Scared and Depressed - My Mom Died

My Mom died last month and I'm really struggling. I cared for her full time for about 4 years and my whole life revolved around her. I miss her, I'm really sad and I have a history of severe depression and anxiety, which has started again now.  I'm trying not to be anxious and stressed, and I'm trying to take one day at a time. But 10 years ago I was so ill I lost my job, my home, friends, everything. I applied for ESA and they didn't believe I was ill and I was treated so badly I tried to kill myself. I just wanted some help and support until I could get back on my feet, but they made me feel so bad that I've never really recovered. I was treated like a liar and I don't lie. I felt worthless and hopeless and I'm really scared of the benefits system now.

My Carer's Allowance ends next month and I have to apply for Universal Credit. I keep reading horror stories about Universal Credit on the BBC News and I don't know how I'm going to cope. Apparentely you have to wait several weeks before your payment comes through, but I have rent and bills to pay and food to buy.  It's really worrying me. My GP is going to give me a sick note so I can apply for ESA through Universal Credit, but I'm fairly sure I'll be found fit for work. Even though, on a really good day, I struggle to be around other people and I get severe sensory and information overload. Caring for Mom was really hard but I only had to see my Mom and focus on looking after her, not all the overload and anxiety of "normal" life.

I have a lovely boyfriend and he is trying to support me, but he is ill himself. He has M.E. and is exhausted and in constant pain, He also has undiagnosed autism and ADHD. He isn't getting any support from anybody except me. His GP gives him tablets to help his pain and anxiety, but that is all really. He won't give him a fit note for ESA so he has to look for work. So my boyfriend is being kind but can't do much to support me in a practical way.

I applied for PIP recently. Autism West Midlands referred me to a company who help people with autism apply for benefits. A man helped me fill in the form and can go to assessments with me (well we've requested a home visit but it may not happen). But he said the assessors don't have much understanding of autism and I may not get PIP or ESA. He said that because I look neat and tidy - even though I think I look terrible now, and I'm screaming inside. But nobody can see how I feel inside. My GP has referred me to Birmingham Healthy Minds for talking therapy, but the company who helped me fill in my PIP form said Birmingham Healthy Minds often won't help people with autism as they don't have autism training, and they may turn me away.

I just miss my Mom and want to grieve for her but I'm so stressed and getting more and more depressed every day. Even though I have my boyfriend, I feel so alone and everything feels too difficult right now. Does anyone have any advice on what I could do next, to help me in a practical way, or to feel less anxious or depressed? I'd really appreciate any help. Sorry for the long post :-(

Parents
  • Thank you all for your supportive words and kindness. It helps to know I'm not alone. I joined a group on Facebook that Martian Tom recommended and hopefully they can also help with my universal credit questions.

    I haven't managed to call or go to the Jobcentre yet. But I'm going to call Birmingham Mind later and ask about floating support. I don't know if they could help me. I had a support worker through Mind a few years ago but they discharged me after government cutbacks to mental health services. But maybe they could help me now because of my change of circumstances.

  • Glad you are connected with people who may be able to help with Universal Credit. is very knowledgeable about these things. 

    It sounds like a really good idea to contact Mind again - services change all time. If we keep contacting services about our needs they will realise the lack of support for autistic people.

    Healthwatch Birmingham should be able to tell you about all health and social care services in your local area. Again, if there are gaps for autistic adults it would be good to make them aware of this.

    Here are the links just in case you want to take a look: 

    Mind Peer Support
    https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/peer-support-directory/find-peer-support-in-the-west/#.W_T1cZHfWf0

    This page has links to different services in the West Midlands

    Birmingham Healthwatch
    https://healthwatchbirmingham.co.uk 

    Healthwatch are there to listen to what you like about services and what you think could be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, they want to hear about it.

    You can also speak to Healthwatch to find information about health and social care services available locally.

    It's a very tough time for you but remember, you are surrounded by people who care here (). 

Reply
  • Glad you are connected with people who may be able to help with Universal Credit. is very knowledgeable about these things. 

    It sounds like a really good idea to contact Mind again - services change all time. If we keep contacting services about our needs they will realise the lack of support for autistic people.

    Healthwatch Birmingham should be able to tell you about all health and social care services in your local area. Again, if there are gaps for autistic adults it would be good to make them aware of this.

    Here are the links just in case you want to take a look: 

    Mind Peer Support
    https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/peer-support-directory/find-peer-support-in-the-west/#.W_T1cZHfWf0

    This page has links to different services in the West Midlands

    Birmingham Healthwatch
    https://healthwatchbirmingham.co.uk 

    Healthwatch are there to listen to what you like about services and what you think could be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, they want to hear about it.

    You can also speak to Healthwatch to find information about health and social care services available locally.

    It's a very tough time for you but remember, you are surrounded by people who care here (). 

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