fine, that works for me.
Because our complex has had a slew of so-called managers for several years that have absolutely no idea of what they are doing, they are often behind on re-upping us for leases, etc. About half of us didn't get our leases done because the last manager got fired. Big surprise...not. So the ''new'' manager is now trying to catch up. She informed me, and several other residents today, that are rent was going up, and presented us with a new paper with a new total--over $250 MORE per month. A big, fat NOPE from me, I refused to sign it. I told her I had been here for years, and it never, ever has been an increase even close to that. No one else she contacted would sign for the new amount, either. The new manager told us we could contact the corporate office and request that it be changed? That was definitely a new thing.
I was so upset I went home and was sick. Evidently, I wasn't the only one. About an hour later, here comes the new manager, explaining that it was a mistake?!!?? and that it was a $60 increase instead. Truthfully, it's going to be nearly impossible for even that, with what I am currently having to do to support my son until he gets disability, and myself. I decided to try not to think about it too much, for the remainder of the day, if I could manage that. The entire thing seems VERY fishy.
Off to the pharmacy, right? Only 3 people in front of me..then it's my turn. There was a long line after me. As I received the medication, a lady screamed--''Call 911!'' Oh, dear...someone in the line passed out cold on the floor. By the time I got out of the way, wove through the drugstore to the main entrance where my car was, the EMT's were there.
By the time I got back home I was mentally exhausted. Too much drama in one single day. I usually handle drama fairlly well, but the rent thing already had my mind in a turmoil, then that...and they were doing chest compressions on the fellow that had passed out, when I left.
As Scarlett said...''After all...tomorrow IS another day!''
picture from istock.
20 people like this
21 responses
@FourWalls (87404)
• United States
19 May
You know something? I think we do ourselves a terrible disservice by NOT having a “meltdown” when we need one. You needed one. And you know I’m praying for you every day. 
6 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
Yes, after I held my private little pity party, I felt even stronger and more determined. It ended up being a blessing in disguise!! I need to realize that sometimes I have to let things out, it makes me feel better. And you know how much I appreciate your prayers, it means more than I can say.
4 people like this
@crossbones27 (53071)
• Mojave, California
19 May
I am surprised it does not happen more often. All the smart amazing people this world claims to have. they doing a piss poor job and I imagine that is why they say things like man up.
4 people like this
@crossbones27 (53071)
• Mojave, California
19 May
@MarieCoyle Its hard to get good people plain and simple, another reason I hate corruption.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
I wish we could get a smart and amazing manager for this complex, but it hasn’t happened for years and years!
4 people like this
@rsa101 (41329)
• Philippines
19 May
I understand feeling upset about how things are going with the rent. $250 is a lot to pay, and it’s reasonable to question why it was that high—good thing they lowered it to $60. I had a similar problem recently. We were officially told they’d be increasing the rent since our contract from the previous year expired on May 15. We were only notified a few days before, so there wasn’t enough time to find an alternative, and we had no choice but to accept it because finding a new place here is quite difficult.
As for the pharmacy experience, it must have been intense for someone to pass out from the long lines. That pharmacy should really take steps to avoid such long waits so they don’t end up with a backlog of customers who may urgently need their medicines.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
We generally have a rise in rent every year, but never, ever even near that much. $250 was shocking to us all. The pharmacy thing--honestly, most of our pharmacies are short staffed. They seem to really try to hurry, but they just can't manage enough help.
2 people like this
@luisadannointed (11885)
• Philippines
19 May
Writing can help you, just write it all down here, all your exhaustion and frustration, it happens. God bless.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
I try hard not to moan and groan too much, it does my heart good to try to be positive if at all possible. But yes, it surely does help to vent once in a while! Thanks!!
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
I’m winding down, in my PJ’s, going to try to rest soon. Thank you!
3 people like this
I hope your son can get his disability soon. They take so long to approve. @MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
I hope he gets it soon,too. It’s such a worry, and you are right—it takes forever!!
Maybe now that today wasn’t the best day, I will be done with bad news for a while!! That would be a good thing! Thank you, Loretta.
3 people like this
@noni1959 (13079)
• United States
19 May
@MarieCoyle I sure hope that was all the bad news and all will be positive from now on.
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (210030)
• United States
19 May
You poor thing..I would have a melt down too.. What is the hold up with your son's disability? Maybe you need a contingency based disability attorney.
. What is the hold up with your son's disability? Maybe you need a contingency based disability attorney.2 people like this
@snowy22315 (210030)
• United States
19 May
@MarieCoyle Yes, I agree..you may need to go to a Food Bank if things get bad enough. Nobody wants to, but that is what they are there for. Once things become easier for you..you can probably donate to them. Also, why isn't your ex stepping up to help with this? Neither of my exes would allow me to suffer, or go without...and in your case, you have your son there as well.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
He does have an attorney working on it. But I thank you for suggesting that!
