topic Disability Employment Service problem in Welcome and orientation

Disability Employment Service problem

Freespirit — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 14:36:48 GMT

Hi everyone, I was sitting with my phone for 3 hours or so. I called this number then I realized I was too close to speaking to somebody. Then I totally chickened out. I am not brave enough to even make this phone call. I don't know - maybe others have a similar experience. I don't even know if I can properly communicate with people. By the way, I am on Newstart Allowance and am required to go to one of the Disability Employment Service providers. This was arranged because I have depression. It seems none of the staff there have a clue about mental health issues and I always feel miserable or intimidated. They are like prison guards. I don't know who came up this crap of system. Nothing works really. Sorry for the rant.

Disability Employment Service problem

white knight — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 14:57:20 GMT

Hi freespirit welcome

So is there anything specific we can help you with?

Tony WK

Disability Employment Service problem

geoff — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 19:25:42 GMT

hello Freespirit, it's never easy talking with someone you don't know on the other end of the phone because you're certainly not alone.
I was the same after I rang Lifeline, the first time an ambulance was called and took me to the hospital, so I was always reluctant to ring again, even though they do a fantastic job and have helped an enormous amount of people.
I was told by Centrelink when a new government came into power to go to a job agency to see if there were any jobs that would suit me, but at that stage I was still suffering from depression and was also an alcoholic, self medicating to try and get me through the day, but I was fortunate that the person I spoke to backed off and understood where I was standing.
I would suggest going to another provider which you are allowed to do, and hopefully someone will then understand what you're talking about. Geoff.