Depression and self-employment.

[shaketheshame]

I'm depressed, I'm low at the moment. I have had pnd before and now depression is still on. I'm reading Shout the damn dog (Sally Brampton)..it's her memoir about her depression and obviously I very much relate to her story...the difference she seemed to have not to worry about work.

I'm self employed so taking time off because I'm sick is not an option...it would be a catastrophe but what if I can't carry on..what will happen ?

I just read from another forum about a woman who told about her husband getting so depressed that he could not anymore work in his own business. The woman could not even mention the name of the company without her husband getting almost psychotic. The woman is trying to take control but is also thinking of selling it and starting again when her husband is healthy again. They have huge debts, too. I think you just have to see what happens and pick up pieces. Or as you still are able, make a plan for a very rainy day.

Poor woman ...I'm having a bad episode today because I'm ruminating a lot and feeling resentful. The worst is over (I hope) as I regain some sort of control..but I remember the days when all I could do was crying and pulling my own hair out but I had to carry on as no work = no money= unpaid bills = catastrophe...the pressure is enormous..

You CAN take time off sick! I am self-employed too - basically you can't get statutory sick pay, but if a doctor signs you off you can claim contributory ESA at the very least.

If you qualify for means-tested benefits, you can claim those too.

Contributory ESA isn't great, but it is something, so please don't think you can't get any help if you're sick.