talkhealth forums

Hi,

I am really getting worried about the change in benefits. I have suffered with depression since I was 17 and have been on different types of antidepressants, I have been able to hold down a job until 1996 when I had a nervous breakdown and ended up in hospital, I have not been able to work since as I cannot concentrate for long with the medication I am on, I am also forgetting things and cannot mix with people anymore as this is one of the reasons for my breakdown, I once got my benefit stopped and had to go to a tribuneral which mad me upset and anxious, my sisters had to come with me, I got my benefit back but it was very stressful. I am so worried that I will have to go through all this again as they have sent me a form to fill in, I don't know how I am going to cope this time.

Hi

I am sorry to read that you are worried about recent changes to benefits and you are feeling anxious that you may have to go through the tribunal process again as you have recently received a form to complete with regard to your current status.

I can appreciate that you are finding this stressful and that you may fear that you will lose your current benefits.

The mental health charity MIND have some very useful information on the changes to benefits on their website and also can signpost you to local help - you can read more here:http://www.mind.org.uk/campaigns_and_is ... _find_help - and this government website may also be helpful:

https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/disability
.

I would also suggest that you have a chat with your CPN or mental health worker as they will be familiar with what is involved and hopefully will be able to support you through the process.

I hope that other experts will also post with further advice so do check on your post later for further replies.
Best wishes.