Frozen with fear

Snuffuls

I've been too frightened to sit down and think about my money situation for weeks now. I have no sources of income or benefits (will explain below) and rapidly reaching the end of my overdraft. I have enough to pay bills and rent for another four weeks. I know it sounds ridiculous but I feel utterly frozen and unable to move or even think about it, like there is a total mental block in the way.

My situation is as follows:

I am a registered student writing up a dissertation. In the course of this I developed carpal tunnel syndrome, which means I cannot move my fingers with the necessary dexterity for typing or other tasks without pain or further damage to them. This has not only put my degree on hold but also lost me my part time jobs I was using to fund my studies (part-time shop work, receptionist at local dentist). I can't write or type (I'm using speech software for this), or move my hands much, operate tills, lift things etc. In the first few months of it I couldn't even brush my own hair.

Day to day living is still difficult. It is getting very slowly better but consultant has told me I cannot type for another six months, or do more than the essential things involving my hands in the mean time, as it damages them further - apparently I was a hairbreadth's away from permanently crippling my hands (please please please set up your computer ergonomically! I never did and I am paying a hefty price).

I'm not saying this as a sob story, just to give you an idea of my situation of someone who wants to work but is literally unable to.

I cannot claim disability benefits as I am registered as a student. I have applied numerous times for hardship funds from my university, which they were very generous over. I have reached the limit for hardship funding - they have given me all they can, plus an extension on my thesis, but the money (used for living costs) is rapidly running out. I would love to be able to graduate and reliquish student status so I could claim temporary disability relief and let my hands get better, but I can't do that until I finish my dissertation...which I can't finish due to broke hands.


I am isolated from my family and cannot borrow or ask for any money. I am living somewhere totally new where I don't know many people or have any close friends to help me.

My overdraft limit is £2000. I am up to -£1500 so I have £500 left to pay rent, food, prescription painkillers, phone and bills for another month, which I can just about manage on that. I can't extend my overdraft further. After that I don't know what to do or where to turn. I'm so scared and I feel sick all the time.

I know there is probably something I am missing but I just can't think straight at the moment. I feel sick and numb all the time...I should have dealt with it much sooner but I just kept burying my head in the sand. Please don't judge me too harshly for not doing it sooner...I just kept putting it off and off and not wanting to think about it.

I just feel terrified and I have no idea what to do next. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks for reading.

happy_bunny_2

Hi

Sorry to hear that...

I'm not sure due to student status etc.

Maybe give the CAB a call or visit?

HB

Lensman_2

Your dissertation has trapped you in. Both mentally and physically by the look of it. This must be common enough for students that a support network should be available to you.

If I could take your dissertation away from you, make it go away, how much easier would your lot be? Could you find a way forward if that was gone?

I am not suggesting that you give up on your degree. I am suggesting that the dissertation is such a large part of your life that everything else has gone by the wayside and led you to where you are now.

Can you put it off for a few months while you get yourself better and get your money working again? Even a few weeks might help.

-taff

Why can't you write your dissertation with speech software? You can research on the internet with speech software too?
You could also pay someone, maybe not in money but in some other way, to type out what you've recorded..

Bublin1

Isn't there software that allows you to speak into a microphone and it types it out for you. Can you obtain this from your uni?

You also need a job that doesn't require typing. Maybe telesales and use a dictaphone for notes.

Food - go to a food bank after getting a referral letter from your gp.

I don't think I've been helpful but I'm racking my brain.

Bublin1

-taff I typed mine before I saw your post. We are thinking the same thing!

StressedSteph

Bublin1 wrote: »

-taff I typed mine before I saw your post. We are thinking the same thing!

Yes I was thinking the same, either sort out the speech software or try to ask a friend even an old one over the phone to type your dissertation for you. I do feel that where theres a will theres a way.

Maybe a trip to the Drs may help, you could been suffering from a touch of depression due to all the worry bought on by your carpel tunnel and your dissertation. definitly worth a chat .

Take care xxx

cydney65

Have you applied for DSA (disabled student allowance)? This may help you get Dragon software, Dictaphone, computer etc. It really does make your life easier. You may be eligible for PIP (personal independence payment) too. Talk to student services at your uni...they should be able to talk you through the options available.

chiefsfanuk

Does your uni have a students union, perhaps with an advice centre you could seek help from?
Perhaps Shelter could help with the housing issue?
Are you certain there are no benefits available to you, I also thought DSA (mentioned above) might have been an option.
Sorry to read you are having such a tough time, I hope you are able to find some options available to you.

Snuffuls

happy_bunny wrote: »

Hi

Sorry to hear that...

I'm not sure due to student status etc.

Maybe give the CAB a call or visit?

HB

Thank you, 'm going to do that tomorrow. Can't hurt!

Snuffuls

Lensman wrote: »

Your dissertation has trapped you in. Both mentally and physically by the look of it. This must be common enough for students that a support network should be available to you.

If I could take your dissertation away from you, make it go away, how much easier would your lot be? Could you find a way forward if that was gone?

I am not suggesting that you give up on your degree. I am suggesting that the dissertation is such a large part of your life that everything else has gone by the wayside and led you to where you are now.

Can you put it off for a few months while you get yourself better and get your money working again? Even a few weeks might help.

You are dead on, I am totally drained by the thing and it has taken on monstrous proportions. I feel like I'm dragging it up Mordor

I have had various extensions and understandings with the university, but I bit the bullet and sent them an email being totally upfront with my situation. Thank you for your advice.