Help

[Sharon12]

I have had depression and personalty disorder for years I feel like life is not worth living I force myself out of bed everyday and worry constantly is there anyone else that can not work with there illness I feel frightened I'm going to have to get work and I no I can not cope

[Gambit62]

I work but there are a lot of people here who don't, or have been signed off because of their illnesses. I've been signed of several times during my working life - most recent was last year so it certainly isn't uncommon to feel that work is overwhelming and just too difficult a prospect.

It sounds as if your confidence is at a real low point. There are lots of local charities that offer support to people in your position and an opportunity to get close to a work environment without all the threatening stuff that comes from it. This is a link to the website of one in the area where I live

restore.org.uk/

May be you could find something similar in your area.

[Suzie40]

Dont assume that because you aren't able to work now, you never will be. Maybe you've not been in a job with people who support you appropriately? For me, going to work is fundamental in keeping me out of the black hole of depression. The chance to close the door on all the things that make me feel down for 8 hours a day is very important to me. Don't write off the rest of your working life. Just take each day as it comes x

[gardengnome]

not sure if it would work out financially for you but for a couple of years I worked part time for a staff bank (like agency work), being able to choose the units and shifts that I wanted made all the difference.

At the time I spent a lot of time doing night shifts, not great for sleep, but they were more relaxed.

I get the impression when people get assessed for allowances there is a need to ham it up a bit and describe your situation on a bad day to avoid claims being dismissed. Do keep an eye on their criteria .

would it scare you or calm you to make preparations for possiblly getting into work? Training courses, personal development workshops, volunteering in something that interests you, know the idea might be scary, but if you get the chance to try these out at a time when there is no pressure then the skills and experience gained will make the work place less scary .

Know this might sound overwhellming when you are struggling just to get out of bed, but confidence is built upon experience .

[Hidden]

Hi Sharon I know exactly where you are coming from. I have depression and suffer very quickly from stress. I have never been diagnosed with a P D though. I was sacked from my last job because of depression. I couldn't face ATOS so decided to claim JSA instead. I am expected to look for work and I do but like you am terrified I wouldn't be able to cope. I find it helps to keep busy and I have joined a local activities group for the over 55's. I am also thinking of volunteering. I think you have to dip your toes in the water of work because your fears will only increase if you don't. Often the fear of something is worse than the actual reality. I think gnome has offered you some great advice. Hope this helps love.

Bev x

[Sharon12]

Thank you for all your advise I am terrified of work I was a cleaner on my own and I could not cope with that I have had depression for 20 years I now have bad anxiety I worry all the time it's driving me into total despair doctors put me on different meds nothing seems to work for me