Jobcentre Interview today - but they are going to be nasty about depression

[KitKats]

Have Jobcentre interview today with the same woman who interviewed me last time (ice cold, unfriendly, unsympathetic).

Been on income support for 18 months. I have been suffering from depression for many years and divorcing ex who was violent abusive. That's not going to make any difference to Jobcentre because they have a different job to do. Me and ex are still living together (long story) and position is stalemate - no one can move out until I get a job/remortgage and then give him his equity share. But I'm rock bottom, scatty, no concentration, bad sleep patterns, high anxiety, house looks like it been burgled - a reflection of my mind. Have 1 ds aged 10 who I devote most of my available energy to.

I saw my doctor this week who increased my meds and treated me for other depression related conditions. I don't want to claim disability because I do want a job but it is a corner I haven't turned yet because I am not well. Don't want to claim disability because I don't want that on my job records.

Any advice about how I can handle this interview. Thanks. (This was also posted in Chat section but it might be best here)

They are not allowed to be prejudiced against you because of depression. You woudlnt expect it if you were laid up with a bad back or diabetes. Depression is equally debilitating.

My advice - dont take any shit. I don't see how your depression is relevant to the interview anyway. They have the "have you been depressed" question on the CONFIDENTIAL Questionaires sometimes when you have a job interview but that is not supposed to be filed with your application. I think.

You don't want her sympathy, you want her to do her job and see what jobs are available/suitable etc. If she is funny about the depression, ask to speak to her superior and make a complaint.

but more importantly than that BLOODY WELL DONE for getting yourself back onto the job market. Its a big step but it is definately something positive - it will help your self esteem no end. Its not something i could do at the moment so i really admire you GO FOR IT.

Thanks LEMum, its good to have some validation. I will bear all that in mind at the i/v. I think I will try and say some positive self-talk before on the way to the i/v.

The interviewers have a way of making me not feel believed, possibly because they have heard every excuse in the book.

kitkats, i know what you mean, they probably HAVE heard every bullshit excuse in the book, but who are they?> they are not god!! You know what you are telling them is the truth, ijust think you should focus on the positive, you have loads to offer