Mental health what to do

[Clarkey2345]

I've suffered anxiety and depression for 5 years now and also panic attacks the GP has prescribed me medication and it's not working its difficult to leave the house with my anxiety, i recently had to attend a medical assessment as i am on ESA for my anxiety and depression and now have to wait for the decision of wether they find me fit for work although i know what there decision will be i am worried i won't cope when they find me fit for work.

Clarkey the most likely reason for your mental health difficulties are related to your relationship and meds aren't going to sort that out. I think you already know that, but for whatever reason you aren't able to get away from your abusive partner. I hope they don't stop your allowance but on the other hand it might help if you get put in the work related activity group so you can get out of the house and meet other people.

I would like to be put in the work related group as it would help to get me back into the work environment not just stopping my money and saying go and get a job but i already know there answer i just have to wait for that phonecall to say i am fit for work.

I'd be hoping for the support group. The work related activity group treats you like someone who just isn't trying hard enough. You get less money per week and only get contributions based for a year.

I've just been through this process and was lucky enough to get support. I'm doing a few hours of volunteering a week and have joined a social group for people with anxiet issues to start getting me out of the house.

Hi CloakAndJagger where you also on ESA and might i ask what you were on there for if you don't want to say that's ok, i went on Tuesday last week but haven't as of yet had a phonecall to say wether i am fit for work or wether they will keep me on ESA but to be honest i know exactly what there answer will be and i am worried how i will manage when they say i am fit for work when i don't yet feel ready for the work enviroment.

Hi CloakAndJagger I spoke with ESA today and passed my medical assessment and they have now placed me in the support group i am very happy with the result of the assessment and feel they have listened to what i have said about my anxiety/depression.

Excellent news! Glad to hear they've done the right thing.

Do you think you could still look into things to help you get you out of the house? My local area has peer support and chat groups etc for folks with MH issues and it's good to be able to get somewhere.

They do freedom programme courses or anxiety courses you can access through your GP also so may look into that and see what they say because my anxiety at the moment is bad and i really worry about my health also.

Could you work from home or do something that won't trigger your anxiety?

I'm off work at the moment with anxiety but can't envisage going back into office environment. I'll be trying to do something from home. Could this be an answer?

Not right not as i need to concentrate on my anxiety/depression

What do you mean by concentrate on it? That's meant in the loveliest possible way!