Gaps in CV due to Mental Illness?

Dreaming~Lilly

I've just made a thread tonight on another part of this forum which I can't link to because this is a new account, but that mainly says it all.

Briefly though, I've had mental health issues all my life, social anxiety and generalised anxiety. Had medication, CBT etc no help.

Am in a real mess right now, no money, never claimed benefits, always get into major arguments over it all, I don't want to carry on being a burden on everyone around me, I've always hated it and always go without everything because of it, I won't ask for anything.

So my CV, I have forced myself into a few job years ago, like the last one was probably six years ago, the anxiety never seemed to go down which made it hard to keep up.

I'm so sick of having nothing, and bringing others down with me. I want to give my family things and I can't unless I do something, but I don't know what.

If I tried to get benefits that wouldn't be a great deal I imagine and it would be very very stressful as I know they're not really always sympathetic of mental illness.

I don't know whether to try for benefits or try and just force myself to apply for jobs again as close to home as possible and see what happens now?

If the latter, then I'm really not sure what to do about my CV. I have been looking after a relative as well over the years but never got carers allowance so can't prove that. I have tried to work online but never made much.

I'm not sure what I should put. If I should put caring for relative and freelancing online over the years and if I did would they want proof of those two?

I just really want to be able to live normally and have some money, it's just all so difficult when mental health is in the mix as well.

Thank you for reading.

[Deleted User]

Health first, then money.

Wish there was more I could help with - but - I think you need to get benefits sorted so least going forward you are going to be some way in explaining gaps then if you are under the radar so to speak, (if it comes to it) once further along visit your city or county council website (under careers) for details of nearest free job clubs who will be able to help with the CV and be a way for you to meet others face to face.

I'm a bit wordy but I do like to try and hang onto the positive liners, there are more part time jobs out there that will ease someone back into work nowadays. xx

GlasweJen

As you've not paid national insurance for the last few years you won't be entitled to contributions based benefits. You can apply for income based benefits but these will take any partners income into consideration, as a general rule if your partner works at minimum wage for 24 hours a week you won't be on a low enough joint income to claim income related benefits for yourself but could possibly claim top up benefits towards housing and council tax if you're in a high cost area. If you have care needs you can apply for personal independence payments, there are a few descriptors relating to mental illness but I'd advise taking the forms to citizens advice to get help completing them and make sure you send any evidence with the form as the DWP are lax about asking doctors for evidence.

In terms of work, no one is going to ask you if you claimed carers allowance or to prove that you freelanced. I'd just write that you were caring for a relative. You can phone the job centre and ask to meet with a disability advisor who can support you in looking for work that suits your mental health needs.

Start slowly, maybe get something that's part time and build up from there when you're ready. There's a scheme here that gives people with long term sickness support to return to the work place, I saw a poster in my GP surgery and it said the doctor can refer you.

ETA when I first read this I took family to mean partner and kids. If you're living at home with parents and don't have a partner then your claim will be for income based employment support allowance or job seekers allowance.

davomcdave

There are two different things here: the CV and benefits.

No employer is going to want to see proof that you claimed a particular benefit as it's just not relevant so they don't give a flying fox. If you say that you were off work between xx and yy because you were caring for someone then no employer will care unless it turns out you were actually in jail instead, chances are they'll take it as read.

I think the problem you are likely to have is what exactly can you offer an employer? If you haven't really worked and you aren't very well then what do you have that an employer will want to give you money for? Maybe you do have some skills that are worth some £££ in which case go out there and sell them! If you don't then perhaps you could consider working for yourself.

TBagpuss

If you are entitle to benefits thenyou should not feel embarassed about claiming. Have a look at the 'entitled to' website to see whether you are likely to qualify. Ask youself whether you would feel so reluctant if your illness was physical rather than mental? What you have is a genuine illness and you should not feel embarassed about seking the support you nee and are entitled to.

in terms of work, might it be possible to try to find part time work initially, in order to build confidence, skills etc? Your job centre may be able to help.

it might be useful to try to think about the specifc aspects of the jobs you have had in the past which you founf particualrly difficult, and what you enjoyed, to try to work out what types of work you might find were better for you

missbiggles1

TBagpuss wrote: »

If you are entitle to benefits thenyou should not feel embarassed about claiming. Have a look at the 'entitled to' website to see whether you are likely to qualify. Ask youself whether you would feel so reluctant if your illness was physical rather than mental? What you have is a genuine illness and you should not feel embarassed about seking the support you nee and are entitled to.

in terms of work, might it be possible to try to find part time work initially, in order to build confidence, skills etc? Your job centre may be able to help.

it might be useful to try to think about the specifc aspects of the jobs you have had in the past which you founf particualrly difficult, and what you enjoyed, to try to work out what types of work you might find were better for you

Voluntary work and some kind of additional education or training are usually the best way back into the workforce for someone with a long period of illness, whether physical or mental.

RedfordML

Sertaline - like you I suffered anxiety to the point where I couldn't cope with interviews, out in public shopping & working in groups with people, I would sweat like I had just run 5 miles, even if it was -5!!


