Unusual problem signing on

Strawberrydog

I have an unusual problem which has in the past made it difficult to sign on, and I find myself having to do it again.

I'm available for work, and I'm looking for a job, etc etc, I meet all the criteria for signing on. However, whenever I've been into the job centre I end up having a panick attack, or at the very least I feel extremely anxious and uncomfortable. On occasions this has resulted in me walking out, having JSA suspended and other problems, having to explain myself and not being believed. It's even worse when it affects HB because as soon as JSA stops or gets suspended, the council are informed automatically, causing me even more grief, making me more nervous, and on it goes. I don't want to go through that any more.

I don't have this problem at job interviews or when working, so that's not really an issue at all. And I can handle the initial interview at the job centre although it can be tricky but I can get through it especially since that only needs to be done once. My problem isn't harsh enough for me to go to the doctor or anything like that. There's just something about the atmosphere of the job centre that makes me feel sick and panicky.

I'd just like to know if there is any way that I can sign on by post, or some other alternative, if there is one. Cheers.

HappyMJ

You need to go to your GP.

dmg24

HappyMJ wrote: »

You need to go to your GP.

Agreed. OP, you are not going to be excused from signing because you feel uncomfortable, you need to find a way to overcome your anxiety. Chances are you can overcome this yourself with some basic CBT techniques - Google living life to the full for a useful resource.

tcr_3

I'd give them a call, explain what's happening & ask if they could possibly see you in a private interview room instead. Every chance they can arrange that for you. Most Job Centres have private rooms on the ground floor so you wouldn't have a whole building to wander through.

Some people are allowed to sign on by post, but it's mainly those in rural areas where travelling to the Job Centre would prove too difficult ... and those whose behaviour in the Job Centre has led to them being banned from the premises.

Browntoa

another vote for see your GP , suspect they won't take just your word for it

dmg24

tcr wrote: »

I'd give them a call, explain what's happening & ask if they could possibly see you in a private interview room instead. Every chance they can arrange that for you. Most Job Centres have private rooms on the ground floor so you wouldn't have a whole building to wander through.

Some people are allowed to sign on by post, but it's mainly those in rural areas where travelling to the Job Centre would prove too difficult ... and those whose behaviour in the Job Centre has led to them being banned from the premises.

The thought of being singled out for some sort of special treatment would make me feel even worse!

Strawberrydog

I don't mind going to the doctor just once so that they confirm the situation.

dmg24

Strawberrydog wrote: »

I don't mind going to the doctor just once so that they confirm the situation.

You need treatment, not just someone to confirm the situation!

Strawberrydog

What sort of treatment do I need, do you think?

dmg24

Strawberrydog wrote: »

What sort of treatment do I need, do you think?

I am not a doctor, but what you are describing is mild anxiety. Some CBT (as already suggested in the second reply) would normally be the first line of treatment.

Strawberrydog

Yes but right now I have the problem of signing on. If someone can sign on by post as a result of being barred from the job centre, surely there's some way of me being able to do it.