Hi, my name is Sarah

mercurybell
mercurybell Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
I'm currently seeking some advice, for financial advice from people who have had similar mental health issues to mine and have either given up work or considering doing so

Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi and welcome to the community Feel free to join in or ask any questions 

    There are lots of members here who will be able to help you I'm sure 

    Please just ask your questions 
  • mercurybell
    mercurybell Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Hi, thank you so much. I am currently having a really bad time with depression and it is really starting to consume me again. However, I am taking steps to change and control the things which I know are having a direct impact on that.
    I need to leave my job. I do not feel fit enough to look for anything else at the minute and I need time to heal myself physically and mentally.
    Like everybody else, I need financial help to do this and just wondered if anyone else on here has been in this position and can advise?


  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    First of all I wouldn't just quit your job I would take sick leave in order to have some time away and if you are eligible you will get statutory sick pay SSP for 28 weeks 

    Also get referred to oh for work place assessment 

    I would also look into company policy relating to medical dismissal as there may be a severence package 

    If you do leave without knowing your circumstances it's hard to advise on benefits so I would suggest you use a benefits calculator found on gov website and enter your details 

    If you enter them as if you are not working it will tell you what your likely to be entitled to 

    I had to give up work 5 years ago from a 35 year career in HR so I understand your situation and benefits can be a minefield 

    We are all here to help and support and advise 
  • mercurybell
    mercurybell Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Thanks, I'll do all that. 
    It's not overwhelming as such but I just need to not do anything to 'sudden' without researching what is the best for me and my family first and possibly losing out on some assistance because I've gone about things the wrong way!
    I work part time, unsociable hours and my Husband is self employed so none of this is straight forward! What is?!
    Thanks again, I may be back!
  • SueHeath
    SueHeath Online Community Member Posts: 12,388 Championing
    Hi @mercurybell welcome to the club - please take the advise from all the above, do not just leave work either, go on the sick for now x
  • mercurybell
    mercurybell Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Hi, thanks for that.
    So at the minute I'm on sick leave until near the end of the month.
    My Employers have been very understanding on the matter. 
    My Doctor has put me back on to fluoxetine after being off it for a year and I am going to get in touch with 'talking matters' and 'living well' who my Doctor has given me details for.
    I'm lucky that I have a sister in law who is actually a therapist who could put me in touch with some people too.
    I have 'alot' going on, issues that I realise are years old, right back to early childhood. Anxiety and lack of confidence that I can't explain to myself let alone others and I'm just sick of it but don't know how to change any of it!
    I'm 43 and I feel like I still didn't start life, I have a Husband and a child and now more than ever for my Sons sake I want to learn how to stop avoiding and fearing things that are just everyday things to so many others.


  • SueHeath
    SueHeath Online Community Member Posts: 12,388 Championing
    Hi, thanks for that.
    So at the minute I'm on sick leave until near the end of the month.
    My Employers have been very understanding on the matter. 
    My Doctor has put me back on to fluoxetine after being off it for a year and I am going to get in touch with 'talking matters' and 'living well' who my Doctor has given me details for.
    I'm lucky that I have a sister in law who is actually a therapist who could put me in touch with some people too.
    I have 'alot' going on, issues that I realise are years old, right back to early childhood. Anxiety and lack of confidence that I can't explain to myself let alone others and I'm just sick of it but don't know how to change any of it!
    I'm 43 and I feel like I still didn't start life, I have a Husband and a child and now more than ever for my Sons sake I want to learn how to stop avoiding and fearing things that are just everyday things to so many others.


    Bless you - I am really glad to hear that you are on the ball with this and getting the help and support you need x