job centre interview

[hellz]

I lost my job about 2 months ago and since then have been pretty down and stressed about it so haven't yet done anything about it. But now my credit card is maxed and I have no money so I am going to the job centre tomorrow for an interview to claim jobseekers. However, I have BPD and as such my mood can change rapidly and there's days I can't leave my bed for fear of what I might do, so I really need to find a job that is flexible and understanding and I'm not sure how to get across just how important that is to someone that has only a vague idea of what my PD means if any. Do any of you have any advice on the best way to handle that? I hate speaking about my health problems even to doctors so my temptation will be to pretend I'm fine but I worry that of that's the case they will push me in to a job I can't cope with and I know that will leave me feeling even worse. Any input would be much appreciated, I have never had to use benefits before so it all feels a bit alien and stressful to me.

[roseblue]

Hi,
I've had a similar problem in this area. Your job interview is an over all interview to see which benefit would be best for your individual circumstances.
I would ask them to look at all options not just JSA. There are others such as Employment and Support allowance which helps you get back into work, even if it starts with volunteering. Then of course there are other benefits available, there are a lot, i don't know them all. If you can be open with your interviewer about your problems and they will direct you to the the benefit that would suit you best.
The route i took was i called up the DWP and asked about which benefit would suit me best. It ended up that i was able to fill out a form over the phone and this resulted to me in having a personal advisor after i was awarded ESA. ESA also includes a medical check, so if your interviewer tells you about this benefit ask them what does that medical check involve.
I was open and honest about my mental health and things have worked out well and i have not been discriminated.
I think the best way to approach this is, write down some main points or questions you want to discuss, go to the interview and come back and let me and everyone know how you got on. From there i feel i can advise you better. Is that ok for you?

P.s They are not there to judge you. Please do not worry about this.

[hellz]

thank you so much for your response roseblue, its really helped me know what I'm doing. I just feel so stressed about it to the stage im seriously thinking of taking an od tonight so im in hosp tomorrow and cant go. I hate admitting i'm weak and can't do what normal people do every day.

[roseblue]

You are welcome :). Please try not to do that and call a crisis team if you need but i do understand what this feels like. It doesn't mean you are weak, you need some support. As soon as it's done, that is another step. What about planning your day before you go to bed? Would giving you some structure help?

[hellz]

i think thats probably a very good idea, i shall possibly call nhs24. Maybe structure would help a little. Thanks again you've given me some really good helpful advice :)

[roseblue]

Did you get to your appointment? Are you ok?

[hellz]

That was the biggest waste of time ever felt damn good setting the wee stupid book the gave me on fire though.

[roseblue]

What happened?