Pip, mental health, uni

SlimmingSusan

As my start at uni draws closer am becoming very scared.

I applied for this place , as it happens, on 15th Jan, which happened to be the last application dat through UCAS. I had rung my local uni to ask how tyo apply as my O and A levels are from the 80's. I did an introductory OU course in 2011.

It happened that the professor who is giving places to this year's intake was stood next to the lady, and he offered me a place before I filled in UCAS, on the understanding copuld prove my past educational history.

This was back in January.

Had been caring for Dad, on CA, transferred from that in March. Claimed ESA as brokedown, dad died in May, put in ESA support group in June.

It is a long story to trying to be relevant.

Now becoming real. My community MH support worker took me to the said uni a couple of weeks ago. Tour made me feel great and motivated. He has also been round today and we have done a PIP application, which I would never have thought about, as am a coper.

I'm in a mess as, on 17th Sept, am supposed to start uni. Feel very vulnerable, Do I just ring DWP and explain, I am reluctant to give up the support group, which am in till next June. Should I phone disabilitay advisor on a voluntary level at jobcentre?

I am wanting to get my life back and on track, but protect my very fragile situation. I also want to move forward and help people who have been in my position.

lemontart

I cannot help with advice but do wish you well as you sound as though you can see a light at the end of the darkness to work towards, I truly hope these small steps you are beginning to take albeit with trepidation lead you to a better place on all levels.

DomRavioli

In some cases you can keep your ESA whilst at uni.

Speak to the DEA (disability advisor) at your local jobcentre, they will know the best route for you.

And it won't always feel this bad, I'm in my equivalent second year at OU, and I have BPD - it does get better

Hugs!

lobbyludd

could you contact the university and students union about support groups and the resources that they run first and see what is available? This may end up being more relevant to you with people going through similar things, people get to university via all manner of paths and you won't be the only one who has experienced mental health issues. You might also contact MIND and get some specific advice on your situation from them as they are au fait with legislation etc and can talk you through it.

The university will want to support you to succeed, and they are used to supporting students who find it difficult to cope, especially in their first year, for whatever reason.

My personal experience was that I had struggled with undiagnosed depression and anxiety throughout my preadolescence and teens and through into university. I had no idea that resources were available and following a couple of "life events" had a massive breakdown a term into my 3rd year, very dark time.

The university organised for me to take a year off in the middle of my final year to allow me to get better, with weekly check-ins with my tutor as part of their pastoral support, sources of support were pointed out to me and they sorted the financial impact of that from their point of view (fees etc).

I kept my access to libraries, occupational health, gyms, was even able to pop into the lectures during that time when I felt able so that I could feel I wasn't losing ground, part way through I was able to find a job to support myself and I then finished the last term a year later, took the exams and came out with a 2:1.

good luck

SlimmingSusan

lobbyludd wrote: »

could you contact the university and students union about support groups and the resources that they run first and see what is available? This may end up being more relevant to you with people going through similar things, people get to university via all manner of paths and you won't be the only one who has experienced mental health issues. You might also contact MIND and get some specific advice on your situation from them as they are au fait with legislation etc and can talk you through it.

The university will want to support you to succeed, and they are used to supporting students who find it difficult to cope, especially in their first year, for whatever reason.

My personal experience was that I had struggled with undiagnosed depression and anxiety throughout my preadolescence and teens and through into university. I had no idea that resources were available and following a couple of "life events" had a massive breakdown a term into my 3rd year, very dark time.

The university organised for me to take a year off in the middle of my final year to allow me to get better, with weekly check-ins with my tutor as part of their pastoral support, sources of support were pointed out to me and they sorted the financial impact of that from their point of view (fees etc).

I kept my access to libraries, occupational health, gyms, was even able to pop into the lectures during that time when I felt able so that I could feel I wasn't losing ground, part way through I was able to find a job to support myself and I then finished the last term a year later, took the exams and came out with a 2:1.

good luck

Well done. 2:1, hope I can come near that. Having a crisis at the thought of referencing

Erinnire

Good Luck Slimming Susan! I am also off to Uni in Sept, I have BPD,DID & ADHD. It's a scary scary time but also very exciting and I think a real marker on the road to recovery (as much as we can recover)

I think we ring up to 'sign off' on the day we start (30th September for me) but the student finance doesn't get paid for the first week or so. So it might be an idea to try and save a few weeks money to tide you over before it comes in. I am on IS not ESA so not sure about keeping it.

Pop into the jobcentre if you can?

Good luck with the PIP claim, DLA made a massive difference to me.

SlimmingSusan

The major thing I am questioning is timing. My support worker has told me about things had not even considered in making a claim.I am a coper.

I should have applied for this long ago.

My ESA is income related support group anyway, so student finance would presumably negate that.? I have a feeling of just not wantng to deal with it and grieve my Dadf. Was numb until now.

pmlindyloo

SlimmingSusan wrote: »

The major thing I am questioning is timing. My support worker has told me about things had not even considered in making a claim.I am a coper.

I should have applied for this long ago.

My ESA is income related support group anyway, so student finance would presumably negate that.? I have a feeling of just not wantng to deal with it and grieve my Dadf. Was numb until now.

If you are awarded PIP then you may be able to keep your ESA even if you get student finance. Sorry, can't post links at the moment.