Tribunal result

mazza111

carolannie wrote: »

Thank you.

It has been really hard, I won't say it hasn't. I had 6 sessions with a therapist from Mind, who was amazing, and I got an awful lot off my chest. That was very hard, upsetting and I felt drained afterwards.

I went to college and did a short admin course, and a few others and got out and about with people, made friends and enjoyed myself.

I was thinking depression is a disability, but it only is, if you let it.

I had to force myself to get up and go to these places and mix with people and be brave.

I did end up at the GP and had to ask for some diazepan and a change of medication, because I was getting in a state with panic attacks again. But he listened and was a great support for me.

I have a small prescription of 2mg, which is in my drawer, just in case I need it.

Got away from a bad marriage and abuse. I stick up for myself now.
(thanks to Mind course-self esteem)

I will probably be no better off financially, but I am working and can hold my head high and not have to go cap in hand to the DWP for money, I will be earning my own.

Congratulations you. On more than one count. Being able to ask your GP for help when/if you need it is a great help.

And as for getting away from the abuse, I'm pretty sure that would have helped your MH issues too.

Good luck in the new job, I really hope you have your MH issues under control now. Well done you :T:T:T Please if you have any signs of relapse ask for help before you get bad again, but I guess you know that already as you've found asking for help works. Really wish you all the best and hope it all works out well for you. Well done in changing your life around in more ways than one :T:T:T

Yuki60

carolannie wrote: »

UPDATE!

I now have a job! I start on Monday in an office job as an administrator!

If I can do it, with my illness and family situation, anyone can!

I'm very happy for the great news. I have to play devil's advocate and say maybe you did not get ESA support group because your condition was not serious enough for it. I run groups for people with severe anxiety disorders that mean they can't even interact with people, can't go outside and can't do much at all without severe distress. If you're able to sit in an office and carry out all that entails including mixing with people etc then your anxiety disorder is not severe enough to merit being in the support group and I can understand why they denied it.

That aside i'm really happy you're back in the work force and it does not take away from the problems you do have.

FBaby

What a heartwarming thread It really shows the devasting effect mental health can have on one self-esteem. You mentioned that employers prepared to employ people with mental health problems were far in between, and that's true, but they do exist, and being able to work will do wonders to one's confidence, which in turn can really help with their mental health.

You could have given up and concentrate all your energy on your anger against the decision. Instead, you decided to accept it and to give it a try. It's been successful. I wish all the best with this job. Remember, even if you are not that much better off financially, you will build work experience that will enable you to progress to the point of earning definitely more than you would do on benefits, and that will be money that you control.