Hi, my name is Sarah

mercurybell
mercurybell Community member Posts: 4 Listener
in Start here and say hello!
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 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 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 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 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!
  • Libby_Alumni
    Libby_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,247 Empowering
    Hello @mercurybell,

    Welcome to the community and thank you for your comment. 

    Firstly, I think it's really brave of you to be so vulnerable and tell us about your situation, so thank you. It sounds as if things have been quite challenging for you lately. However, it seems as though you're being extremely proactive and taking control of you health, which is wonderful to see. You mentioned that your depression is starting to consume you again, please can you tell me what you mean by this? Are you currently seeking mental health support from your GP? It would be good to know if you're gaining the appropriate support for your mental health. I've collected a few mental health resources below, that I think will be helpful for you moving forward:
    With regards to your job and taking time away from it, to see if it helps your depression, I would firstly try to speak to your manager and let them know how you're feeling and as @janer1967 mentioned, see if they offer statutory sick pay, as it's good to assess all available support options. If you're interested in applying for benefits, GOV.UK have a few benefit calculator options on their website. You could also enquire to advice local, who can provide help with benefits, work, and money/housing problems.

    I hope the above resources help and please keep us updated on how things go. 

    Take care now and we will speak to you soon.

    Libby
  • SueHeath
    SueHeath 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
  • Libby_Alumni
    Libby_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,247 Empowering
    Good morning @mercurybell, 

    How are you today? I just wanted to check in to see how you're getting on and if you had made any progress with your job and making a decision about potentially leaving work?

    Please remember that we are here for you and if you do get a chance, it might be worthwhile looking into the above resources, to see if they can help your situation :)

    Take care now and we look forward to speaking to you soon.

    Libby
  • mercurybell
    mercurybell 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 Community member Posts: 12,388 Championing
    mercurybell said:
    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

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