Feeling like i have no chance

Horror

Hi , im currently on incapacity benefit but am being reassessed for esa , the reason is i suffer mental health problems , and have been sectioned twice and been in hospital 3 times , the 2nd not that serious. I have been diagnosed as Bipolar although this is being looked into as it may not be right. I also have anxiety but this has got better with the meds im on which i think im on for life.
Anyways the point is i feel a total loser , im 24 and have never worked , apart from the age of 13. Ive also got shoplifting on my record but this was about 6 years ago when i wasn't " right ".
I dont want to have never worked in 10 even 5 years time , i feel like i want to get the ball rolling and test my strengths but feel id be laughed out of an interview with no references , no job history ect. I have done abit of voluntary work here and there but nothing major.

So what to do to increase my chances? i want to start college like my sister as i feel this may increase my chances but what if i lose my benefits and go on jobseekers , will i still be able to do it? Its an access course id like to do as i thought maybe id be good working in mental health as they do employ people with personal experience.

I also worry incase i get ill again aswell , although im hopeful whilst i carry on taking meds this wont happen.

Has anyone else never worked then found a job or anyone else got any kind of advice for me , i think abit of hope is what im looking for.

Takeaway_Addict

Why is the voluntary work 'here and there?' You need to do it for a good 6 months with a solid record of attendance, sickness and punctuality etc to give yourself any chance of getting a job.

You can and will get a job so keep going.

Horror

thankyou so much , your right and it means alot xxx

sweetilemon

Aslong as your realistic about the jobs you look for of course you'll find a job! Its a tough market for everyone so dont bw dishearted if you get rejection letters. What about looking for jobs working for a mental health charity? They may be keen to employ someone who understands what it is like to suffer from a mental health and would be more understanding if you weren't well. Its just one option but good luck!

dancingfairy

Why would anyone laugh at you for having been ill :mad:.
I guess it's similar to having had a baby or being out of work for a while for something else. What positives can you draw from the experience? empathy? not taking your health for granted? organisation - ie doctors appointments, form filling? resillience? patience? strategies for relaxation?
A lot of it will come down to how you present yourself and the background.
You'll be working until 65/67 so loosing a few years at the begining will make little impact in the grand scheme of things. Not only that but they say that 1/4 will suffer mental illness at some point in your life so as you age you will come across others who have suffered while younger but have recovered.
Definitely look into a short course to get back into studying/socialising if possible.
Also look into voluntary work as well and see if you can get that behind you as well.
Do they have a disability worker at the jobcentre who can help with what terms and conditions the various benefits have attached to them? ie whether you can/can't volunteer or study or whatever?
Do you have any mental health charities in your area - maybe a Mind centre or Rethink or local, private charity? They should be able to advise re jobs and benefits etc and may be able to offer job training/volunteering opportunities and such like.
Best of Luck
df

DomRavioli

Make an appointment with your local job centre disability employment advisor. They are there for a reason! I was diagnosed with BPD, and am currently working although I was out of work for 2 years due to the illness. They can also help with voluntary work, and referrals to places that you might not know about.

They can be really useful, and are specially trained in health issues.

Racheldevon

I would second regular voluntary experience - perhaps have a look at do-it.org or make an appointment to see your local CVS volunteering centre who can support you.

It might be worth exploring whether Princes trust have any courses/opportunities you could join - the team programme in particular might be a good start http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about_the_trust/what_we_do.aspx

Consider any mental health charities that could support you with volunteer development programmes etc which can develop your CV and experience, provide you with someone to put as a reference etc.

Don't rule out going into college - why not contact your local college and arrange to meet with someone there around the access course and your particular support needs. You might be eligible for additional support at college, similiar to the Disabled Students Allowence that applies at university.