I did.
I had to give up work back in 2010, so quite a long time ago. I have autoimmune disease which haven't ever stabilised.
At the time it was incredibly difficult as we had no benefits coming in at all.
Money was extremely tight.
First I got high rate PIP both elements
Then contributory ESA - in the support group, meaning they felt I would never return to work.
Then just recently UC - that has made a big difference to just surviving and now having a bit more money to be able to have some money to use for things which will help me manage my disability.
We have a mortgaged house, I was the higher earner. My DH has retrained to get a higher paid job as we could not have afforded it without him doing this.
My illnesses have gotten worse since 2010 and there is no way I can return to work. I am not capable of doing the job I trained hard for, and I cant see me being able to do any job now. My health is unstable and I spend a lot of time in hospital- so I cant see what I could do or who would employ me.
It is lonely, friendships do fall off and its difficult not seeing people every day and not being in a steady routine isn't good for mental health- though neither is burning out from pain and exhaustion trying to balance it all.
I do like to try and keep in contact with those who have stuck by me as much as possible. I try to keep to a good routine as much as possible. Have a healthy attitude to Internet and doomscrolling etc. Keep up with some easier hobbies.
Get dressed up even if I dont go anywhere to make an effort for myself.
Keep up with interests, keep my world as big as it can be.
Many people think PIP/disability benefits only should be used for treatments or therapies. I believe my health may have been better if I could have used them for this.
But I could no longer work. I simply was not well enough. So for years it went towards household bills. Now we are in a better position finally with UC changes and DH earning a bit more. I can now have private physio, a bi-monthly massage and pay for some private medical appointments. These have helped enormously.
But giving up work, even though it lead to years on the breadline was the only thing I could do at the time as my health completely failed me and I had no way to continue.
Im sorry this has happened to you. I dont know much about long covid. Is it something that Perhaps could go into remission if you take the time now to recover properly?
Thinking of a friend who had severe ME. She took 3 years off and really prioritised herself. 20 years later she is now a senior midwife and hasnt had another flare. She and i think if she had pushed on she would never have recovered.
Wishing you all the best.
In the first instance please apply for any and all benefits you are entitled to.