Health and social welfare problems

LegacyUser

In the last year I have developed a fear of the outside world due to an anxiety disorder that seems to run through the family. The only problem is I have the most severe anxiety as it's basically left me housebound. I am scared to go anywhere without knowing i'll be able to quickly get home so without a car, bike, ect.. I'm completely useless and just can't fight the fear the panic attacks have over me. Even going to the local park about 1 minute walk from my house is a challenge..

I am on jobseekers allowance and missed a meeting with the social welfare partly because of my anxiety issue and they have now completely stopped by claim unless I go for a meeting on Monday which i'm not sure i'll even be able to make it given my condition.

First of all how can I get help with my anxiety disorder and what should I do about the SW?. I'm only young and want to work but really don't think i'm fit for work right now until I get some kind of help anyway..


Thanks....

njs030

You need to see a gp about your anxiety and maybe ask them for a letter to take to sw- you might have to change your payment if you're unable to work. You will have to attend a meeting at some point so maybe you could ask someone to go with you?

Gatling

First port of call should be your doctor and get seen to and start a treatments plan ,

zef

Hi, I have a similar anxiety disorder, you really need a bit of support with getting out and about, it is really horrible to dread an appointment days in advance.
I suggest you explain on Monday how difficult you found worrying and getting to the meeting, and make an appt with your GP to get help or referral and to maybe write you a letter saying you were unwell for you missed meeting.
About 1 in 4 patients attend a GP for Mental Health Issues, so it will not be something they have not heard before.
I find getting everything I need ready in advance the night before an appt helps. Maybe bring some music you like for the journey, helps stop negative/ anxious thoughts.
If you don't go, It will just compound your anxiety even more, and be harder to claim any back monies that you may be owed. The sooner you get some support the sooner you can address it and get on with your life. Good luck OP.

Ryan Mac Sweeney

Hi
I have read your post. I am really sorry to hear what youre going through. I would say ita horrible for you to live like that. You should go and see your GP straight away and explain your anxiety to him or her and ask for a refferal to a psycarist or if the waiting list is too long then you need to go on medication. Also with you being on job seekers and if youre looking for work you should contact your Local Enterprise Office and see if they have any training courses that you could do which will help you get a job. You definitely need professional help and the sooner you get it the better. Also I would suggest that you get consuelling and talk things through with someone would also help.

JuliusCaesar

You could try these people too: Out And About

LegacyUser

as well as gp check out Claire Weekes books