Benefits for depressed 20 year old

Prinzessilein

Instead of being hurtful towards a young woman with an illness (and yes, depression is an illness!) and the OP trying to see what assistance is available...how about trying to be understanding and offer practical suggestions?

So....here's my two-peenyworth...

The young woman can claim ESA without leaving home.

Depending on care and mobility needs; and on the length of time she has had depression and hopw long it is likely to last, then it may be possible to get DLA (Disability Living Allowance)....and remember this can also be claimed if/when the young woman finds herself strong enough to work.

Fit-notes and medicals will probably be needed. An understanding GP will come to the house to see her. The DWP medicals can also be done at home. I would strongly suggest she has someone (a friend or relative perhaps?) with her.

If she sees a GP at home they may refer her for Psychiatric help - again this may be arranged at home. If necessary, a Social Worker may also be able to help - again they make home visits.

Hopefully, the GP will be able to prescribe medication that will enable the young woman to regain her independance. It may be a long, slow journey, but there is hope. If she can find medication that helps, then the young woman may be able to recover enough to leave the house - and attend therapy sessions if they are deemed appropriate. In an ideal scenario there will be enough recovery for the young woman to get back into the workplace. But this will all need time.

Work with the GP, and at a pace with which the young woman feels comfortable. Pushing her too far or too quickly will only increase anxiety and depression.

I wish her all the best for her future.

clemmatis

STOCKWIRE wrote: »

"
Medication has not been effective and, although she has been offered counselling, she is unable to get to the sessions."

So we do nothing to find a "cure"
and claim benefits ?

I really don't know the rights and wrongs of this specific case -- and agree with posters who say work might well help -- I objected specifically to pcombo's comments (that's why I quoted them), which are,pcombo assures us, general comments that would apply if the young woman had cancer, also.

Mrs_P_Pincher

Blimey, this thread has gone amd the last couple of days! Thanks everyone.

This is a very difficult situation. I'm not going to answer every point one by one. Mum is on the verge of being ill herself, trying to hang onto her job while trying to get the best treatment possible for her daughter, who is often angry, violent and suicidal - easier said than done in the NHS.

Good points though from people about ESA and DLA. They are now planning to see a benefits advisor at MIND.

Thank you again.

Mrs P P

clemmatis

STOCKWIRE wrote: »

"
Medication has not been effective and, although she has been offered counselling, she is unable to get to the sessions."

So we do nothing to find a "cure"
and claim benefits ?

Just to add, stockwire, that I had the adverse reaction just after beginning some CBT, and was then unable to get to the sessions... but did not get any hassle about it either from the psychs (who knew how ill I'd become) or anybody else, because I was not on benefits and so could not be got at by people like p. combo.