Starting to relapse as I cant find employment.

Mental health
1

I think the title says it all. I was out of work for depression for over 2 years and over the last 6 months

I signed myself out of ESA and went back into the works pool. My old career was a major part of the reason I first went into my depression and as a result, I drew a line under that, turning my back on 8 years of being quite successful but it was a career that destroyed me every day. So, I went back to school.

Managed to get myself two betec qualifications and an industry specific license. All good, right? So, I applied for jobs. 6 months after throwing my CV at almost anything I can physically get to, Im still unemployed. And now I am at the stage where I am convinced I will never work again because of my depression.

Conversations with recruitment agencies always change in tone after I mention my reasons for not working recently. Obviously, they don't want to hear that and a pattern has begun to establish itself. Who are they gonna hire? The guy with no break in work and no history of mental illness, or, me?

Ever since that has hit me I have begun sliding back into depression, having dark thoughts and despair. and I am due to see my GP about that next week but my major reason for typing this is to ask the community;

Has anyone else been through something similar trying to find work after time off?

If so, any advice?

Are there any agencies that specialise in finding work for people with similar circumstances as my own?

Any advice would be greatly received.

Regards.

2

don't give up searching. I have been unemployed since 2011 but am still looking

and also studying to pass the time.  Even if you have mental health problems there is no reason you cannot find some sort of work.

Richard

3

Hi Richard.

The "Dont give up!" line is how Ive gotten myself through these past month and to be honest, its gotten me this far. But no further. Im not one for sitting around and waiting for things to fall on my lap (Not implying that you are ofcourse) Its just that I feel I have to be doing something it. The studying is a really good idea. But, how can I study if my only income is JSA?

4

admittedly I have dla but no other benefits or income although I am being helped by living with my parents for a couple of years.  But being on benefits maybe you could do a bridging course to get you back to work.  Sometimes benefits agency will support financially with this if it means you will get work at the end of it.  Even if the govt has made it harder I don't know what is currently available.

Richard