Depression and Anxiety on Newstart: What happens after 3 months on newstart?

[alma17]

I'm not sure where to post this topic on this forum, I tried posting something similar on whirpool but the comments were vastly unhelpful, and some were just outright judgmental.

I have been on newstart for almost 3 months, and I'm just wondering what happens shortly after this period? I am scheduled to see the job search provider sometime in July for the second time. I don't plan on staying on newstart forever, but the extra money is definitely helping me out in my current situation. Due to a lot of trauma, involving sexual assault and a very recent disconnection with toxic family, I have been unable to work. I've been consistently depressed and anxious, and honestly, seeing a counselor recently, made me feel even more terrible about mental health professionals. Although I am considered to be stream A (have a degree, have had work experience, etc), I still suffer with trauma and chronic physical pain/fatigue on a daily basis.

I suppose I'm just wondering how long I will be able to stay on newstart, before the job agency makes me attends interviews and jobs I don't really feel ready for. Ideally, I would like to stay on newstart as much as I could, whilst being able to work on healing, without other job obligations impeding that.

At this point, the financial strain weighs heavily on my mind and I feel that I ought to work, but I feel mentally and physically incapable sometimes.

[J-J]

Hi Alma 17's

I'm currently on New Start since October 2017, with a medical certificate to prove I'm not able to currently work.

I would recommend talking to your doctor and let them know you are still suffering and need more time to work with mental health teams to get better.

There is nothing wrong in needing to renew your medical certificate if you are using it for the right reasons.

I had a break down in October and went bankrupt.

Hope this helps

[alma17]

Hey,

Thanks for your response. I don't currently have a doctor and I'm hesitant to really talk about my mental health issues with one, as I know a lot of them don't really understand mental health. I'm wondering how do I go about getting one to create a medical certificate for me? What is that process like, do they have to go through centrelink, etc? I've just been applying for jobs for 3 months, but haven't had a medical exemption yet.

I've had breakdowns too, and basically, have very minimal savings. I know it can be tough. Thanks.

[Guest_1584]

Hoya alma.

sorry about your sitch , you've had a rough time eh.

sorry but l don't know much about benefits of some kind for you either but l hope someone here can help and tell you what you need to do and l'll keep and eye out to as l'm thinking of trying for the same right now.

Things have taken yet another turn and well , you know all about how it is.

l did ask at clink once a few years ago and yeah , they told me l'd need a doctors certificate too but l couldn't understand just what l was suppose to exactly do and ask for. l did go and see one though and guess what , he offered me a certificate for one day off , yep , one day. l was near suicide for 12 mths and he almost scoffs and offers me one day.

So it's def' about the particular doctor u see and hoping it's one that understands this stuff and realizes just how serious it is.

l wonder if we'd be able to see a shrink for it instead.

Hang in there ok.

[J-J]

Hi Alma,

You will need to go to a GP and take a mental health survey called K10. It's about 10 question that asks if you feel depressed and how often. Once this is completed they will set up a mental health plan, they will then offer you a mental health person you can make an appointment to see. I always ask for bulk billing Psychologist. During your appointment with your GP I would ask your GP if you could get a medical certificate, the longest they can give you is 3 months and if you need a renewal you can get one a couple of days before the current one runs out. I would say I'm currently having issues coping and need a medical certificate for Centrelink while I get help with my mental health.

Hope this helps

[alma17]

Thanks for replying. Yea, it's been hard. I know some people have it harder, but it hasn't been easy. I can imagine a lot of doctors wouldn't be very understanding, that's why I'm really hesitant to see one. It must have been pretty terrible to just be given one day for something that serious. I know how it'd make me feel, so I refrain. I do wonder if a psychologist could give a certificate too. I wonder if you've heard of victim services, or if they're relevant for you? I am on a waiting list for payment recognition, and they give some compensation too if you qualify. But the process is very, very long, so centrelink is a faster option. Hope you get help too. Thanks.

[J-J]

Hi Alma,

If you feel more comfortable a friend or family member could go to the GP with you.

I was at an event when I had a breakdown, crying uncontrollably. Luckily my mum was at the same event and took me straight to the GP which was open to 10 pm at night.

If you have the support of someone there backing you up on how you have been different can help you remember. Well, that's how it worked for me.

xoxox

[alma17]

Thanks I will consider this.

[Aeroboi]

Hi alma17,

sorry to hear about your troubles, I think my personal experience with depression anxiety and Newstart might offer you some insights.

firstly, there is a disability stream for jobseekers. If your depression and anxiety is going to affect your ability to look for, obtain or continue work you may wish to enquirer about moving onto this stream.

When I first started Newstart I was an absolute mess, suicidal throughts and all. I was regularly unable to meet my requirement. The worse part was that my providers where not understanding or helpful to me.

i ended up getting a total of three Centrelink certs, to obtain an exemption status. During these you don’t have to meet any requirements but sadly, nobody seemed to care that you wasn’t cured after that duration.

thankfully after my 3ed session with a Centrelink nurse they made the recommendation that I be placed on the disability stream.

i still have a job plan and requirements to complete, however my provider is more understanding of my mental health problems. I find that I am better able to meet those requirements and I’m able to get the help I need from them.

if you get the chance to choose your DES provider I highly recommend Advanced Personell management.

if you stay on stream A for 6 months you’ll be required to work for the dole, this is both a blessing and a curse. On the disability stream I don’t get this requirement.

when it comes to getting help my first doctor came off as biased and I really disliked the psychologist. However my second psychologist is good and I have found an excellent group of doctors. There is no harm in finding a good doctor if you don’t get along with the first or second one.

i recently was able to get my psychiatric review, sounds more scary. It was really good and I’m now on a mix of tailored medication for my personal condition. Both my initial medication and my current addition have made small strides towards improvement.

if I got a job today I might actually succeed, before I wouldn’t have. So I hope you find some value from this post and wish you the best of luck in finding a smooth path.

[DannyG]

Hi Alma

i agree with J - J’s suggestion, try and find a GP you feel comfortable with and get a mental health plan.

i understand what you mean about not feeling comfortable taking to a dr, in my experience it depends on the dr you find, some can be sympathetic and understanding, some not. May I suggest searching in your local area for a GP that has interest or specialise in mental health - most medical centres dr surgeries have websites with descriptions of the dr’s qualifications, specific health interests.

Dealing with Centrelink is challenging in my experience, you are not alone in feeling this. I also find no sympathy or empathy from there re- mental health issues. Try to remember that you aren’t alone in feeling like this, and that you have a right to these services just like anyone else.

Best of luck.