To fake having a disease, just because what I do actually suffer from is unheard of-even with doctors?

[XoticEngram]

I suffer from a sleep disorder which in itself isn't/shouldn't be a big deal. In the grand scheme of things compared to cancer, or some progressively deteriorating mental condition I am lucky.
However it does limit the work that I can do. Basically it is genetically impossible for me to fall asleep before 2-3 am so if I have to wake at 7am for a job that starts at 9am then its unworkable. If I was in a big city, this would not be a big deal but I live in Cornwall-a place with much reduced work opportunities.

As a consequence of this condition I have been claiming job seekers allowance for a long time. I have repeatedly tried to talk to Drs about it but in this country GPs are useless for sleep conditions and do little other than dole out platitudes about good sleep hygiene.

Now my job seeker advisor-who knows that I suffer from this condition- has rail-roaded me onto a 6 month work program placement which demands that I get up at 7am at the very latest.

Basically I have been put into a situation where I will have to endure 6 months of 360 degree hell with no respite whatsoever. I do not compensate any sleep I miss in the same way as other people. Being exhausted does not mean I fall asleep earlier.

Best case scenario- people on this work placement think I am belligerent and have an attitude problem.
More likely scenario- I incur damage to my health (in the form of excema like rashes-to start with) and succumb to alcoholism (something I have abstained from for over a year) and become a danger to other workers due to concentration problems. And end up receiving benefit sanctions on account of failing to meet the requirements of this program.

If I lived in USA and had easy access to a fire arm I might just turn my self off and experience Peace Perfect Peace.

Ive made an appointment with the Dr. It is unlikely that will be able to help me with what I actually suffer from so I am thinking strategically it might be better to say I am suffering from depression/psychosis in order to try and get myself on the sick. If I am forced to do this program this will probably be the result anyway as constant cortisol has a negative effect on any ones brain.

Please by aware-I WANT TO DO THIS PROGRAM. But the people who run it are unable/unwilling to work with me, refusing to acknowledge that the problems that cause unemployment are intrinsically complicated preferring to insist that a 'one size fits all' approach can be used for everyone. I think one of the people who runs it have an RAF feel about them, so they are probably full of militaristic virtue and belief in a regimented application of a hegemonic schedule in the curing of all of societies evils.
BTW- the name of my disease is Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. I doubt you've heard of it, but its a real thing

Xotic - you either need an official diagnosis and a note or you need to stop saying 'you're not what they're looking for'.

Working in a Wetherspoons for example has got to be better than JSA? Or Macdonalds? Supermarkets are open late nowadays - have you applied there?

YABU on a whole host of things.

Hedgehogs we used weighted therapy with our little boy too!!!

Sometimes you have to jump the hoops. Amytriptiline is a good first line drug because of its soporific effects. But if it doesn't work keep going back until you get something that does. It sounds like a course of cbt will fix it. Push for that

All I'm getting from you is excuses and can't be bothered.

Okay, so you aren't exhausted at the moment, but still can't be bothered to pursue a proper diagnosis and potential treatment?

Can you not see why there is limited sympathy for you on this thread?

I appreciate that you clearly have some self-image issues, and frankly most of us have to put on a work persona of some kind.

You need to be putting applications in for everything and anything that might be an option for you. It doesn't sound like you have been though?

There is a woman in my town who has the worst people skills i have come across, wear a face like a slapped arse constantly and yet she has two jobs! One in McDonalds and one in a local bar. She never smiles, says "how can i help you" or can i take your order" or please and thank you yet she remains employed by both companies. It always baffles me. But there is hope for you still OP!!

Have you tried the amyltriptaline?

I've heard of it OP. My ds has a sleep disorder and I read about it when reading about sleep disorders. They have a massive effect on health, are very disabling and what I'd be checking is if they come under disability so you can request reasonable adjustments.
Eh, you can work the placement but need a later set shift or later start time - eg part time.

What I don't understand is why, given you're not working and can presumably sleep whenever you want, you're not feeling alright at the moment.

