At least you got Newstart. This is what happened to me. After 7 yrs of being unemployed I had no further options than to apply for Newstart. After all the paperwork, interviews etc were completed I waited. In the meantime I went to the employment agency as requested every month. Three months later received notification I was rejected. Naturally I rang to find out why. Feeling very frustrated I spoke to someone from Centrelink and they said I needed to provide documentation for 7 yrs on how I survived. Impossible. Unfortunately I let ripped and said what is the point of going on with nothing and if I die it will be on Centrelink. No swearing or threats. Half an hour later police turned up and paramedics and took me away to a mental hospital. Interrogated about suicidal thoughts etc. Nextthing I knew I was put in a room with a bed and ensuite and left there with only the clothes on my back. I lost all rights and could make no contact with home. I was to have an interview with a doctor and told I would be able to go home. Interview done but I was to stay. I asked if I was ever going home in the first place and the answer was no. Stripped of all dignity just for saying the wrong words. Long story short I'm home, ashamed, now on my records and still no better off probably worse plus they notified my family WITHOUT my permission and now they all know. Not politically correct but I will never ask for help again and the mental health system is rubbish. It didn’t matter what I said that I wasn't suicidal just angry and frustrated my voice wasn’t heard. I’m nearly at retirement age and have experienced life’s ups and downs but this experience was the most degrading. Don’t ever mention death or suicide because you could end up the same way.
