Giving up work because of anxiety and depression?

[struggling11]

I have suffered depression and anxiety since the age of 11 due to childhood trauma and I am on medication for this, I've also had counselling, CBT etc.

I really struggle to work full time, I find I'm overwhelmed and I'm anxious every day because of it. I can't seem to manage my life well at all and my depression then goes off the scale. I go to work, come home, can't eat because I'm full of anxiety so I go to bed to sleep and give my mind a break.

Ideally I'd like to go to a 3 day week.

I'm in my late 20s, DH owns his own business (plumber, started business a few months ago and thankfully going better than expected).

However, we could not afford to live on me being on a part time wage and I've never claimed benefits and I'm not even sure I'd be entitled to any to help me as DH has an income.

I attempted suicide last year when I hit rock bottom, I enjoy going to work (social side) however the days and hours are too long for me to cope.

Is there anyone who could advise in this situation?

I’d speak to my Gp. Is it possible to get signed off for 2 days a week?

@Rainbowqueeen I think that would be on a temporary basis and I've been feeling like this for the past 4/5 years.

I just really struggle and find myself obsessively cleaning on a weekend and trying to find time for myself (to read or go swimming or anything that relaxes my brain).

I also don't get any sick pay.

Are you on medication? See a decent therapist? Looking for another job that doesn't make you so anxious?

I gave up work, was only doing part time hours. But like you, I've struggled with my mental health since childhood and found work made it so much worse. Could you take a break for a while, maybe get signed off for a month or so and use that time to look after yourself? Or leave your current job and look for a job that puts less strain on you?

You can't afford to do it, so it's not possible.

Could you change jobs to something that doesn't cause such anxiety?

Or to something that pays better so that you can afford to work fewer hours?

Is there any form of counselling or therapy that could support your engagement with work?

Was your mental health much better during periods of your life that you didn't work full time, such as when you were in education?

Is there anything you could do to reduce your outgoings? If you only worked 3 days a week would there be any savings in terms of commuting costs etc?

You might be eligible for PIP.

Sorry you feel like this, I don't think giving up work would help as it would leave you isolated particularly if you currently enjoy the social element of working. Do you enjoy the work you do ? Do you find it particularly stressful and rather than giving up work could you consider something which would not prey on your anxiety?

I’m not 100% on the process but think you need to get psychiatric help from your gp and apply for PIP then you may be able to get further benefits. I have multiple family members in this position unfortunately and working full time really isn’t worth your mental well-being. Hopefully someone in a professional capacity can advise your properly

@fourminutestosavetheworld

You can't afford to do it, so it's not possible.

Could you change jobs to something that doesn't cause such anxiety?

Or to something that pays better so that you can afford to work fewer hours?

Is there any form of counselling or therapy that could support your engagement with work?

Was your mental health much better during periods of your life that you didn't work full time, such as when you were in education?

Equally I've been in this position and sometimes you can't afford not to.

I did find it easier to cope with fewer, longer days. I worked 10h a day 4 days a week instead of 8 on 5 for ages. FT salary but with a day off in the week to help me cope. Could something like that work better for you OP?

It’s unlikely you would be entitled to income based benefits as your partner works but you maybe entitled to contribution based ESA. You would need a medical note declaring you unfit to work for the duration of this.
You could also apply for PIP but be aware that this is only awarded if the impact of the illness on your life is debilitating and you have medical evidence of this etc.
It’s unlikely that even added together these would compensate for a full time wage

I've been there OP, I eventually was allowed to go down to 4 days. When you take off tax it can not make much difference. I would actually prefer two part time jobs to 1, 5 days per week and I felt really trapped and claustrophobic working 6 days.