http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/forum/advocacy It's Time to Act. OCD Action provides support and information for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:41:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/search.php http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/seriously-paranoid-and-in-need-of-reasurrance#post-59643 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:05:40 +0000 Truddles 59643@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a tough time at the moment.</p> <p>Well done for standing up for yourself and insisting that they change your midwife. Regardless of whether you have OCD or not you do not have to put up with such bad practise.</p> <p>With regards to your rights as an OCD sufferer and your pregnancy I think that they're the same as everyone else's with the added proviso that they have to make reasonable adjustment to take into account your OCD and the difficulties that it may cause you.</p> <p>OCD doesn't make you an unfit mother and from what you've written you're an excellent mother who is doing everything possible to help your sons. It can't be easy for you not only having OCD but having two sons with autism, you should take credit for your achievements.</p> <p>I don't think that you have anything to worry about but given the way that the midwife has treated you and her ill informed comments I can understand your fears. You know that you're giving your boys the best possible start in life and so try not to worry (easier said than done with the OCD bully sat in the back ground &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_confused.gif&quot; title=&quot;:?&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; ).</p> <p>If it's really playing on your mind you could always contact Jude the OCD Advocacy Manager on 0845 390 6234 / <a href="mailto:jude@ocdaction.org.uk">jude@ocdaction.org.uk</a> </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/seriously-paranoid-and-in-need-of-reasurrance#post-59635 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:57:39 +0000 wendybpool 59635@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I had a bad episode with my midwife two weeks ago and she was supposed to do a home visit today but I've called and canceled the appointment as well as changed midwives as I really don't want to see her again.</p> <p>She aggrevated my OCD so much that I have had to go back on my medication and she even told me that my anxiety was my fault as I had stopped taking my medication. </p> <p>She never disinfects her hands before she touches my stomach and at my last midwife appointment she sprang upon me out of nowhere that she wanted to do a smear and I completely freaked out at the idea of her touching me so privatly, when she can't even disinfect her hands to touch my stomach.</p> <p>Now I have it in my head that I might be declared unfit as a mother due to my OCD escalating. I have two sons, who are four and three years old.</p> <p>I would just like to know where I stand in accordance with my rights as an OCD sufferer and my pregnancy.</p> <p>I have noone to talk to about my fears but would really like some answers please. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56922 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:18:51 +0000 blueboy 56922@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>looks like you now got a plan Daniel... i was getting very worried ... when i read your last post... i think you have some degree of hope now.... and we need that.. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56920 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:13:43 +0000 OCDLONELY 56920@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thank you for the numbers Trudy and thank you too Paul. I couldn't get hold of CAB so called my old support worker. She called Solent Mind which is and advocacy charity for people with mental health issues and they want me to call the Tuesday and they will try to help me. I also contacted my local mental health team and they know I'm in a mess and are going to give me extra support too. I only have a few weeks to appeal though so it may be a close thing but hopefully it will at least get looked at again and see how impossible it is for me to work right now. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56919 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:13:42 +0000 OCDLONELY 56919@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thank you for the numbers Trudy and thank you too Paul. I couldn't get hold of CAB so called my old support worker. She called Solent Mind which is and advocacy charity for people with mental health issues and they want me to call the Tuesday and they will try to help me. I also contacted my local mental health team and they know I'm in a mess and are going to give me extra support too. I only have a few weeks to appeal though so it may be a close thing but hopefully it will at least get looked at again and see how impossible it is for me to work right now. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56908 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:07:37 +0000 blueboy 56908@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Daniel,<br /> i know this is a little offtrack... but you could try phoning stonham..<br /> i get support from them..they deal with helping to get a new house and also sorting out benefit problems ..or bills etc... they might give you further advice or arrange to talk to you over the phone and sort something out...if you cant see anyone personaly.. here is a link..<br /> you could mention you fear losing your home.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ihampshire.co.uk/profile/258682/Aldershot/Stonham-Housing-Association-Ltd/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ihampshire.co.uk/profile/258682/Aldershot/Stonham-Housing-Association-Ltd/</a> </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56898 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:01:27 +0000 Truddles 56898@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Sorry the links work but I got over enthusiastic with the numbers on the phone details &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_sad.gif&quot; title=&quot;:(&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; <br /> It should be: You can contact them by phone on <strong>08444 111 444</strong> </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56895 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:49:54 +0000 Truddles 56895@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi OCDLONEY,</p> <p>You are not to use your phrase 'screwed'. I'm sorry I didn't realise that Jude didn't deal with this sort of thing.