Out of work for 15 years desperate for advice

Leo1985

I am 35 years old and i have been out of work for 15 years due mental health after an extremely traumatic event in my life where i developed paranoid schizophrenia which i managed to overcome but i was left with severe social anxiety i also have physical disability on top of that. Prior to that i only had 2 other jobs and no qualifications, i worked at an airport as an aircraft valeter and also in a fast food restaurant. I have no references and nothing to put on a CV, I suffer from social anxiety and while i still struggle with this it has improved over the past couple of years and i feel like i am ready to attempt trying to go back to work.

The problem is now my anxiety is up because i don't know where to start, I don't have any thing to put on a CV and i feel uncomfortable embarrassed and ashamed of my past. Simple tasks to most people are extremely difficult for me, for example just talking on the phone raises my anxiety and it can take me 30+ minutes just to prepare to make a call, the worst part about this is I KNOW how ridiculous that is and i know how stupid that sounds the only thing i don't know is why i have these feelings about it. I don't have any friends and i find it difficult going to new places and meeting and speaking to new people, i have a very low self esteem and self worth.
I don't want to continue to ramble on too much and i am not even sure what i am expecting by posting here, i guess i'm really just looking for any kind of advice or help or even better anybody that has overcome mental health problems and sucsessfully returned to work after a long time.

lincroft1710

Can any mental health charities or organisations offer some practical help or support as clearly you are not at a stage where you could successfully enter the job market. Perhaps your GP may have some ideas to help you

sammyjammy

Obviously now is not the time but are you claiming benefits?  Have you spoken to your work coach/the Jobcentre?  They have specialist programmes and support for people in your situation.

Meggygirl

I think it's great that you want to get into work. What about a voluntary role first? It would be a chance to increase your confidence, get experience and find out what you enjoy doing. You would also then have things to write on your cv and could even use them as a referee. Also you never know they may have a paid role you could move on to.
Good luck! 

bucksbloke

Many specialist mental health NHS Trusts and charities will either have employment projects or links with one, that can help you prepare for work. You can also get in touch with Remploy as well who can provide advice. 

MinuteNoodles

Employment temping agencies. Especially things like factory production line and warehouse/distribution work where you can be hired on a day by day basis and basically as long as you have the right to work in the UK and have a pulse they literally don't care about anything esle. There's no pressure to be competent from the start, the vast majority of workers won't know one another so you're all in the same boat and you can work as and when you feel able to.

Snow_Phoenix

I suggest you see if there is a Richmond Fellowship in your area, they are a mental health charity who offer support for getting back into employment including training and volunteer opportunities. This will hopefully get you some experience with an employer who will be more understanding of your abilities and constraints, thereby building your confidence and skills in a supportive environment which is really important as you continue on your journey of recovery.  
https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk/our-range-of-services/#toggle-id-4 
Good luck with your search. 

Kevin_Blackstone

Welcome Leo1985 to MSE. First of all let me congratulate you on speaking out I take my virtual hat  off to you. I am not sure if you know but is mental health week till 24.05.20. As others have said take it steady to begin with. See .nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/  (not able to post links) for charities etc that maybe able to offer you guidance.  Also many councils have departments that can help with all things to get back in to the job market. It is a really tough time at the moment and I wish you luck.

silverwhistle

They're crying out for fruit and vegetable pickers at the moment. Hard  physical work but fresh air and you could talk to the plants for all the farmers care. They aren't going to be checking the qualifications on your CV.  Obviously availability of the work depends where you are, but the only time I've done such work one summer I felt well on it and slept even better! 

SidneySmutt

silverwhistle said:

They're crying out for fruit and vegetable pickers at the moment. Hard  physical work but fresh air and you could talk to the plants for all the farmers care. They aren't going to be checking the qualifications on your CV.  Obviously availability of the work depends where you are, but the only time I've done such work one summer I felt well on it and slept even better! 

I second this if you feel up to it. You will meet people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Good luck Leo. Carp Diem.

StaffieTerrier

Are you in touch with your local Job Centre? My partners was struggling to find work following redundancy. His CV is sparse, due to lots of mental health breaks during his career, and his last post was so specialised it was the only one in the UK. The Job Centre arranged an 8 week volunteering opportunity, which finished just before lockdown. Where he volunteered they've recently had a recruitment drive and offered my partner a 6 month contract without having to apply or interview.