need advice

Hi @mariaclare

It sounds like you have a lot on your plate and being the parent of a disabled child [now a teenager] myself I know it's stressful,  particularly all the appointments.

I'm wondering if you've got any support for yourself and/or if you've had any treatment for your depression/anxiety/PTSD - if not it would be well worth going to your GP and asking them to refer you for specialist counselling for your PTSD to start with, my guess is if you could start to tackle that then the depression and anxiety might reduce. 

The thing is that you need to get specialist support - support from the DAS [Depression and Anxiety Service] now called Talkworks I believe - won't cut it, they'll just say you are too complex if you have PTSD anyway.  Unfortunately not all GPs are that aware of treatment options for PTSD and will just write you a never ending prescription that doesn't really do an awful lot [I suspect] in terms of helping you feel less on red alert / depressed / anxious - because remember: these things are always as a result of what's happened to you rather than because there's something wrong with you... so if your GP is just fobbing you off then ask to see a different one.

You could also seek out support from your local CAB, they tend to be very pushed but it might be worth persevering as I suspect your benefit situation is quite complex and they should be able to help you.

The irony is that working would probably help you on some levels but it would need to be organised so you can have the time out to take your son to appointments etc.

I hope that helps.

Best wishes.

Emma