not doing well today. not coping well at work, partly physical, partly feeling overwhelmed. trying to go easy on myself but its not working. i should probably go back to my GP to see about getting my meds changed but i hate going because they seem to think i am stupid and i go to pieces when i get in and end up sounding pathetic. just want the world to stop while i get my head sorted :(

Dear Glynis,

Come on my friend, you are not pathetic or stupid. Glynis you have an illness.  I am not really happy today either. I have not managed to get out of my flat.

Like you I am thinking of going back to Doctors. Work is not fun at all, when you are not feeling well.

I am sick of leaving here i poverty.

Take care Paul

Dear Glynis, as Paul so rightly says, you are not stupid.  You are the client as well as the patient at the doctor’s so don’t let anyone make you feel like that.  I sometimes imagine a shield around myself when I’m not feeling strong.  The word ‘shield’ itself suggests strong which is the opposite of what I feel at the time but it helps me.  Acting strong (though goodness knows acting is tiring) often tricks my mind into feeling strong at least for as long as I need to act strong. 
Remember, ‘depression is the curse of the strong’.  You are strong Glynis.  You are particularly strong for going back to your doctor when feeling not so strong.  It would be all to easy to not go. 
I would say you’re clever and brave.  Take care and beat away that inner critic.  If I’m being hard on myself and calling myself names I remind that I wouldn’t speak to a friend like that (or indeed anyone) so why speak to myself like that. Helen

Hi Paul, sorry you’re feeling down. To be honest, it was flippin awful outside today so don’t be too hard on yourself for not getting out.  I nearly got blown away and I did get very wet.  Umbrellas were pointless!  I do wish you had a TV though Paul for some idle distraction. Could you not get a grant for that? Helen

Helen

No one wants to help in my situition. I have tried to get a grant, what did they say, no because you dont get goverment benefit.

Aww bless you Helen, I should of been there to save you from being blown away. Aww getting wet in the rain is no fun either. Wind was mega strong here as well. My old windows were banging. 

How was your day at work?

Helen,

I am looking at all areas to move to, I don’t want to stay in this flat much longer.  I have been looking at a place called Knottingley. Seems a good hotbed of jobs in this area plus only 59 miles back to brid.

Asda is close at 4.1 miles Morrison is either closer at .4 miles from flat I have seen. Rugby league is close as well.

I know its all a big ask.  No one calls me and no one visits, so whats the whole point in living here.  At least at asda I can get some cheap clothes.

I just have to be careful with illness, but working with different people should help

I think at least   Take care Helen

Morning Glynis,

I hope you are feeling better today. Glynis you are a briliiant person with a massive kind and caring heart.

Have a good day at work

take care

Paul

Morning Helen, Boo Peep)

How are you today? I think you are a light to us all. Big thanks with all my heart.

Have a brilliant day at work, la la la it’s Tues Singing bang bang on the drum sing sing Let’s all start the Band Depression can Be fun Allstars.

God be with you

Paul

Hello Paul

I am feeling more positive today. I am working at home until 12 and then have to go into work for a meeting, so not too bad a day today. I have my counselling session tonight, so that usually lifts my mood and makes me feel more positive.

The sun is shininig here again today after yesterday’s terrible wind and rain. What is it like where you are?

Take care
Glynis

Hello Glynis,

The sky is blue Bless Bless the Lord Goodluck for tonight

Mr Sun in the Sky

Take care Paul

one step at a time you guys !!!! you all sound very supportive of each other so you can’t be bad /stupid /useless people.  you are all there to rally round so c’mon keep going- its a new day and even if it started off rubbish maybe, just maybe there is aglimmer of light now ??? find something you love doing for YOU ! Indulge yourselves as you are all lovely people..get out a good book/go for a favourite walk and enjoy the fact that you can do it. this will pass. Don’t be hard on yourselves .
best wishes
Kate

hi Paul and Glynis!!!
great to see this kinda support you two give each other. I feel happy to see you all having a positive attitude, this boots my attitude and makes me feel good. anyway have a great day!!!

Hello Meganjo,

It’s really nice to hear from you and welcome to the forum.

How are you feeling today?  Makes me feel good inside knowing I have some good friends on this site. In Fact we are all friends.

I hope to hear from you soon

Paul

Hi larma. How are you today? Rain rain its raining cats and dogs. Back still a bit sore. Best plan of action is to look for a different career. Have a good day paul

Hello Paul,

Have you tried using your back and or depression to get yourself registered a disabled?

The reason I think you might be able to comes from the following quote from the DirectGov website:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HealthAndSupport/MentalHealth/DG_10023351

“Many people think a physical or sensory impairment is a disability and a mental impairment is not. But if you have a mental health problem you may be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act.”

If you can be registered disabled (ask your GP, local council or citizens Advice Bureau) then when your looking for work you might wan’t to target firms that are particularly in favour of employing disabled people. The following is again taken from the DirectGov website:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/LookingForWork/DG_4000314

“About the disability symbol
The disability symbol is made up of two ticks and the words ‘positive about disabled people’. You will see the symbol displayed on job adverts and application forms.

If an employer uses this symbol, it means they are positive about employing disabled people and will be keen to know about your abilities.

The symbol is awarded by Jobcentre Plus to employers in England, Scotland and Wales who have made commitments to employ, keep and develop the abilities of disabled staff.

The five commitments
Employers who use the disability symbol make five commitments regarding recruitment, training, retention, consultation and disability awareness.

These commitments are:

•to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities
•to discuss with disabled employees, at any time but at least once a year, what both parties can do to make sure disabled employees can develop and use their abilities
•to make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment
•to take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work
•to review these commitments each year and assess what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans

Ask at your local Jobcentre for information about employers in your area who have been awarded the disability symbol.”

I hope the above is useful to you.

Karma

Karma

Thank you for your support, just back from Puds. I am going to look into what you have told me.

Once again were would we be without a great friend on this site. Hats off to you my friend, with all the support and encouragment.

I hope you are well today.

Mega thank you

Paul