However, 6 months ago I started on sertraline (spelling?) and my anxiety is 80-90% improved. I actually felt it was a handicap on my life (for around 4-5 years)


It can get better, don't be afraid to ask for help. Maybe also look at exercise to improve self esteem?


Good Luck!! I know, ive been there, very dark but you can turn it round. I wouldn't be rushing into work until the mental health issues have improved!

Dreaming~Lilly wrote: »

I've just made a thread tonight on another part of this forum which I can't link to because this is a new account, but that mainly says it all.

Briefly though, I've had mental health issues all my life, social anxiety and generalised anxiety. Had medication, CBT etc no help.

Am in a real mess right now, no money, never claimed benefits, always get into major arguments over it all, I don't want to carry on being a burden on everyone around me, I've always hated it and always go without everything because of it, I won't ask for anything.

So my CV, I have forced myself into a few job years ago, like the last one was probably six years ago, the anxiety never seemed to go down which made it hard to keep up.

I'm so sick of having nothing, and bringing others down with me. I want to give my family things and I can't unless I do something, but I don't know what.

If I tried to get benefits that wouldn't be a great deal I imagine and it would be very very stressful as I know they're not really always sympathetic of mental illness.

I don't know whether to try for benefits or try and just force myself to apply for jobs again as close to home as possible and see what happens now?

If the latter, then I'm really not sure what to do about my CV. I have been looking after a relative as well over the years but never got carers allowance so can't prove that. I have tried to work online but never made much.

I'm not sure what I should put. If I should put caring for relative and freelancing online over the years and if I did would they want proof of those two?

I just really want to be able to live normally and have some money, it's just all so difficult when mental health is in the mix as well.

Thank you for reading.

andygb

davomcdave wrote: »

There are two different things here: the CV and benefits.

No employer is going to want to see proof that you claimed a particular benefit as it's just not relevant so they don't give a flying fox. If you say that you were off work between xx and yy because you were caring for someone then no employer will care unless it turns out you were actually in jail instead, chances are they'll take it as read.

The bit in bold is not true unfortunately, because I have applied for jobs which involve divulging ALL information regarding work history for the past ten years, including any gaps (they must be fully explained) must be explained/described/accounted for.
Please read up on Kroll background checks.
I was working in finance in the South East and Kent, and after submitting the information requred was not taken on.

MacMickster

andygb wrote: »

The bit in bold is not true unfortunately, because I have applied for jobs which involve divulging ALL information regarding work history for the past ten years, including any gaps (they must be fully explained) must be explained/described/accounted for.
Please read up on Kroll background checks.
I was working in finance in the South East and Kent, and after submitting the information requred was not taken on.

It doesn't sound as if the OP would be applying for the type of job where such checks would be likely. I would imagine part-time shop work may be the kind of thing that would be more appropriate.

A period volunteering in a charity shop may help the OP to a) find out if they could cope with this type of job, b) get something current to add to their CV and c) hopefully build their self-confidence somewhat.

Dreaming~Lilly

Deleted%20User wrote: »

Health first, then money.

Wish there was more I could help with - but - I think you need to get benefits sorted so least going forward you are going to be some way in explaining gaps then if you are under the radar so to speak, (if it comes to it) once further along visit your city or county council website (under careers) for details of nearest free job clubs who will be able to help with the CV and be a way for you to meet others face to face.

I'm a bit wordy but I do like to try and hang onto the positive liners, there are more part time jobs out there that will ease someone back into work nowadays. xx

Thank you. I am just so scared of the whole benefit thing because of all the cases I've read on a forum I go on for people with anxiety and the bad things they've had, I panic going to the doctors and they're usually nice to me and not judging me.

GlasweJen wrote: »

As you've not paid national insurance for the last few years you won't be entitled to contributions based benefits. You can apply for income based benefits but these will take any partners income into consideration, as a general rule if your partner works at minimum wage for 24 hours a week you won't be on a low enough joint income to claim income related benefits for yourself but could possibly claim top up benefits towards housing and council tax if you're in a high cost area. If you have care needs you can apply for personal independence payments, there are a few descriptors relating to mental illness but I'd advise taking the forms to citizens advice to get help completing them and make sure you send any evidence with the form as the DWP are lax about asking doctors for evidence.

In terms of work, no one is going to ask you if you claimed carers allowance or to prove that you freelanced. I'd just write that you were caring for a relative. You can phone the job centre and ask to meet with a disability advisor who can support you in looking for work that suits your mental health needs.

Start slowly, maybe get something that's part time and build up from there when you're ready. There's a scheme here that gives people with long term sickness support to return to the work place, I saw a poster in my GP surgery and it said the doctor can refer you.

ETA when I first read this I took family to mean partner and kids. If you're living at home with parents and don't have a partner then your claim will be for income based employment support allowance or job seekers allowance.

No I don't have any kids yet. And am single now as well. I do however still houseshare with my ex from years ago due to financial reasons. So I'm not sure as well how that would work with everything as I'm still on the council tax and rent agreements of this house, but I just stay here now that's it, and sometimes I go between here and my parents as well when my dad can come and get me. The whole thing is a real mess. And things in this house are really bad financially, rent struggling to be paid and it's because I'm an idiot with this anxiety and not being able to live and do things that most people don't even think about. I hate it.

davomcdave wrote: »

There are two different things here: the CV and benefits.

