Centerlink Help

[Julian14]

Hi guys,

Need some help and advice not sure if this is the correct forum but oh well at least I'm doing it.

I have struggled on and off with Depression/Anxiety my whole life and lost my Dad and Job about 5 years ago and was off work for about 2 years and was good for a while and working again but then last year lost my job and was bullied at work last Sept and had a breakdown and went on centerlink for the past 6 months with medicla certificates, lost my cousin on Christmas Day who I was close with and helped me get through the death of my father and have had trouble dealing with as well. Centerlink knocked back another 3 months from my doctor and I met with the pscolgyst at Centrelink and she gave me another 4 months of not having to look for work to try and get better. This was a month ago and i saw an email from centerlink a couple of weeks ago that I have to do upto 8 hrs a week and I crashed and went in deep depression and couldnt deal with it and havnt spoken to centrelink and now I am freaking out that they are going to cut me off as i havnt done anything and can't bring myself to call or go in and see them. I have an appointment with them next wed and im freaking out that they are going to cut me off. Should I go in and see the Social Worker who I spoke with before or wait until the appointment. Don't know what to do. If I get cutt off I don't know what ill do.

Help please?

[blondguy]

Hi Julian

Centerlink protocols can be a serious pain as they have so many people to manage

If you have the opportunity I hope you can organise to see your social worker first thus showing initiative re your well being after being through so much in your life

Can I ask if you have been diagnosed with clinical depression by your GP/Psychologist? If you have bring the necessary paperwork to your social worker Julian

Any questions are always welcome

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

[Julian14]

Hi,

I was going to go in today to see the Social Worker but couldn't bring myself to go, going to get a friend to take me on Monday to see the Social worker, I have been diagnosed by my doctor and given a mental health care plan which I have already given to the Social Worker and Centrelink but will take in again on Monday.

I have moved house and need to change my psychologist and have new mental health care plan done up as the old one is too far away. It just takes time to get all this done when you are suffering from severe anxiety/depression.

Thanks

[blondguy]

Hey Julian

when we have depression.......motivation can fly out the window.....I understand you as I also have the same health issues and they are bad news....I get it

You are a legend for having your GP and a mental health care plan arranged 🙂

Please dont beat yourself up for not being able to see your social worker today Julian. You are going through a bad phase and it is exhausting

Can I ask what you are doing for the weekend and if you have some people that you can lean on in this difficult time? Even having one person as a support can be a huge bonus at this time.....(I think I have 2....and yes I am fortunate!)

There is only so much you can do at this time. There are many kind people on the forums that can also be here for you too Julian. Any questions are always welcome too!

just a note....The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to post...always 🙂

you are not alone...Your well being and privacy is paramount on the forums

Paul

[Julian14]

Hey Paul,

Thanks for responding, I have a couple of friends I can reach out too when I need to and going to chat to one of them today, she knows what I am going through and will pretty much drop anything and come and check on me and take me out for a coffee to chat.

I am just so stressed about what Centrelink is going to say about me not meeting the requirements after they originally told me I had another 4 months off to try and get better. I use meditation and breathing/tapping to get through the anxiety/panic attacks.

Cheers,

Julian

[geoff]

Hi Julian, I'm so sorry about what has been happening.

With the election coming up, the rules may have been relaxed, I don't know, but the government wants your vote.

Every detail from your doctor needs to be mentioned if possible, like saying there is no way you would be able to work due to your condition.

I am devastated that this has happened and all our support is behind you.

Geoff.

[TimTams]

Hi,

I am confused you are saying you were granted 4 months off work and they have backflipped asking you to now work?

This may be a simple confusion between Centrelink staff?

I hope you start to feel better soon and find a good work environment that suits you where you feel like you are contributing towards a good cause. All the best.

[blondguy]

Hey Julian

Your friend is a legend to help provide support to you.....and good on her too 🙂

You are proactive by using breathing and meditation to get through the panic attacks. Sometimes when the anxiety/panic is very active we have to consult our doc (GP) on a super frequent basis to find some peace in our lives.....Can I ask how often you have a good 'talk' to your GP or therapist?

Anyhow.....how did you go today Julian?

Centerlink staff are no different to you and I. They have protocols and rules they have to follow even though it can be a frustrating process sometimes for sure!

you are not alone Julian

Paul

[black_rose]

Hi Julian.

Sorry to hear you are having such issues with Centrelink. They can be such a pain at times and certainly do not help with stress levels at times.

You mentioned that your having difficulty going into the office, have you tried calling them? I know the wait times can be frustrating long, but there may be another number that you can contact them on without the long wait.

Just ask that you want a Social Worker to call you back, they'll ask a reason but usually as soon as mental health is mentioned they will get one to call you back.

Good luck, I truly hope you get this problem sorted so that you can focus on yourself and getting better.

Black_rose