Disability employment services

I do try getting a job as stated ,get medical certificates but still look and apply for work.I can't see where these job agencies are accountable.I can't take the hopelessness of it.I can't see where the DES providers are or who they actually help.I get angry every time you hear their advertisements on the radio or television.I don't have the answers but there must be a better system.I didn't want to get another medical certificate in October but after three days off it was stressed out and with the depression and anxiety I have which affects me on general at least 3 days a week knew it was Hopeless.I wish the Government didnt take away from people the opportunity to do courses to take off the burden off job seeking as study can help mental illness and is a form of rehabilitation.It is a better way than putting unnecessary pressures on people who aren't well or capable to meet job requirements or do work.I left full time work of 20 years or more 4 years ago because of "burn out"symptoms and bullying .You can't be forced to look for work or do work .Only you know how you feel and what you are capable of.

Had a meeting with DES provider today it was with the planner. I broke down. She wants me to get letter from Dr. stating I'm still unfit for work. She also said I should apply for DSP. I don't know what to do. Feeling awful not coping.

Hi

Ma60

I am glad to read such strong advise and can't resist the opportunity to re-iterate. Simply and somehow continue to fight on. I am also glad to hear that others have been succesful in their bullying claims - I was not. The lies and further treatment were utterly horrific although I had thorough documented evidence about the never ending abuse and harrasment.

I have been fortunate to return to work and somehow dismatle the sh@# about my capacity, 2 years on and I am still battling it, it will go on forever! Anyway part of my role has been to support people through the Centrelink claim horrors - Anyway most of the information posted is pretty correct although, the next major issue is a gov't that is tightening the regulations regarding any sort of pension claim - particularly disability.

From my experience in supporting someone (age 44) who was knocked back with - an ABI (brain heamorrage), cognitive impairment post stroke and depression....what the?. It was about locating an Advocate - (me) in this case, to actually ensure that the person met all the guidelines. It is not about anything to do with individual needs - suicidal ideation, cognitive impairment, constant issues with depression or whatever!!! It is about ticking the boxes - Just find a health professional who gives enough of a damn to verify what theboxes are and prove your case accordingly.

Lotsa luv Bast

@Ma60

Try and keep your chin up. It sounds like the DES Provider gave you some good advice. I know it is tiring and wearing. Next time you go in take someone with you for support so if you break down again, you will have someone to back you up.

A medical letter is more concrete than a medical certificate because it states "in detail" what your condition is and how it affects your health. A medical certficate is general and only states that you are unfit to work for a certain amount of time. You need your doctor and a mental health professional to outline that your condition is permanent and how it affects you in explicit detail. They will be willing to do that for you, no doubt.

Try and have the courage to apply for the DSP with Centrelink. I know it is a lengthy document and you may have to apply more than once, but it is worth it. It's tough dealing with Centrelink as they have to act with no heart. There are always blows and knock backs, unfortunately it is how the system works. I had to apply more than once to be successful.

I hope this has been some help.

Hi Li1

Yep just suck it up is the theory of life. Never show how distressed and upset you are otherwise - they will make certain that you actually are. I am sorry that you are struggling, for me, I have gotten so good at the role in the melodrama otherwise I willl get the 'do you have the right to be here?' routine.

Discrimination is alive and on rampage in my workplace.

Take care of you

Lotsa luv Bast

In reply to this it's easy to say "suck it up" ,hard to do.I would love to be able to suck it up so I'm not full of anger and severely distressed that is beyond my control at times.I was having a bad time when I wrote before.The Dr put me on the contraceptive pill last week due to being aged 44 approaching menopause (made me feel great!) and having continued depression all of the year.I look for work as stated.I agree with Former Member.In the 4 years unemployed due to mental illness the best medicine for me would be to get a job.The psychologist talks about DSP and I'd rather be dead,and rather it was left for people who need it.To Bast Contributor,yes good advice,hard in many circumstances when you put up with difficult people. We all dream of a happy ending,mine is to regain the feeling of self worth that work brings. I would rather not be sitting here feeling like I am role playing a victim.