I actually know someone with this syndrome and I agree it can be absolutely debilitating.

It's definitely worth being involved with a sleep clinic as they can provide neurological testing and all sorts of other things, which will help you get to the bottom of the problem.

From what In understand as a non-medic, ironically it may be that the medication that can be prescribed for depression may make a difference to this as well, but this is best doled out by a consultant, and it's generally better to take the branded version (e.g. Prozac) rather than the generic (Fluoxetine) as the latter is only about 75% efficacious, due to a slightly different formulation.

In the meantime, regardless of any neurological underpinnings, you need to find work that fits closely with your sleep cycle as, once again ironically, the improved self esteem that comes from holding down a job will begin to regulate your sleep patterns in a more useful way. I am not saying it is all in your imagination, I am saying it is a complex condition and small incremental improvements can tip the balance in your favour. Mood management is one of these.

My relative with this condition holds down a regular job but does need occasional bouts of sick leave to recuperate. However the relative is valued at work and is able to keep things under control most of the time in the same way that a chronic pain patient might do.

The fact is though that the mandatory work programme doesn't operate the hours you're looking for.
Your only option is an official diagnosis and looking for work within the hours your health permits.

This is actually a recognised disorder people. The OP hasn't invented it and she can't "catch up at weekends" because it doesn't work like that. She can't reset her sleep cycle, it doesn't work like that either.

I do agree that a proper diagnosis would help OP, the DWP aren't going to have a scooby otherwise. If your GP isn't interested in helping you then see another one another in some literature about the condition and what you've tried in the past that helps.

Op it does sound like you've written off working though, you might not fit a profile for bar work but have you actually tried? There are plenty of other shift based careers, care homes for instance are usually desperate for night staff and require few qualifications to get started. There's also plenty of them in Cornwall!

OP, this is a recognised, if rare, condition and if all your symptoms fit then I cannot see why you do not have formal diagnosis?
I understand that treatment may not be available through the NHS but there is no reason why a proper diagnosis cannot be determined and then presented to DWP.

OP I work at a hotel in Cornwall and we need staff for evenings. PM me if you want

It seems that plenty of other people have got a diagnosis - keep going back until you do.

Not a people person? Fine supermarkets need shelf stackers, warehouse staff etc.

I have never been given sleeping pills or been fobbed off with a diagnosis of depression by a Dr. They accept I have sleep issues and offer ways that I can help myself. They might not be able to fix it but they have never just brushed it off.

Tbf the posters have not said the disorder isn real they pointed out they need a diagnosis to get anywhere with the jobcentre

I'm certainly not disputing that it's a recognised disorder but unless the OP gets it officially documented she'll get nowhere with the job centre.

It's simply not the case that "the NHS isn't geared up for this condition". It is perfectly possible (and really not that uncommon) to get diagnosed and treated for circadian sleep disorders in the UK. Maybe if no Doctor will give you the diagnosis it's because you don't actually meet the diagnostic criteria.

She only has a diagnosis from dr google, she doesnt officially have this "disease"

I have a rare disease that actually does stop me working. I fought for years fr diagnosis while ill and raising chldren. The op just sounds bloody lazy to me.

OP amyltriptaline is an anti-depressant but it also affects sleep and is often used as a non-addictive alternative to sleeping pills.

YY. I worked in nightclubs throughout my yoof. I was ideally suited - my brain switches on in the evenings and I'm at my best :)

My shrink told me another patient of his found her niche as a croupier. She'd been an accountant but was getting royally screwed up by office hours. The new career was perfect for her!

I don't think anyone is saying that the OP doesn't have this disorder, just that there is a lot more she/he could be doing to get it diagnosed properly so she can adjust her life accordingly

Why can't you move to a bigger city?

Iamaboveandbeyond, bit harsh. If you had encountered someone working through this and trying to get sorted you might see it differently.

Even if the OP gets a formal diagnosis she can still work afternoons and evenings. If she starts applying for jobs (it seems she hadn't been) then she won't have the issue with the job centre.