No employer is going to want to see proof that you claimed a particular benefit as it's just not relevant so they don't give a flying fox. If you say that you were off work between xx and yy because you were caring for someone then no employer will care unless it turns out you were actually in jail instead, chances are they'll take it as read.

I think the problem you are likely to have is what exactly can you offer an employer? If you haven't really worked and you aren't very well then what do you have that an employer will want to give you money for? Maybe you do have some skills that are worth some £££ in which case go out there and sell them! If you don't then perhaps you could consider working for yourself.

Thank you. I have been caring on and off for my mum for years now just never got carers allowance for it. When I do have a job I go over what people want, because I'm always stressing I do more than is asked and always want to do the best job I can. I've done care work in a nursing home in the past as well as cleaning, and worked in a factory on production and the office there, but the office bit was horrible as I had to answer the phone and would feel sick every time.

That's something that I've tried to do for so so many years, find something to do myself to take that pressure off, but nothing has worked. I've tried so many things online, tried to start a blog, nothing brings in any kind of even ok money. I'm still always trying to find something along these lines, because I'd rather not go on benefits but really do need to get some money while I'm trying to get to a place where I can at least function normally work wise.

Dreaming~Lilly

TBagpuss wrote: »

If you are entitle to benefits thenyou should not feel embarassed about claiming. Have a look at the 'entitled to' website to see whether you are likely to qualify. Ask youself whether you would feel so reluctant if your illness was physical rather than mental? What you have is a genuine illness and you should not feel embarassed about seking the support you nee and are entitled to.

in terms of work, might it be possible to try to find part time work initially, in order to build confidence, skills etc? Your job centre may be able to help.

it might be useful to try to think about the specifc aspects of the jobs you have had in the past which you founf particualrly difficult, and what you enjoyed, to try to work out what types of work you might find were better for you

Thank you. I've just always been so scared of applying for benefits as I know other people's stories on applying for them with mental illness.

If it was a physical illness then I probably wouldn't be so hesistent no, as people don't judge them so much as they do mental health, I've had it all my life. I've struggled all my life to go out, do the simple things that most people take for granted, going into a shop for milk stresses me so much.

I just really need to do something regarding money, it's critical here now and it's because of me, I've been useless with money and even though I don't ask for anything and eat little it's still on me because the rent is behind and bills are hard to pay.

I've worked in a kennels years and years ago, love animals, didn't like people around me back then at all. I've worked in a nursing home, loved making the residents lives a little happier and was ok more or less with them, it was the other staff that the anxiety was sky high with, though it was a fairly big nursing home with 90 residents and four wings. I've been thinking if it would be any easier to find a smaller one and try and force myself to get a job there but I really don't know.

I've done cleaning which is ok. And worked in production which was ok, didn't like the office work with answering the phone etc. If I'm given a job to do, I do it fully and beyond what's asked, it's just so hard with the anxiety and being around a lot of people.

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Voluntary work and some kind of additional education or training are usually the best way back into the workforce for someone with a long period of illness, whether physical or mental.

Thank you. I have been thinking about maybe voluntary work but not sure what to look for. There's a salvation army a street away but I don't know what they'd have. Sadly can't find anything with animals in my area.

I was looking at the vision to learn courses online, do you think that doing one of those would be any good or help my CV etc?

RedfordML wrote: »

Sertaline - like you I suffered anxiety to the point where I couldn't cope with interviews, out in public shopping & working in groups with people, I would sweat like I had just run 5 miles, even if it was -5!!


However, 6 months ago I started on sertraline (spelling?) and my anxiety is 80-90% improved. I actually felt it was a handicap on my life (for around 4-5 years)


It can get better, don't be afraid to ask for help. Maybe also look at exercise to improve self esteem?


Good Luck!! I know, ive been there, very dark but you can turn it round. I wouldn't be rushing into work until the mental health issues have improved!

Thank you and sorry to hear you've struggled with anxiety as well, I wouldn't wish it on anyone, it's horrific. I'm glad that the medication worked for you.

I've had the anxiety all my life from as long as I can remember. I've been on Citalopram twice in the past but had to come off them due to side effects and was then put on Mirtazapine, but came off that because it was starting to put a bit of weight on me which I didn't need. So the doctor said because I had the side effects I did with the Citalopram that any SSRI that I could take would probably do the same. So am not on any medication right now. The Citalopram at 40mg just numbed me.

I've phoned the IAPT people today and my phone assessment with them is in a few weeks.

I really wish I could take more time to get the mental health issues sorted it's just all this with the need for money, we're really struggling and because mental health isn't something that you can see you get judged why aren't you working etc, I'm just so sick of always feeling so scared about money when the rent won't be able to be paid etc all because of me, I wake up daily and start stressing about financial things. I just don't know what to do.

I've had the anxiety for 36 years or so now from when I can remember and sometimes I think that it's never going to go, so that's why I was thinking of forcing myself to get a job again, because I know sitting in the house as well isn't good, it just all gives me a stomach ache to think about and stress about.