Anxiety or Stress!

ADSummer2024

Hi,

I’m new to Scope, so forgive my intrusion as I’m a bit scared today.

I’m currently experiencing enormous stress during moving, losing my old mom as well as friend and the DWP breathing down my neck causing much confusion, which has left me overwhelmed.

I came from ESA and higher rate PIP. I find UC extremely difficult to grasp because of having to give dates, passwords etc etc etc. This leaves me bewildered.

I have no idea what is actually going on or my financial position is. All I know is I mentioned the dream of being self employed and they have taken this as being able to pursue this, however I have serious doubts given my physical disability and mental health. Yet it excites me. I fear losing everything if I fail.

I’m having a bad day, with basically being detached from reality. It is scary and exhausting.

I see a therapist in regard to stress as symptoms cause my head to fry making me spaced out and struggling. For example, two weeks on I still have no internet as there is a fault with the telephone socket apparently which means I could be without communication with people. I have a phone but my arthritic fingers find it a struggle, so I usually only use a phone for emergencies. I have had to inform people of my changed addressed, which has been chaotic. I don’t know how or why I get into such a mess.

I don’t know anymore. I feel such an idiot as I would normally be able to deal with things much better, just a few years back.

Don’t get old!

Sorry for the life story, I’m just venting, so no need to reply folks. I only hope others with health problems have had a smoother transitional period I believe it is called, regarding UC.

My best wishes to anyone being overwhelmed and scared.

Advocatemum

Let people help!

Make an appointment with the disability advice service in your area.

Also make an appointment with universal credit (in your local job centre). I am suretjey will help.

JF7891

You can do this! Remember with UC, you can apply for mostly the full amount of a month in advance (pay back up to 24 months interest free)!

fionaCam

hi!

You are obviously needing help with UC. Call citizens advice.

I hope this helps

Nadienne

It's completely understandable that you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed 👉️ Remember, you're not alone. Many people face similar difficulties.

Marymoss

Hi,

I’m so sorry you’re going through such a hard time… I can empathise. I don’t know your full circumstances but if you are of the age to access Age UK, they can help you enormously. Like many chronically ill folk, I didn’t think I would qualify for attendance allowance but they told me I was, and then filled out the forms for me via telephone.
I was awarded the highest amount which has since enabled me to improve my health immensely - eg buy a circulation machine I could never have afforded before. Please reach out for help from citizens advice, Age uk - plus any local advocacy services.
All best wishes 🕊️🙏🏻

ocean

As a counsellor ...you are not alone,Citizens Advice are very good I have used them myself.

Reach out to UC on the phone or in person , quite supportive.

lifetough23

All people being put under stress by this people making us so sad ! @ADSummer2024 I get u I'm now 85 weeks since I first applied for pip. Only after winning appeal thinking that's over ! No they are asking for statement of reasons x I can't cope any longer 😞 so sorry to you x

Ostia

Hello, sorry you are having a hard time. Can you find time to relax or maybe do something you enjoy? To balance the stress...

Re the DWP...I'm afraid they do pounce on any sign of being able to try work. Best not to mention it until you are say 90% sure you can give it a go. On the other hand you are showing willingness to.work...if you are under retirement age...so they will be pleased with that. If you seek.support as others said you can talk this through with CAB etc. I wouldn't overshare with UC at this stage...they have their own agenda and targets (even if they deny it)

Benefitsandwork.co.uk is a good place to check things out. You could also research what happens when you apply to start trying out work, applying for government training grants and also what happens if you have to step back for a while if it is overwhelming for you. Then you will have a handle on how the system works and it may not seem such a big scary unknown.

Best wishes, AA

Daffodil94

Hi there. I lost my mum a few years back and would advise that you give yourself time to grieve. I presume, as you’re sorting out UC and interacting with a Job Centre, you’re at home with some time to spare. So take 10 minutes out of your day to lie down, take some deep breaths and relax your body (set an alarm if you like). I would prescribe this 3 times a day. When you get up, I’m a great fan of lists. Write down what’s worrying you and throw it in a bin. Worry never changed anything. (Not that I’m making light of your very real concerns. It just helped me when I was like you.) Make a list of things you need to do and number them in order of importance with action about your health being a priority. You can get some online counselling through “Talking Therapies”. You don’t need a GP referral. Or, you mentioned you had a therapist, let them know you need extra help. Yes, use Citizens Advice Bureau or Google “help with benefits”. Both Job Centre and Universal Credit will be sympathetic to your situation. Take some time for all this before you think of returning to work. Ask your doctor for a sick certificate if you need a long time off. Most of all, be kind to yourself. You are not alone, as you can see by all the lovely messages above. Come back if you need to vent some more or need help. Let us know how you get on. We are a community and we’re glad to have you on board. God bless.

Albus_Scope

Heya @ADSummer2024 and welcome to the community. 😊

Firstly, I'm so sorry for your loss, it sounds like you have an awful lot on your plate right now, so I understand how easy it is to feel lost.

Feeling overwhelmed when dealing with UC is perfectly understandable, so please don't be so hard on yourself. I'm still learning everything about it and I've been here over a year now! I'd agree that speaking to someone at Citizens advice may be good for you as they can be super helpful when it comes to all things UC.

We're all here as a community to talk things through if you want. Or even if you just wanted a bit of a natter, we're all here for you.

Catherine21

I'm so sorry it is overwhelming just to say your not alone ❤️

ADSummer2024

Oh my, I wasn’t expecting such wonderful advice and support! I really can’t thank each of you for taking the time out to respond, so bless your hearts for sharing your touching stories and struggles.
i really don’t feel so alone now, such is your kindness.

Stress can make you very ill, as I have found out. Fortunately, I am very aware of how it is impacting me, so I haven’t gone completely off my head. Yet, ha!

I find it very moving you have taken the time out for me and I am ever so grateful.

Despite serious health conditions and mobility issues, I am determined to give self employment a try, certainly voluntarily at first. What I plan to do involves highlighting and promoting small animal charities and tackling loneliness in older age. Many people already do this but I can promote and broadcast such causes over the internet and locally too. I won’t give too much away, just in case my doctors think I am being crazy to undertake such a task, as my health is a serious issue. But as I have explained to a few folk, I plan on going out with my boots on.

I won’t be looking for financial gain but I will be striving to make a small difference within the community, when I can.

Any way, thanks again and I will update you all just after Xmas.

A virtual hug to each of you here.

Bless you and your homes xx