Foreclosure: Short Sale or just wait?

I’ve lived in my home for 23 years. I haven’t made a payment on my mortgage since Dec ‘09. I have no regular job, I have noone living with me. Some people (including a bancruptcy lawyer) said to just live in the house until sheriff tells me to leave. And to not declare a bancruptcy until then. Then other’s tell me to do a “short sale” which could take awhile in today’s economy. I know that eventually I will have to leave my home, but what to do? Having trust issues with the lender, mediators, and lawyers. Help!