18, unemployed, no qualifications, and a mental illness sufferer. Benefits questions?

busterian

Bargainbonkers have you been to your doctor for medication?

Seriously, this will be the first step to recovery.

I too suffered from Depression for years but I still worked with it, in Human Resources. Two years ago, my personal circumstances changed and I had to give up work and claim ESA.

However, since taking anti depressants and getting back to work - back into HR, my life has changed again and I am now happy again.

dmg24

busterian wrote: »

Bargainbonkers have you been to your doctor for medication?

Seriously, this will be the first step to recovery.

I too suffered from Depression for years but I still worked with it, in Human Resources. Two years ago, my personal circumstances changed and I had to give up work and claim ESA.

However, since taking anti depressants and getting back to work - back into HR, my life has changed again and I am now happy again.

Have you read the OP's posts? The one before yours answers your question - I think it has gone a tad further than the GP!

Bogof_Babe

bargainbonkers wrote: »

My anxiety and panic attacks start up if I do anything alone. Stepping outside of my front door, travelling, getting from A to B alone I have very bad problems with, whether it is walking, bus, taxi, whatever, so I do spend most of my time inside. I've been to psychiatrists, even had residential rehabilitation paid for for me and none have stopped the fears from coming back. It is an issue that has developed from experiences in my upbringing and moving away from home kept me from committing suicide.
It's very embarassing to talk about but I know I have to in order to to get help. I think this is one reason why I avoided benefits for so long. I recently walked to the postbox alone which is a few strides away from my house, which is the only thing I have done alone since the anxiety got worse a couple of years ago. I also have some stupid beliefs, like whenever I see a road I feel like I could any second jump into the traffic, and if I'm on a path I think someone is going to jump at and well, kill me.

It's got to sound so ridiculous to others, but thats a few of the things that contribute to my mental health issues. If I don't recieve benefits then there's nothing I can do, but I will definately try.

Just to clarify, my boyfriend wasn't a strange man, he was my best friend since childhood!

If you are as ill as you say, how on earth will you manage mystery shopping assignments?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=28171277&postcount=202

Also I notice on another thread that you are about to receive a "gift" of £30K, so presumably you will be able to manage without benefits for a few years?

dmg24

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

If you are as ill as you say, how on earth will you manage mystery shopping assignments?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=28171277&postcount=202

Also I notice on another thread that you are about to receive a "gift" of £30K, so presumably you will be able to manage without benefits for a few years?

Many GapBusters assignments can be done from home - takeaways and other telephone/ online reviews.

Bogof_Babe

dmg24 wrote: »

Many GapBusters assignments can be done from home - takeaways and other telephone/ online reviews.

Sorry, didn't realise that. As she said they didn't operate from her home town I assumed it was "going out and about" mystery shopping.

miamoo

Gapbuster dont have telephone/online assignments at all. I have worked for them for years. They all involve leaving the house. RE have alot of Telephone assignments as do Optimum contact.

danielanthony

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

If you are as ill as you say, how on earth will you manage mystery shopping assignments?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=28171277&postcount=202

Also I notice on another thread that you are about to receive a "gift" of £30K, so presumably you will be able to manage without benefits for a few years?

Rumbled! Looks like the OP is looking to join the benefits gravy train without a valid ticket

elfen

I get DLA for mental health problems, and have had BPD diagnosed and confirmed by two seperate psychiatrists. I also have schizophrenic tendencies (hear voices, see things others don't, extreme paranoia anywhere I go) I physically am unable to work as my head (i don't know if it's real or not) but it plays tricks on me, and things happen and freak me out. I am very easily spooked, and have admitted to self-destructive behaviour, which still occurs now (not taking pills, funny eating patterns, insomnia, putting myself in danger) so I HAVE to be watched and kept company at night. The day isn't so bad, as I can hide in places, but the night is terrible. I'm getting better, but it is taking time - so I've gone to uni, to try and give myself a boost by doing something mentally challenging and diverting the badness into good stuff. I get a helluva lot of support at uni (mentor, will be getting library support - I can't use it, it gives me panic attacks if I go above ground floor, I get lost and confused above ground floor, exacerbating my problems - ground floor is open plan, so I can escape/hide if needs be) I've had to change courses to my condition, luckily I was recommended and allowed to go on a course I adore totally. I've been assessed and am waiting for a DSA decision, which if it's successful will further help me be able to continue my studies (being able to work in seperate rooms, my own equipment - i cant concentrate in lectures due to medication - so it will be a godsend, help with transport)

BB - I can't tell you if you'll get benefits or not, but you do really need to go to the GP and let them know to arrange you some outside support (may only be a CPN to start with, mine's my care co-ordinator, but I also see a psyvch and have been referred to a team that help with what I can only call my people allergy) and start you some medication that may help lower the stress and anxiety