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Post by xxxxxxx on Aug 14, 2013 19:56:38 GMT
Hi guys,
I'm becoming increasingly aware of something lately, and I kind of wanted to vent it here, and see if anyone else is in a similar position. I've recently been taking part in a Dialectical Behavioural Therapy group (a bit like CBT, originally designed for people with Borderline Personality Disorder). I've made fantastic progress in the group and it's made a huge, huge difference to both my state of mind and my outlook on mental health in general.
Feeling better has led me to, after struggling with my last job towards the end, getting back into full time work. I'm absolutely loving my new job so far, and it's much more enjoyable than my last one. It's also better hours (9-5 rather than shift work) and in a much nicer location. I think I'm going to be okay. I have so much determination for this job to work out, and I also have medication to keep me on an even keel.
However, something that I think is a real issue, is the jump from not working (having the time and opportunity to go to therapy appointments, specifically) to working. As soon as you get into a 9-5 job, in my experience, you just aren't able to access much support. Yes, you can still see your GP, but my old therapy session was 1pm-2pm on Wednesdays.
The point that I'm getting to, is that I really think there should either be LOTS more support available at weekends or evenings (whether that's therapy or counselling) or a dedicated scheme to carry on supporting patients after they've started full time work. Most people are in such a vulnerable position when they go back to work - especially if they've been off long-term.
What are people's opinions on this?
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Post by Toni-Louise on Aug 16, 2013 10:07:38 GMT
Hmm. I guess I never really thought about this...although I did have to stop my EMDR when I started back at Uni because I was in lessons during my usual appointment time and she didn't have any other times available...not that I really cared I HATED her and the therapy and was glad to be rid of it...but I guess if I had continued maybe I would have made more progress and may have been able to drive by now...since I may have been able to get over my fear of starting driving lessons again...but I do know some places are open later because I went to counselling when I was in school and that was later on...about 6 maybe...but anyway sorry for rambling it does seem pretty crap and you should still be able to receive help because obviously you will still be in a very vulnerable state and the last thing you need is for your mental health to affect your new job.
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Post by Joel on Aug 19, 2013 6:31:56 GMT
Employers should by law make allowances for therapy appointments etc. mine are great with it even if it changes at short notice they release me to go to any appointments and still pay me.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2013 11:41:53 GMT
Joels Right! (Again!!) If you speak to your manager and explain the situation they have to let you go for the appointment. They may ask you to come back to work afterwards or they may not. But if you try and get it written down the times and dates for them then their usually pretty lenient.
I do agree though there should be more support available on weekends and later in the evening but unfortunately thats down to 'budget'.
Hope this helped.
x
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Post by Bex on Aug 19, 2013 16:29:28 GMT
Aaaand I was just about to write what Joel has written.
Absolutely spot on. A company has to make allowances for appointments like this AND still pay you. They're not allowed to discriminate, especially as a mental health disorder is covered under the 'Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This states that allowances must be made for you and your disorder, in order to make a more comfortable working environment for yourself.
On the other hand, I know that some people don't want to tell their employers where they're going, which can make going to appointments quite difficult. The thing I would suggest there is befriending a mananger or supervisor and letting them know in confidence. If you don't want others to know and they ask you where you're going just explain it's a weekly doctors appointment. No one delves much further than that!
There should be more help during evenings and weekends, but this is (as Keeley said) a budget issue. We all know how stretched the budget is at the moment, as there's not enough funding for MH services as a whole. Hopefully, one day, things will change and we can get that support during weekends.
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Post by xxxxxxx on Aug 19, 2013 18:56:06 GMT
To be honest, work is pretty much like my therapy right now anyway  it keeps me really busy and I've already made a good friend there who I can speak to about mental health things. It works for me. I just know it's not as easy for others. |
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Post by Bex on Aug 21, 2013 9:35:30 GMT
I can imagine actually. I had a good sob last night because all I want is a job that I can leave my house for, socialise and not be stuck indoors all of the time. Unfortunately, that's not likely for me any time soon, but I can imagine exactly how a job could be like therapy.
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Post by Paul on Aug 21, 2013 18:33:10 GMT
I agree Carla, I need the structure that work gives me, I'm off at the moment and my condition is getting worse, I can't wait to get back in a couple weeks time.
It took me ages to find a job that I could cope with and would enjoy, the money isn't great but the job satisfaction is there.
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Post by mia on Aug 28, 2013 8:58:41 GMT
Joel and Bex are right, companies by law shouldn't discriminate, but that doesn't mean they don't. I lost my previous job because of needing time off for appointments all the time. It was at the time of a major episode, I was signed off for a month and then put on a gradual return to work, and was being regularly monitored by the hospital. Work were sympathetic for a while. But when it took longer than they would have liked for me to get back full time, the sympathy ran out and I was basically paid off to leave (they gave me three months pay when contractually they only needed to give one), yeh I shouldn't sniff at 3 months pay, but I've still ended up jobless and discriminated against. I'm too scared to look for another job until I've completed all of my therapy (which is unlikely to be this side of Christmas). Someone high up in the company even stated she wanted people to take personal appointments out of their holiday!!
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Post by Michaela on Sept 2, 2013 22:49:03 GMT
Mia I honestly can't believe the ignorance of some people. Take it out of holidays???
You've already all covered the appointments issue, so there's nothing I can really add to that.
I do agree with what everyone has said about work being a form of therapy though. I need routine. When I went to uni was when things got really bad as I was only in an hour a day then went back to my halls room surrounded by people I wasn't friends with! I've learned to fill my time better now though and it's much better living with friends. But when it comes to Christmas and Easter and I'm sat in the house supposed to be revising I really struggle as I have nothing to push me, to get up for.
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Post by Katrine on Sept 5, 2013 20:01:16 GMT
A job, for me, is both a good and a bad thing. The 9-5 things makes it difficult in troubled times to seek help and in my case to spend time alone when I need to. I recently had to quit my job as a sales assistant, because I couldn't cope with always having to be "on". As a salesperson you cannot have a bad day. This was a really bad blow for me, because I really loved the store, my boss and everyone working there. Problem is, now that I am seeking new employment, I am getting even more depressed at the prospect of not having a job or any money, and worrying about the future. But I am also scared that I will not do well at a new job, because of my depression. So, it's kind of my little "circle of worrying" I've got a job interview tomorrow, for a temporary position, so wish me luck! |
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it keeps me really busy and I've already made a good friend there who I can speak to about mental health things. It works for me. I just know it's not as easy for others.
