JSA, Depression, Advice!

Westlife2009

Hi everyone,

I'm just looking for some advice here.

Basically for quite a few months now i've been feeling really unhappy. I had a job back in June that didn't work out, am currently back on JSA (job seeker's allowance), but nothing's coming up.

My life at the moment. I probably don't eat as much as i should. I cry quite a lot - it only takes the slightest thing to set me off. I get up, job search, then spend most of the day in bed - can't seem to find the motivation from anywhere. I don't really enjoy myself anymore - got X-Factor concert coming up at the end of Feb and really trying my best to look forward to it, but then something comes into my head to stop that from happening.

My brother was chatting to me before, and he said that earlier on my mum and dad were chatting downstairs and they think i'm showing signs of depression, and should go to the doctors.

The only thing that's stopping me from doing that is the fact i'm on JSA. If i do, and they end up signing me off for a few weeks or something. That will mean i have to go onto ESA instead - and alot of people are failing the medicals for that at the moment (even tho they have doctors notes).

I dunno, am just really confused in my head as to what to do for the best. I just want all the worries etc.. to disappear and to feel happy again!

Fire_Fox

You don't have to be signed off if you don't want to, more likely they prescribe some medication and/ or refer you for counselling and/ or recommend regular physical activity. All are proven to be effective in mild to moderate depression, the medication within two weeks whereas the others have the benefits of no negative side effects!

I have a nine year history of stress, depression and insomnia as well as being qualified in healthcare and can tell you that medication can be brilliant for stopping those cyclical negative thought patterns, getting the motivation to eat/ exercise/ study part-time/ do voluntary work. What do you have to lose barring an hour of your time?

Westlife2009

My brains really confused at the moment. I probably would want a bit of time off to re-couperate and get my thinking etc.. into perspective. Only thing is i'm on this New Deal thing now, and i don't know with the way i'm currently feeling whether i could cope on these courses they send you on - if i chose not to be signed off.

That's the thing i'm most worried about. I don't want to see a psychiatrist or anything like that. I'd rather just see my doctor and get some medication of some sort.

I'm 19 years old. I shouldn't be feeling depressed. I should be out there enjoying myself - yet i can't seem too.

turbobob

Perhaps try this test completing the questions honestly - http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/interactive/interactivetests/goldberg.php

If you do need more help than a GP can give then there's no shame in it. Depression is very common. Don't base your decisions around what you think the benefits system wants you to do. Do what is right for you.

Westlife2009

Thanks for that online test turbobob. I did it, answered the questions honestly, and here's the result i got:


You have reached level 33 on the Goldberg scale.

21 - 35 Minor to Moderate Depression.

You have the symptoms of depression. These symptoms seem to cause a considerable amount of problems in your everyday life, and it would be advisable to consult a doctor.

Depression is a disease like any other disease, and it can be treated very effectively. Recognising that you are suffering from depression is the first positive step. If you are depressed, you should arrange to see your doctor to talk about the illness right away. You may also want to raise the issue with your friends and family. You should look for support from these people you until you get well. Anyone can suffer from depression, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Treatments, including medication and psychotherapy, have a very high success rate.


See now that's a good point turbobob. I'm making my decision at the moment, based on the way the benefit system works and what they would want me to do, not what would be the right thing to do for me.

Indie_Kid

For the first 13 weeks of a ESA claim, you just send in sick notes.

Oldernotwiser

Whilst I would agree with seeing your doctor for medication, I would give serious thought to the possibility that your feelings are largely caused by being without a job.

If you start down the ESA route (which is likely to be unsuccessful anyway) you may only exacerbate the situation and put yourself in a worst position than you are now.You must be close to going on New Deal which will give you extra help with your jobsearch skills and may well be successful.

exil

Yes,you should see your Doc. However depression, unless it's severe, needn't stop you holding down a job so I would suggest carrying on with New Deal and look for work.

Indie_Kid

I think ONW has brought up a good point. When I was ill and had depression, (as well as physical problems) doing nothing made everything worse.

tr82

I know it must be dire to be without work right now. But there's lots of things to do in your marginal time ... voluntary work won't cost you anything and looks great on a CV. I did that for a while when I was between jobs, working in a charity shop. There's plenty of free college courses for you to take a look at too, that'll look good on your CV too.

I know you're not well. But don't give up hope. If you think to yourself that you're at the bottom right now ... it can only get better, honestly, that's what kept me going. Stay on Jobseeker's if you possibly can, it can't be easy, but if you slide into the ESA system it'll simply delay getting back into work and prolong the agony.

But you're right, it's your health, only you know best.

Snippa

Get the depression treated first, as if you can address that, everything esle will look brighter and less stressful. But the lack of a job must be adding to it as well.

I wouldn't worry too much about the benefits side of things right now. If you get put on new deal, they'll look at ways to help you back into work, and hopefully this will include looking at ways to help through mild depression. If you did have to go on ESA, you'd start on an assessment phase, which is the same money as JSA anyway, and they'd assess your capability for work. With mild depression there is no way you'd be deemed unfit for work. At the very best/worst you'd end up in the second category, that of requiring extra support to help you back to work, whcih would be to deal with whatever extra needs you have with depression. Even that is unlikely though. I'm sure it's perfectly normal for people who're unemployed to suffer mild depression, and the job centre will be well aware of that.

Take care, and sort out that first - depression is hell.