JSA, Depression, Advice!

Westlife2009

There have been some good points, but with regards to whats bought it on i don't know if it is not being in a job that's the cause.

I've failed 3 driving tests since June, so that might have contributed a little bit. But also i did have a job for 3 months and it turned out to be absolute hell, and i think that is what sent me down the spiral, i had to give it up. Now i'm searching for jobs and on this New Deal thing, i feel even worse off - to the point where i've pushed my mum a few times, not hard, but i have done.

I know depression can run in families - my mum got diagnosed with it a few years ago.

I seem to feel a little happier at weekends when i'm not thinking about job searching, and enjoying myself with the family. When it gets back to the week i feel worse - i know the whole job search thing starts again, and i end up at breaking point a few times.

I know i'm rambling, but it's horrid. You just think there's knowhere to turn.

Westlife2009

There have been some good points, but with regards to whats bought it on i don't know if it is not being in a job that's the cause.

I've failed 3 driving tests since June, so that might have contributed a little bit. But also i did have a job for 3 months and it turned out to be absolute hell, and i think that is what sent me down the spiral, i had to give it up. Now i'm searching for jobs and on this New Deal thing, i feel even worse off - to the point where i've pushed my mum a few times, not hard, but i have done.

I know depression can run in families - my mum got diagnosed with it a few years ago.

I seem to feel a little happier at weekends when i'm not thinking about job searching, and enjoying myself with the family. When it gets back to the week i feel worse - i know the whole job search thing starts again, and i end up at breaking point a few times.

I know i'm rambling, but it's horrid. You just think there's knowhere to turn.

millsymuttleylaugh

I've been diagnosed with depression before, I'm also on JSA. I think to be honest the job centre is quite demoralising, they don't show no signs of compassion if you can't find a job, they just treat you like you have not bothered to look and are pretty much worthless.

I can understand this contributing to depression, because since I've been on JSA I've also been feeling down, if I'm not thinking about a job then I feel happier, but the whole job search and signing on brings sort of a black cloud over things.

I know they can't wrap us up in cotton wool and spoon feed us jobs at the job centre, but if they were maybe a little more understanding I think it'd improve things alot. I for one dread going to sign and I've not been on JSA for that long.

I also feel the same about not enjoying things, for everything I think I could enjoy, theres a list of things that would stop me enjoying it. For example something like going shopping, I'd enjoy it because I'd get something new, but then reasons not to enjoy it would be traffic, spending money I've not got, seeing people I know, being judged in clothes shops. It sounds stupid but to me its a big deal.

I've seen a counsellor and it didn't really help, I felt that I was just telling her what she wanted to hear, I was also on anti depressants but they actually made me feel worse. I think the best remedy to help ease depression is to be around friends, not necessarily a huge crowd, just one or two who can help take your mind off things. I know when I'm with my friends I feel alot better.

Hopefully the job situation will get better, suffering from depression doesn't mean you won't be able to have a job, infact i'd imagine then once you have a job and you have something new to focus on in your life you'd feel alot better.

I'm sorry for also rambling, I just thought you might feel comforted to know that what you're going through, your not alone

SingleSue

turbobob wrote: »

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.

Hmm, either that test is wrong, or I am kidding myself....I got a score of 66!

Mind you, I do have a history of depression (and severe depression at that), had a breakdown in 2005 and only came off the pills about 18 months ago.

Don't feel depressed though....

bestpud

Westlife2009 wrote: »

There have been some good points, but with regards to whats bought it on i don't know if it is not being in a job that's the cause.

I've failed 3 driving tests since June, so that might have contributed a little bit. But also i did have a job for 3 months and it turned out to be absolute hell, and i think that is what sent me down the spiral, i had to give it up. Now i'm searching for jobs and on this New Deal thing, i feel even worse off - to the point where i've pushed my mum a few times, not hard, but i have done.

I know depression can run in families - my mum got diagnosed with it a few years ago.

I seem to feel a little happier at weekends when i'm not thinking about job searching, and enjoying myself with the family. When it gets back to the week i feel worse - i know the whole job search thing starts again, and i end up at breaking point a few times.

I know i'm rambling, but it's horrid. You just think there's knowhere to turn.

If you were depressed enough to be signed off then I doubt you'd feel better at the weekends; severe depression doesn't tend to be affected by external events in the way mild depression can.

The job search and failed driving tests etc are getting you down and you are starting to feel worthless.

Lying in bed brooding all day will only exacerbate the issue but I can see how, now you've got used to doing nothing, the thought of spening several hours a day job searching is daunting.

It's something you just have to do though and working is beneficial for people suffering mild/moderate depression. I say that as someone who has recurring depression...

Best thing you can do is get yourself out of bed, go to your GP for some treatment, and carry on the job search. Nothing you have said here indicates you need sickness/disability benefits.

Oh, and stop pushing your mum around - it's not her fault and that is bang out of order!! I'm afraid you'd be asked to stop immediately or find alternative accommodation if you were my child - nobody should have to put up with that, parent or not!

Westlife2009

See now that netdoctor test came up as Minor to Moderate depression. Just done the 'Dr Hilary's depression test' on the GMTV website, and it came up with this:

You may be suffering from severe depression. Please remember that this self-assessment test is just designed to give a rough indication. The most important thing to do next is arrange to see your doctor to follow up any symptoms as soon as possible.

bestpud

SingleSue wrote: »

Hmm, either that test is wrong, or I am kidding myself....I got a score of 66!

Mind you, I do have a history of depression (and severe depression at that), had a breakdown in 2005 and only came off the pills about 18 months ago.

Don't feel depressed though....

Lol, I just scored 72!!

I also have a history of depression and I am currently being treated for it, but feel an awful lot better than I did a couple of months ago...

I wouldn't say I am depressed at the moment either.

These things are just a guide and indicate how we think as much as anything imo.

Westlife2009

bestpud wrote: »

If you were depressed enough to be signed off then I doubt you'd feel better at the weekends; severe depression doesn't tend to be affected by external events in the way mild depression can.

The job search and failed driving tests etc are getting you down and you are starting to feel worthless.

Lying in bed brooding all day will only exacerbate the issue but I can see how, now you've got used to doing nothing, the thought of spening several hours a day job searching is daunting.

It's something you just have to do though and working is beneficial for people suffering mild/moderate depression. I say that as someone who has recurring depression...

Best thing you can do is get yourself out of bed, go to your GP for some treatment, and carry on the job search. Nothing you have said here indicates you need sickness/disability benefits.

Oh, and stop pushing your mum around - it's not her fault and that is bang out of order!! I'm afraid you'd be asked to stop immediately or find alternative accommodation if you were my child - nobody should have to put up with that, parent or not!

That post doesn't help one bit you know. Just makes me feel even worse than i already do!

bestpud

Westlife2009 wrote: »

That post doesn't help one bit you know. Just makes me feel even worse than i already do!

Probably not, no, but that is because you are depressed and thinking negatively...

bestpud

Westlife2009 wrote: »

See now that netdoctor test came up as Minor to Moderate depression. Just done the 'Dr Hilary's depression test' on the GMTV website, and it came up with this:

You may be suffering from severe depression. Please remember that this self-assessment test is just designed to give a rough indication. The most important thing to do next is arrange to see your doctor to follow up any symptoms as soon as possible.

You are going to talk yourself into it in a minute!

Why don't you let your GP decide?