I sometimes feel like we are being somewhat tested, if that makes any sense. I’m used to a very strict budget…but sheesh, no one can fabricate money that they don’t have. The cost of basic living is way,way out of hand.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56652)
• Canada
19 May
Legally the rent can only increase a certain percentage per year, and if the company did not communicate this to you, that is their fault and responsibility.
But with both issues, I would have a meltdown too, probably a big ole meltdown.
Now, work on your own wellbeing, put this out of your mind so that you can get a good night's sleep-which you so richly deserve.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56652)
• Canada
20 May
@MarieCoyle I am proud of you, you are such a giving person, and you have your own needs, resting is good, even if it is in small bits and pieces. I know that you are thankful for all that you have and do, but allot yourself that ahhh time, regardless what that looks like.
I take it 20 minutes at a time myself. I get out my Dr Scholls footbath, put in some nice epsom salts and warm water and sit and allow my feet to feel the vibration when I turn it on. It does me good to just stop.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
20 May
Yes, I mentioned that was such a large increase it wasn't legal. She seemed shocked when I said that, but I do know that it wasn't. I wish they would hire someone who know how to manage a complex, but we haven't had a good manager in years now.
I have been trying to rest more, thank you, Julia.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
21 May
@Juliaacv
I think we all need to carve out small bits of time for ourselves--I know I definitely need that but often it's hard to find. But I still make every attempt. Thank you for your oh, so sweet words, Julia. 
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (503780)
• Italy
20 May
@MarieCoyle - People tend to joke about the problems of the others.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (503780)
• Italy
20 May
@MarieCoyle - My husband fainted once, at least we were at home and he was on our carpet. It happened because of a medication, his BP dropped and he fainted.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
Usually, if anyone passes out for some reason it's in Walmart. Of course when that happens, people tell crass jokes saying the person collapsed from sticker shock.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (136827)
• Marion, Ohio
19 May
You sometimes need to have a meltdown. It lets it all out. Very glad they changed the rent raise.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (136827)
• Marion, Ohio
20 May
@MarieCoyle That much would have probably made me yell
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
I didn’t yell or screech, but I wanted to. I just told her it had to be a mistake and no one could afford that much of an increase. I heard a few people threw loud fits…but that never solves anything.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
20 May
@wolfgirl569
No one was going to pay that much more with no notice and no history of such rent hikes. It was ridiculous.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
Today has definitely been better than yesterday! Thanks.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122892)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
19 May
Sorry to learn that was an awful day dealing with the lease prices and visiting the pharmacy drama today.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122892)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
20 May
@MarieCoyle I know how you feel.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
20 May
George, I just hate dealing with drama, and I know it's part of life. Today was a better day, thanks!
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (223561)
• United States
19 May
I would have had a meltdown too. I hope you're feeling better. Sending a prayer for you and your son.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98692)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 May
Sometimes it helps greatly just letting loose. I have started soemthing to help me unstress and work on my unaciety, I lay down in my bed and close my eyes and unnoodle, Meaning I let all my nerves go limp and usually when I getr up I feel much better,
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
19 May
When I get stressed super bad, I usually sit on the couch and have a cup of tea for a bit. That always helps me.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91402)
• United States
19 May
Your meltdown certainly seems warranted after the day you had. I hope they resolve your rent increase issue and that it all works out. Sending hugs and prayers your way
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
20 May
I am hoping for the best. With everyone's costs of living going up so rapidly, we certainly don't need even more to deal with right now. Thank you, Marilyn.
@JESSY3236 (22351)
• United States
19 May
Wow. I hope that guy is ok. When I was living in the trailer park, rent was increasing. I am so glad I moved into my uncle's house when I did.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
20 May
I can't believe what some people pay for rent and/or house payments. It's just crazy!
1 person likes this
@Traceyjayne (11884)
• United Kingdom
19 May
Oh my goodness ….what a day !
But, you know what …..you came through it ….
A meltdown every now and again is no bad thing ….its what we need to do …..
And of course , Scarlett was right …..” After all…..tomorrow IS. another day ! ‘
Hope today has been better for you ….
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
20 May
Yes, it was better. We are determined to remain positive! Thanks so much.
@lukman_ar (22)
• Surabaya, Indonesia
20 May
Take a break. Listen to a little music to relax
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (60005)
•
21 May
Sometimes, I can take a break. Sometimes, I can't...caregivers can't just stop taking care of someone because they are tired or whatever. Sometimes, that's just not possible, and all you can do is the best you can do.
1 person likes this
