Don't know what to do :(

[beckyglen]

hi everyone,

I really need some advice.

I have been off on health interruption from my nursing degree since March. Still no sign of any improvement- every time I think things are getting a little better j have another flare up. I was getting a bursary but that has stopped and as I can't work am having financial problems now as well.

I am hoping to go back and finish uni as I only have 5 months left to do. I just don't know when or if I will be well enough to go back - it's really tough on the wards as a full time student.

I also have been put on anti depressants about 4 weeks ago because the doc thinks I am very low. I do feel like I have run out of fight and don't know what to do

Hugs and best wishes to all

Becky xxx

[Ian123]

Be kind to yourself until there is enough ammunition for some fight back. Can the university give you some advice or assistance on claiming ESA while waiting.

[beckyglen in reply to Ian123]

Hi Ian,

Thank you for your reply. What is ESA?

[Ian123 in reply to beckyglen]

Employment Support Allowance when you cannot work because of health reasons, paid by the DWP (department of work and pensions) as opposed to JSA (job seekers allowance) paid when your fit and able to work but unable to find suitable employment.

gov.uk/employment-support-a...

[Hidden]

There is also a benefit called PIP. personal independence payments this is available regardless of income. gov.uk/pip.

[wallflower_fairy]

Hi Becky,

Sorry to hear you're going through this.

Would it be possible to do the rest of your degree part time? I have a feeling that once you're in the process of doing it again (this time at a pace that's suitable for your Fibro) - you'll feel better both physically and emotionally. I think the idea of an unfinished degree - so close to finishing - is hanging over you and this can't be doing your symptoms any good. Also, you're waiting a for time when you're able to go back studying as you were before and we don't know when this going to happen, and putting your life on hold can't be benefitting your symptoms either. I think going back to studying part time will give you something positive to focus on.

I guess it's about finding a balance between resting and doing what you can do at this time. See what they say. There's no harm in asking. I really hope your symptoms settle down soon.

wanderingwallflower xxxx

[fibro_why_ in reply to wallflower_fairy]

I think I agree with the funky fairy! The pressures that you would be putting on yourself would probably exacerbate depressive symptoms so take it down a notch. Do part time so you still feel good about your motivation but are not expecting too much of yourself. Good luck and feel better!

[TheAuthor]

Hi beckyglen

I am so sorry to read that you are really struggling in this way, and I genuinely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to all of this. I think that you have been given some wonderful advice relating to ESA and PIP, and also the possibility of undertaking the rest of your course on a part-time basis. It may be worth following up on all of these options?

I want to wish you all the best of luck and I genuinely hope that you start to feel more like your usual self again soon.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x