Just had a breakdown and no idea what to do next

[Muffins34]

Posting for traffic in the hope that someone can gives me some guidance. It’s much appreciated in advanced.

I was badly beaten up several weeks back now. I still have physical injuries and I’m having panic attacks at the thought of going out in public again.

The stress is keeping me up at night and as a result I had to walk out my job last Monday. By Friday I had a very bad breakdown, sobbing uncontrollabley. I had an emergency appointment with my GP who told me I had PTSD and gave me a sick note to claim benefits as I’m not fit to work at the moment.

I am so confused. I’ve never claimed anything other than a single-person council tax reduction before.

Would any know what I’m entitled to? What do I claim for? Am I right in assuming I put in an online claim on the Gov.Uk website? Or do I go to the job centre?

Apply for universal credit online OP.

I am so, so sorry this happened to you. I hope you have enough support around you.

My DD went through similar and it might not feel it but it will get better. It takes time and help so don't let your GP just leave it at a sick note, ask for counselling. If you have support from someone IRL ask them to come with you and be your advocate.

In regards to applying, yes, you complete the online form. If you are struggling, the citizens advice bureau is really good at helping with this kind of thing.

OP you poor thing.

Practicalities- yes put in your UC credit claim online. As you're signed off at the moment, you won't be expected to look for work right now. You should be able to upload your sick note to your UC account- apologies it's a few years since I did this so can't remember the process exactly. You should be able to leave a message on there to ask for advice on this if need be. Main thing is just to get the claim going to start with anyway and then issues around the sick note and speaking to work coaches can be dealt with later. I did find them very helpful when I claimed UC when signed off before so I really hope you have the same.

Also I think the claim takes about 5 weeks but you can apply for a loan to begin with if that's necessary.

Have you got people around you? Has the Gp signalled any other support? Citizens advice is another good shout from the PP. you didn't mention who attacked you but I also found women's aid to be an excellent support.

Thank you.

I should add GP was very supportive and offered more than just a sick note. She’s already booked me in with the mental health nurse and I’m being put on the list for counselling.

Is it Universal Credit I’d apply for? Or some sort of sickness benefit, since it’s a sick note?

I’m looking on the Gov Uk website right now and it all just looks like a wall of text to me 😞

Is there any victims support near you that could assist you?

If it persists you can apply for PIP but it’s usually when it’s been a problem for three months or more. It’s a tricky benefit.
Start with UC and tell them you are too unwell to work. They can assess your capability for work and make adjustments accordingly.

Also, you can apply for Criminal Injuries compensation

@Muffins34 it's definitely UC you need to apply for, others can give advice on PIP as I don't know anything about it really but UC is your starting point. Yes as part of the assessment UC considers your capability for work but because of your sick note, you won't be expected to look for work right now, and you won't be expected to go along to meetings etc. You will still have 'commitments' on your UC that you need to accept as they appear.

Glad to hear you have a supportive GP and hope you don't have to wait long for counselling.