</p> <p>You can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau without having to go to them.<br /> Go to <a href="http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/</a> or for their advice section <a href="http://www.adviceguide.org.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.adviceguide.org.uk</a></p> <p>Advice is available over the phone from CAB. You can contact them by phone on <strong>084444 111 444</strong> </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56894 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:39:29 +0000 OCDLONELY 56894@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Just called ocdaction and was told Jude can't help me and to go to my local CAB. I can't leave the house at the best of times and need support. Guess I'm screwed. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56893 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:16:08 +0000 Truddles 56893@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I know that this sort of thing is frightening and doesn't help our OCD.</p> <p>Jude will get back to you if you've emailed her and with regards to the OCD support helpline I think that you can ask for a call back if no one's there.</p> <p>In the meantime you could be making a list of all the ways that the OCD impacts on your life as well as your other conditions. This will make it easier for anyone to help you. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56891 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:35:43 +0000 OCDLONELY 56891@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I kept calling The OCDaction support line yesterday and it kept going to a recorded message and so I emailed Jude with the email address I was given above and have heard nothing. I know they probably have lots of people to help but I'm so scared and my gp is away for 2 weeks so I can't see her and ask for help. The stress of this is killing me and then I have my health stuff still waiting to be looked at and I have no personal life. I'm just a mess! Sorry to go on and sorry if I sound rude I just really hope someone can help me. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56850 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:13:51 +0000 blueboy 56850@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Daniel,<br /> get a review... dont go by yourself... try get someone to go with you and help get your point across...they tend to concentrate more on physical... i have found... i was getting a physical check... i wondered why...but if you can.. insist that your disability is not physical...get your doc. to write on your behalf... i once had my money cut off... for months because i didnt attend an examination..i just wasnt opening letters... i was so ill.... and then when i did realise i was in big trouble... but i also had flu... and i went to the doctor to ask for a note to be sent... which he did.. then i had to go to the law society after some months the commissioner looks at it.... the lady helping me ... put it that i was ill at the time... and i was subsisting on only £5 a week.... which i had to go down and beg for..luckily i lived with a partner then who helped me out... but dread to think what i would have done if i hadnt...eventualy the case came up and the guy who brought all this case against me was asked why the note from my doctor had not been taken into account...? on that i won the case and had all my money payed back...i never attended the hearing...hope doesnt come to that for you.... but written evidence is much to the good.... and i am sure jude will support you...best of luck.. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56849 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:02:28 +0000 kittyglitter 56849@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>make an appeal asap ..th elonger u leave it..the worse it will be.. go to your doctors and askhim/her to write u a medical note or complete the form for u ..its very hard for people to understand mental illness.. theres still alot of stigma ard it.. just cos we look fine ..it doesnt necessarily mean we r. Let us know how u get on with your GP. If he/sghe isnt sympathetic.. u have the right to change doctors. I had to..cos my old one was useless.. she once said to me: i cant help u cos i dont understand BDD myself! Now i have this other doctor and shes lovely xx </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56841 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:26:12 +0000 checker 56841@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Daniel</p> <p>BT's question about seeing a psychiatrist is a good one. Apart from any assistance he/she night provide you would be part of the caseload of your local Community Mental Health Team and many of them have welfare advisors. My local GP centre arranges appointments with an advice centre that deals with problems similar to yours. Does your GP have a similar system? </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56837 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:37 +0000 bethany 56837@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>P.S. Do you see a psychiatrist at all? It certainly sounds as though your GP will support you. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56835 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:58:20 +0000 bethany 56835@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Daniel, You'll be OK, we can all see how ill you are. No-one can stop your benefit. Try Jude again later, she's really nice and will help you. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56834 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:56:03 +0000 OCDLONELY 56834@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I have emailed Jude now as I tried to call but couldn't get through. My Gp said I need to appeal asap but I have told them about my ocd and health things and they just seem to ignore it. So scared and just can't rest or sleep or eat. Just want it to be over with. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56833 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:53:04 +0000 bethany 56833@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Tess, I agree with you about work and everything you said. