I can't work...

[JennyC]

I live with my boyfriend, and money is very very tight at the moment, so I decided to try and get myself a job.
I haven't worked for the last 8 months or so, cause I've been too scared of social interaction and meeting new people.
I've managed to pull myself together and go to a few interviews, and I was offered a job.
I go into work, then after 2 days or so I start thinking that everyone at work is out to get me, and I get really scared of what I might do to the people around me. I end up having to make an excuse or pretend that I am ill so I can leave.
I'm not sure what to do, I need to get a job cause the mortgage needs to be paid, but I am so scared. I am worried that the house might be repossessed if I do not act soon and get some money together.
Please help! xx

 

[schizolanza]

Hi Jenny.Do you get DLA?

 

[scooby1001]

Have you tried applying for Incapacity Benefit? Also the DLA. I know how you feel a while a go i tried voluntary work but i freaked out and only lasted 2 hours. I suffer with voices, parinora and anxiety and spend most of my time in my house as that is where i feel safe. It is really hard. I hope you get some help.

 

[spiritual_emergency]

Jenny: I haven't worked for the last 8 months or so, cause I've been too scared of social interaction and meeting new people. I've managed to pull myself together and go to a few interviews, and I was offered a job. I go into work, then after 2 days or so I start thinking that everyone at work is out to get me, and I get really scared of what I might do to the people around me. I end up having to make an excuse or pretend that I am ill so I can leave.

I suggest you ease yourself back into the workforce starting with a part-time position. This would allow you to earn some income, build up a tolerance for "public exposure" and also, build your self-confidence.

My first job post-break was only a few days a month. Over time, it slowly morphed into a standard 40 hours per week. Had I attempted 40 hours a week from the start I would have had to withdraw from the workforce and this would have been a blow to my self-confidence that would have taken me a step back in my recovery instead of a step forward. Initially, I found even part-time work challenging but because it was only one or two shifts a week, I could pull it together even if I hadn't slept well the night before or was feeling rough around the edges.

Also, a terrific tip I heard from a fellow sufferer -- she told her employer and co-workers that she suffered with migraines. If she found that she simply couldn't cope with the work environment, she would simply press a hand to her temple, tell people she was getting a migraine and let them know she had to go home. It's not the sort of tip you can use on a regular basis but it's a good "out" on an occasional bad afternoon.

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[blackdog]

I think the advice offered by Spiritual Emergency was spot on, I especially liked the migraine tip, migraines seem to be more easily understood and empathised with than any sort of mental health problem.

 

[maudikie]

Jenny C.

If you are working in a big concern they may have a welfare officer you could talk to. If it is a smaller place could you talk to your boss and explain your problem. That of course depends onwhat the boss is like. Some are very good and sympathetic.

 

[maudikie]

Jenny C

Have you seen your G.P. or asked him for a referral to the Mental health Team. If you are unable to work because of your mental health problem then they should help. You should get Benefits, and some occupation that is not so demanding as employment.
With regards to your mortgage, at present there are hundreds of peole in difficulties on that score. Soc you could ask about help with that from an adviser who specialises in how you can get help with that.
Best wishes, and I hope this will help.

 

[Danage]

I suggest you ease yourself back into the workforce starting with a part-time position. This would allow you to earn some income, build up a tolerance for "public exposure" and also, build your self-confidence.

That's good advice. I would certainly follow it, when I need to get a job.

 

[jamesdean]

I could not work to save my life, whot ever is going on in this world, every thing is upset down

 

[Danage]

I could not work to save my life, whot ever is going on in this world, every thing is upset down

I cannot work to save my life either.