How to best use my partial capacity to work

[Rosie321]

Hi All,

I have been diagnosed with Psychotic Depression having my first and only psychosis three years ago. After that I went on newstart and was so lucky to be screened as only having a partial capacity to work (15-30 hrs per week) this is supposed to get reviewed every two years but I'm yet to be reviewed.

Ever since then I've been working 25-35 hours a week and not receiving any centelink benefit but my mental health has taken a down turn and I'm about to reduce my working hours to 15 hours per week. Wondering if anyone else is on partial capacity and/or if you have any tips to best use my time while I'm working less.

I'm in the disability sector and will be reduced to 1 15 hour shift per week so will affectly have 6 days off a week to work on my mental health. I'll be living on about $500 a week so will need to start being more frugal about my spending.

Thanks all

[Quercus]

Hi Rosie321 and welcome to the forums.

I don't have experience with newstart or partial capacity but I was wondering if it might be worth asking whether volunteer work would count towards your work hours?

There are many areas of the mental health sector that ask for volunteers and perhaps it might help you to look into this field even to increase your own knowledge and awareness of what help is available.

What sort of things do you enjoy? I find being outdoors is good for my mental health so for me gardening and bushwalks are a good way to spend the day and don't cost much at all. Perhaps if you feel like sharing interests people can brainstorm some low cost activities.

Also check out your local library or health centre. These often advertise free activities which will get you out mixing with people.

I hope you join in around the forums. When I have extra time I like to reply to others here and read people's stories. It helps me too.

Hope your mental health begins to improve in time. Until then please take good care of yourself.

Nat