Bipolar, Centrelink and finding a job. Advice?

[LolyWorm]

Hi everyone,

I've been a long time reader, but haven't posted here for a long time. I am after help, advice or just a few words. Honestly I feel very al one with my issues because I don't know anyone with any mental illness and it's very alienating.

So I've had depression and anxiety since I was 15, diagnosed at 17, then when I was 25 I was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar type 2. I've been trying to get my own business going, but it's slow obviously, so in the meantime I looked into getting on the disability support payment through Centrelink. It was rejected and I'm now on Newstart allowance (I absolutely loathe being on Centrelink by the way).

In November I had another relapse which included bouts of violence, anger, mania and severe depression. I'm still not back to what I was earlier last year, but I'm very slowly getting there. So I want to start finding a job part time job again to help me out until I can get back to work on my business.

So I ask, how did anyone here find a job, or keep one with any mental illness and have your dealings with Centrelink been as discriminating as mine? I've basically been called a liar because I'm a very good actress and put on a brave face in public, when I rarely go out. And one woman from a job support centre actually told me to suck it up.

My psychologist and psychiatrist recommend I only work 10 hours a week, which seem so low I won't ever find a job that's under 20 hours a week.

Sorry for the long rant! And thanks in advance. 😊

[white knight]

Hi lolyworm, welcome, thanks for posting.

Have you considered NEIS with your business, thats if Centre link still has the scheme?

I have bp2, depression and my endurance with my business was ok because l worked alone with the hours l chose. Had l had a shop for example with set hours I'd be in trouble because my commitment level varies daily. I'd tend to go in hard for a few months then lose my enthusiasm. Mania is like that.

If your doctor doesnt believe you can/should work more than 10 hours a week how can you run a business.? Just curious. Perhaps consider putting your business on the backburner until you have secured a part time job.? 20 hours might contravene your doctors advice but some 20 hour jobs arent as mentally taxing as some 10 hour jobs. This is why l think you need to be flexible and display such to recruiting staff.

Tony WK

[Debzmite]

Centrelink are pigs! I had the assessment with a so called psychologist and after telling her about my depression and how I rarely leave the house she asked how many hours I think I can work. I stupidly said 15 hours, wondering how I could do that and was swiftly rejected!

Ive been told they reject majority claims first up. It's bloody hard to get disability, it's a joke!