waiting for diagnosis, employment and burnout

[uklad]

Great, i located the login information and email

 

Hello again,

 

Since my introductory posts a little while back I've found myself still waiting to see a diagnostician and get assessed (asd/aspergers) after getting a referal from my gp

In the meanwhile my situation at home (to save time lets just say its complicated) is unchanged, I've attended a couple sessions of talking therapy but while the other person seemed nice enough we just didn't get anywhere, I intend to try again after I have a diagnosis (whatever the outcome) because I do have other issues (depression, anxiety, stress).to contend with

I'm also trying to find employment, which by itself is a big enough headache without the above stuff.. I've done a couple courses, even unpaid work experience (I am that desperate), things which as well as help my prospects kept me in some sort of healthy routine and a reason to get outside.

The waiting is eating away at me however and while I'm putting on a strong front when dealing with others, not lashing out at the few people I consider myself close to, inside I feel utterly burnt out/destroyed like my backs against a wall. It also occured to me recently stuff I might do to relax myself/distract my mind for a couple hours no longer offers me any enjoyment, its just part of a routine.

My sleeping isn't fantastic at the best of times however its gotten worse, nomatter how much or how little I get I feel exhausted/drained.

I had it suggested to me that i should try to claim ESA for a couple months, which makes sense because they would be a hell of alot more supportive than the JSA crowd.. in the respect every single meeting I am an inch away from a meltdown.. but aside from mild psoriasis and a touch of arthritis phsyically I am fine, and don't see how I'd qualifiy for it, I worry about ending up in "no mans land" of jsa saying I'm not fit to sign on but the esa lot saying the opposite. I did voluntry work some years back with cab and have seen people stuck in this predicament

Would like to hear from others in a simular position and their experience on jsa or esa.. I'm desperate to work but it feels like as hard as I am trying things are going backwards rather than forward

Edited May 27, 2014 by uklad

[stuffed]

I used to work until ill health stopped it, can i suggest chatting to Citizens Advice as they have specialist advisors that are far more helpful than target driven obssessed Job Centre staff.

[Sally44]

I agree with the above. Do you have a diagnosis of depression/anxiety etc? Have you tried contacting MIND.org to find an advocate who maybe able to help and support you apply for ESA? Can your GP sign you off sick? Has he prescribed you any medication?

 

From your post I just don't think you are able to seek work at the moment. You do sound completely drained. And mental health and anxiety is also taken into consideration with ESA. It isn't JUST about physical ability/disability.

[uklad]

The depression/anxiety was picked up on by the gp the other year when i came in for a checkup. I don't have medication

The anxiety is getting pretty bad, had one occasion recently where I had to go somewhere in an area I didn't know well

The directions I had were slightly off, so I began to freak out when I was where I thought I was supposed to be, but the place wasn't there (i figured it out for myself quickly, luckily)

End up fighting myself to keep my breathing under control, breaking out in a sweat and i can feel my heartbeat racing... not really healthy when its as warm as it has recently been

 

The trouble i find trying to talk to my gp is the time pressure

They never see me when they are supposed to (always 30 min later because they are backed up)

And then you feel like your on a spotlight to cram an hour into 5 minutes and it may not even be with your regular gp.. as health services in this area seem be going downhill sharply

So I'm having a hard time with the idea of getting signed off

Edited June 7, 2014 by uklad