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Claiming esa for depression and ptsd after miscarriage.

Ellymay1
Ellymay1 Posts: 2 Newbie
edited 21 December 2018 at 11:16AM in Employment, jobseeking & training
Last month I had a traumatic miscarriage, which has left me traumatised, depressed and anxious. I've just found out I'm pregnant again, which has made me feel worse, I'm happy to be pregnant, but scared stiff that somethings going to happen. I've suffered with my mental health for the past 3 years.

I've gotten to the point where I can't be alone, even in my home because I have fear that something going to happen to me and my baby, if I go into the garden I have to take someone with me due to fear of falling over or injuring myself.

I've become stressed to the point where I'm lashing out and being aggressive towards my loved ones.

I currently claim JSA, but atm the thought of looking for work seems unrealistic to me, I'm considering applying for ESA, but don't know if I even stand a chance of being successful.

Any advice is appreciated.

Comments

  • Sorry, the title should read ‘claiming esa for depression and ptsd’ I’m unable to change it
  • TELLIT01
    TELLIT01 Posts: 18,619 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper PPI Party Pooper
    The basic requirement to claim ESA is that you can get a medical certificate (Fit Note) from your GP. If you have that you can claim ESA or UC as relevant for your area.
  • Ellymay

    I cant help you with ESA or JSA but to say, I been in your position and the answer really is positive thinking and keep going. I've been blessed with four beautiful children but I still remember the due dates of the 5 that unfortunately "were not meant to be". Do what you can to ensure a successful pregnancy (eat well, rest lots and don't risk falls and bumps) be satisfied you are doing all you can do and stay positive hun, good luck to you.
    If you want to be rich, never, ever have kids ;)
  • Les79
    Les79 Posts: 1,337 Forumite
    I have a few concerns about your post, but I will bite my lip because 1. It is my viewpoint/opinion and 2. It is your life...


    With that in mind, I will merely suggest that you pose this question to your GP. I would also strongly recommend that you:


    - Ask for help with the ptsd and the effects


    - Ask for help/guidance with rearing a child (maybe from charities too etc)
    - CONSIDER the possibility of working, as apposed to living off the benefits system, as it will potentially be more rewarding mentally and help you cope in the future.
  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 37,564 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I don't think claiming ESA while recovering from a difficult experience counts as living off the benefits system. Jumping the gun a little there.
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • poppy12345
    poppy12345 Posts: 18,976 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I believe that all areas are now a full UC area so you won't be able to claim Income related ESA, it will have to be UC with a fit/sick note from your GP.
  • Les79
    Les79 Posts: 1,337 Forumite
    edited 22 December 2018 at 11:59AM
    Mrs_Ryan wrote: »
    Seriously when the OP says that she needs someone with her to even go outside in her garden what on earth could she actually do for a job?!


    Well, at some point in the future OP will need to go out to the shop for some nappies/baby food/formula/clothes/baby prams etc. Amazon delivery is good, but likely not *that good*. Not to mention the various visits to the hospital for scans and the subsequent delivery of said baby.


    That's potentially a lot of times where OP will need to leave the house ;) Hence my suggestions of:


    1. Speak to GP about ptsd
    2. Speak to charities (or NHS) about guidance on rearing a child


    Because OP's issues, I feel, need to be addressed as a matter or urgency otherwise it is going to hinder the development of their child.


    But maybe I'm wrong here? As your next part suggests, I don't know what I'm talking about?


    Point 3 about CONSIDERING a job is a natural extension of the above two points, which assume that OP will have received some help which enables them to go out of the house. I'm also making that point from the "it will help your mental wellbeing" angle which is, in my opinion, a good suggestion?
    Also there may be underlying medical issues (but Les as your username suggests that you are a man I would expect you to be ignorant to such things) that may mean the OP needs to take it easy.
    Can't beat a bit of sexism! The assumption that I don't understand certain things because "you are a man". Listen, if I made a comment about you which contained the phrase "you are a woman" there would be outrage on here. And the most embarrassing (for you) thing is that it is about A CONDITION (ptsd) WHICH CAN AFFECT MEN!! Or are you referring to the miscarriage? Because, if so, I would like to advise you that an ex partner of mine had a miscarriage and I'm not particularly happy about that and nor was I at the time.


    EDIT: Also bear in mind that "Les" can also refer to a lesbian.


    But you'll get away with this comment because it is "casual sexism".


    Little tip, a lot of doctors (I'm not a doctor mind you) are MALE!! I hope, for your sake, that the next male doctor who treats/operates on you isn't a stereotypical man like the one your purport me to be.
  • nicechap
    nicechap Posts: 2,852 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Ellymay1 wrote: »
    Last month I had a traumatic miscarriage, which has left me traumatised, depressed and anxious. I've just found out I'm pregnant again, which has made me feel worse, I'm happy to be pregnant, but scared stiff that somethings going to happen. I've suffered with my mental health for the past 3 years.

    I've gotten to the point where I can't be alone, even in my home because I have fear that something going to happen to me and my baby, if I go into the garden I have to take someone with me due to fear of falling over or injuring myself.

    I've become stressed to the point where I'm lashing out and being aggressive towards my loved ones.

    I currently claim JSA, but atm the thought of looking for work seems unrealistic to me, I'm considering applying for ESA, but don't know if I even stand a chance of being successful.

    Any advice is appreciated.

    You'll get more practical advice in the benefits forum here:

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=39

    And more emotional support here:

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

    or you could look for mumsnet and similar forums.
    Originally Posted by shortcrust
    "Contact the Ministry of Fairness....If sufficient evidence of unfairness is discovered you’ll get an apology, a permanent contract with backdated benefits, a ‘Let’s Make it Fair!’ tshirt and mug, and those guilty of unfairness will be sent on a Fairness Awareness course."
  • Les79 wrote: »
    EDIT: Also bear in mind that "Les" can also refer to a lesbian.


    But you'll get away with this comment because it is "casual sexism".



    or lesley........
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
  • Ellymay1 wrote: »
    Last month I had a traumatic miscarriage, which has left me traumatised, depressed and anxious. I've just found out I'm pregnant again, which has made me feel worse, I'm happy to be pregnant, but scared stiff that somethings going to happen. I've suffered with my mental health for the past 3 years.

    I've gotten to the point where I can't be alone, even in my home because I have fear that something going to happen to me and my baby, if I go into the garden I have to take someone with me due to fear of falling over or injuring myself.

    I've become stressed to the point where I'm lashing out and being aggressive towards my loved ones.

    I currently claim JSA, but atm the thought of looking for work seems unrealistic to me, I'm considering applying for ESA, but don't know if I even stand a chance of being successful.

    Any advice is appreciated.

    No offence meant here but im really rather surprised that the OP cant bare to go outside or do anything by themselves as they are so traumatized,im sure Miscarriage would be very traumatic.

    However not so traumatized as to be pregnant a month after the sad loss.

    I say no offence...if you are offended then you will have an issue asking for sick notes as Doctor and UC will be asking such questions.
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