jobseeker on depression

[filthiestfis]

I currently receive jobseeker's allowance but my depression is getting in the way of me being available to find a job, I am on antidepressants, should I inform someone so that they change my benefits? What is the difference? I dont want to do this to get more money, but if I dont inform them of my condition they may find out I am not spending enough time looking for a job and strip me off my JS allowance.

[Bexxie82]

I suggest that the next time you go to the Job Centre you mention it and see what they say.

[*ALFIE*]

You may get Incapacity benefit depending on how bad your condition is

[sandbach99]

Ask your Doctor or Specialist if they consider you are fit for work or could it damage your health, depending on their answer you should ask to see an advisor . If the Doctor/Specialist says do not work at present the advisor will explain what happens next and what benefit you should be entitled to.
If the Doctor considers you are able to work still see an advisor and explain how your illness could effect your search for work.

[Finance Guy]

Sandbach is spot on with his advice.

Why not try some leisure pursuits to try and overcome your depression - like some gentle excercise to build up confidence (the endorphin release alone will act as an anti depressant).

Stay away from fatty foods, excessive caffeine, drugs and friends who may have a negative outlook. All of these will just fuel negative feelings and delay your recovery.

Maybe there is some type of activity group that you may be entitled to claim some form of benefit to attend - ranging from a college course to a coffee morning. Good for positive company and self esteem building.

Whatever you do, do not sit around worrying or feeling sorry for yourself. Get out there mate, stop living life in your mind and grab your life back!!

Good luck

[filthiestfis]

Thanks for your advice Financeguy:
1) I know about the exercise but without the motivation I cant go out and walk for an hour.
2) I dont have many friends really, I can only count on one friend I see about once a month, most of them I knew from my last job and when I left so did they. The saying "Out of sight, out of mind" has never been truer.
3)I have just received a distance learning course to do on my own because it was cheaper than attending classes, I really hope I can find it in myself to undertake it succesfully.

[Finance Guy]

Mate, the only thing stopping you going out and walking, is YOU.

If you need milk, bread or similar, you must have to go out and get it - walk to a shop a bit further away and just take in your surroundings. The excercise and fresh air is a great way to free your mind and rationalise problems.

Dont let you stop you!

I do not wish to presume to be able to solve your problems, as I do not know you, or your situation, in the slightest. What I do know though, is that staying in by yourself is the wrong way to overcome this difficult phase in your life.

I GUARANTEE that if you go to your local college and check, there is courses that you can attend via a grant - this will give you the much needed interaction and company. I do not think that a solitary home study course is the way forward, but the very best of luck if you do push forward with it.

Take things slowly if you do go to college and do not try to rush into friendships, as the best ones are definately worth waiting for.

You will be all right mate, the fact that you are asking questions on a site like this shows that you have a good awareness of your situation and that is the first true step towards recovery.

If you can be arsed to log on, you CAN be arsed to go for that walk and build up slowly - small steps at first and set yourself little goals to achieve (like an extra mile each week fro example).

You must learn to appreciate and like yourself, in order for others to see the real you.

You CAN do this - dont give in!

Log back on and tell me if you took that walk and how good it made you feel.............