Financial and Mental Stress Getting to Me.

Hi @qsin, welcome to the Forums. We haven't met before, I'm one of the Moderators, River9. I'm so sorry that you have been having such a difficult time recently with financial issues and your mental health. It is wonderful that you have been able to reach out here. I am just going to send you an email to check in with you tonight, as I can see that you may not be in a good place.

Hi @qsin,

Welcome to Forum Land. I can very much relate to the issues you are having with the disability employment services. I tried several of them and had horrendous experiences. They seem to just be a money making machine with no interest at all in actually helping people into employment.

I am extremely fortunate in that I was granted the DSP. Everyone at CL told me not to bother applying, but I went ahead and applied anyway and I got it. I recognise that this was most likely due to the fact that I had had a major workplace incident (involving police and ambulance being called and a workcover investigation being conducted). My psychologist at the time also wrote a very good report.

The rules around who does and doesn't qualify for the DSP totally suck and I know there are many people who fall through the crack where they don't qualify for the DSP despite having no realistic chances of getting into employment (at least not without a lot of support). It is so so so wrong.

I really wish I had a magic wand to solve this problem for you @qsin. I hope it helps a tinsy tiny bit to know there are many people here in Forum Land who can relate to the struggles that you are describing.

I can understand how you feel @qsin. I used to be on Newstart after being forced to resign (or be sacked) from a job I loved due to negative stigma and discrimination. I was extremely lucky and fortunate that I was considered 'disabled enough' to be granted a disability pension from CL after a few years. I believe they are very difficult to get, but I was lucky enough that the government department I used to work for produced a damning report slamming my employability so CL approved my pension based on that report. Life on CL can be very difficult, especially the cost of essentials like medication, food, clothing, rent and bills. The alternative is to apply for a sickness benefit (if you can find a medical practitioner to sign off on the necessary paperwork and medical certificates). When I lived out on my own, I paid small amounts of everything each fortnight via Centrepay. I actually got a wonderful surprise when I moved out in that I got all my rental bond back, plus I was credit for all my bills. These savings literally paid for my move.

I guess there is no magic formula for surviving on Centrelink, but know that there are many here that can relate to your struggles.

It all feels so hypocritical. I'm told to keep on surviving that I should live. And when I tell them what I feel I need to make that easier it gets ignored, I'm told I just need to engage more and be complient with medication. I'm given a weeks medication and then sent back on my way. It feels like a farse. I'm saying that people care. I'm sure they do, everyone in this thread has been very kind. It's the systems and institutions that don't care, if I go they lose one other tax payer.

Had to use my last centrelink payment on rent (was even short $20), so I have $0 in my account and I haven't been able to go shopping. I looked on askizzy for all the local services near me but I've used them in the last 3months so I can't use them again.

I had a conversation with my case manager about the symptoms I was having.
"I've been having intense moments recently, that's why I called on Friday"
"That's no good, how do you usually cope with them"
"I don't, I'm in anguish for hours and sometimes I'll tire myself out and I'll be able to sleep"
"That doesn't sound good for you, how's your medication?"
"I hate the side effects, but I've been complient"
"Okay"
"Do you offer any food vouchers?"
"I don't think so"

And then no more discussion on it. I feel so awful and no one can do anything about it, all they do is promise me that it'll get better. I'm so sick of this.
I want this to end. And what's the point of posting here? It's not like anyone else here can help me. I don't even know why I'm even reaching out. No one has the ability to help me. They can sympathise, they can maybe offer a tip or two, but they can't help me. Thank you, but I'm literally out of options. My finance isn't good and I'm in mental anguish. I'm done.

Hi @qsin, I'm up late tonight and saw your post. I may be here for a while if you are still awake and want company. Feeling for what you are going through.

Pity that being compliant re medication comes up too quickly in the conversation.

I hope that better discussion around life and options come your way.

A way I used to kick smoking was to be able to hang onto that last cigarette but not use it. I have also used that psychology on myself re suicidal ideation. I have the means but can life and I get it together enough so that I dont really want to use it....

@qsinI came from poor immigrant family and financial stress does make it harder. By Far.

Life is not a level playing field, but I do hope you find your own reasons to stay.

Apple