General Advice

Dan27

I am currently claiming ESA based on my current health condition. My next appointment with my GP is on the 14th April. I have already done a list of things I'd like to discuss with the doctor. I'm getting very anxious about this appointment as it becomes nearer. The last time I seen the doctor he gave me a note but I got the impression that he now thought I was basically ready to start looking for work again. I don't feel as if I am because of a few mental problems I have been going through for some time and my current physical state having a effect on what I'm able to do. Does anybody have any advice on how to get the doctor to agree with me. I am concerned because the mental problems that I'm experiencing will get worse if I was to start looking for work or start any kind of work. Please help as I've been getting in a right state over the last few days.

rogerblack

If you are currently claiming ESA, and in the work-related or support group - that is - you have had an assessment - you do not require a doctors note, or to discuss ESA with him at all.

A note that says anything - including 'should abstain from work involving skydiving on tuesdays' in principle entitles you to keep claiming the assessment rate until you are assessed.

Dan27

I am still in the assessment stage and have been claiming since the beginning of February.

benniebert

Dan27 wrote: »

I am currently claiming ESA based on my current health condition. My next appointment with my GP is on the 14th April. I have already done a list of things I'd like to discuss with the doctor. I'm getting very anxious about this appointment as it becomes nearer. The last time I seen the doctor he gave me a note but I got the impression that he now thought I was basically ready to start looking for work again. I don't feel as if I am because of a few mental problems I have been going through for some time and my current physical state having a effect on what I'm able to do. Does anybody have any advice on how to get the doctor to agree with me. I am concerned because the mental problems that I'm experiencing will get worse if I was to start looking for work or start any kind of work. Please help as I've been getting in a right state over the last few days.

Well I would be going by what your doctor says.
If he/she believes that you should now be looking to get back into work then take that advice and do something about it.


1000's of people work even though they have mental health issues.

Dan27

I agree but you have to be in the right mindset to do so.

tomtontom

Dan27 wrote: »

I agree but you have to be in the right mindset to do so.

That's something only you can make happen. What steps are you taking to improve your mindset?

Dan27

I have been referred to a counsellor at Solihull healthy minds who is giving me my first telephone consultation tomorrow morning at 9 am.

rogerblack

tomtontom wrote: »

That's something only you can make happen. What steps are you taking to improve your mindset?

And merely because a doctor untrained in mental health proclaims that you're no longer ill, does not mean you're no longer ill.
'Pull yourself together' is a somewhat outdated mental health treatment.

Attempting to go the JSA route - with all the sanctions and work-seeking requirements can worsen someones condition, and make them less likely to be in work in a year, not more.

And sometimes depression and not knowing how you're going to go on results in deciding that it's hopeless and you shouldn't.

Proper treatment and a properly timed re-entry into the job market is critical.

giddypenguin

benniebert wrote: »

Well I would be going by what your doctor says.
If he/she believes that you should now be looking to get back into work then take that advice and do something about it.


1000's of people work even though they have mental health issues.

Really really compassionate - well done.

tomtontom

Dan27 wrote: »

I have been referred to a counsellor at Solihull healthy minds who is giving me my first telephone consultation tomorrow morning at 9 am.

And what are you doing to help yourself?

rogerblack wrote: »

And merely because a doctor untrained in mental health proclaims that you're no longer ill, does not mean you're no longer ill.
'Pull yourself together' is a somewhat outdated mental health treatment.

Attempting to go the JSA route - with all the sanctions and work-seeking requirements can worsen someones condition, and make them less likely to be in work in a year, not more.

And sometimes depression and not knowing how you're going to go on results in deciding that it's hopeless and you shouldn't.

Proper treatment and a properly timed re-entry into the job market is critical.

You seem to actively encourage people to remain on benefits for as long as possible - surely people are worth more than that?

No one has suggested that the OP pulls themselves together, nor is there anything to say their GP is not trained in mental health - most surgeries will have a GP that specialises in the area.

Anyone can sit and dwell - but until the OP takes positive steps to move forward, he's never going to get better.

tomtontom

Clarification on the OP's condition:

Dan27 wrote: »

How do I go about this? I know I need to get a sicknote and claim esa after ive closed jsa claim. How long does it take on average to start getting esa? Just getting quite depressed going to the job centre every week same old story and seem to be going no where. Its hard out there trying to find work. I struggle with my weight which I am now in process of trying to lose. This has a knock on effect I get out of breath very easy after short walks/minor execrise. Have a bad back after standing upright for about ten minutes or longer. Im not sure I want this to be permanent thing but would help to get the hassle out of having to go to the job centre once a week.