Please help- depressed work/income

samantham06

Hello everyone- please dont judge me as im at a pretty low point

I work part time, and have a son. But my depression is getting so bad now that I am struggling to go into work and put a brave face on it, I just feel like a weirdo all the time,
I have recently started self harming (only occasionally), and thinking that im better off not being here. I struggle to get up in the mornings and just want to sleep. I struggle to eat and I struggle to go out and about tbh.
I am trying to get better for my son but I feel like I am fighting a losing battle- especially when other people keep putting me down all the time,
Nobody really knows how bad it is- I see a councellor regulary.
I am just struggling with bills atm, and I am wondering one: If i will get SSP?
And two: is there any liklehood of me getting DLA?
Thanks

Torry_Quine

SSP is dependent on your income and payment of NI contributions or being credited with them.

DLA has recently been replaced by PIP.

Spirit_2

Hello,

Sorry to hear you are feeling so low. You need to go back to your GP and tell them how you are feeling.

I know it may seem easier to give up your job but that is how your illness is making you feel. If you can keep your job it may be better for you and help your recovery.

Good luck

Spirit

clemmatis

Hello. As PIP is so new, it would probably be best to ask MIND about it.

http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/8989_making_the_most_of_pip

Also they have local groups. So do these people, but they're small and poorly funded.

http://www.depressionalliance.org/

http://www.depressionalliance.org/about-depression-alliance/contact-us.php

And I hope your GP can help you more.

FBaby

Please please get help with your depression. It doesn't have to be a life sentence, but the longer you let it embrace you the harder it will be to get out of it. You say you see a counsellor, how long has it been? Are they helping at all? Are you taking medication? Whether you are entitled to get SSP will depend on how many hours you work I believe. Do get signed of for some time and use that time to do everything to get help. Cognitive therapy can really help, but it is very hard work and you have to be prepared to push yourself to the limits.

DLA might be a struggle, the rules are getting tougher, but you can always give it a try. Good luck, but please don't give up, life can turn itself around.

samantham06

Thanks for the replies- I have had cbt before and it has not helped me, I am currently on anti depressants which sometimes help, but obviously are not miracles!
I have been seeing a councellor for around 3 months now on a weekly basis, which has not really helped me a great deal, as I feel that my issues need further help than this.
I am off to work today- but again am really struggling to put a brave face on it.
I dont want to appear lazy or weak at work, but its really starting to get too much now!
But then again I dont want to sit at home stewing on things!

samantham06

I meant to say: I also have poly cystic ovaries and coeliac disease- which all in all add to me feeling down!

flutterby_lil

Have you got a partner for support, or other family?

Mand_x_

Get your doctors to check your B12 and folate levels. B12 deficiency is often mis-diagnosed as depression and causes tiredness and a foggy brain etc. It's worth a try x x good luck

** mentioning this as you have coeliac disease and there is a link between the two. Google B12 deficiency x

pmlindyloo

Looking at your previous posts you do seem to have a lot on your plate.

Have you been to CAB or used a Free Debt Advice company? (There is a useful 'Sticky' on the Debtfree Wannabe forum.)

Having debt, a young child, trying to cope with your own health, being on your own and working must be very hard.

I understand your wanting to continue to work rather than 'stewing at home' so these are your options (as I see it)

1. First, and most importantly, go back to your doctor and tell him/her how you are feeling including the fact that you are self harming.

2. Stay in your job and get a fit note from your doctor and claim SSP from your employer. If you are not entitled to it then you need to apply for ESA. A link to explain it:

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/overview

This will give you some breathing space.

3. Consider leaving your job and applying for Income Support. I believe your child is under five years of age which would make you eligible for Income Support. If they are of school age then you could leave your job and apply for ESA (Employment Support Allowance.)

Applying for either ESA or IS would be possible even if you left your job voluntarily and there would not be a sanction.

Your health is by far the most important thing here and this must be your first priority.

From what you are saying a visit to CAB (face to face appointment) would give you some support as regards your finances and it may be with your finances sorted out you might feel less overwhelmed.

It is difficult enough coping with depression when everything else is relatively OK, but when you have other 'problems' too it can become overwhelming.

Whatever you decide to do, you should do it with support - from your doctor, from family/friends, from CAB.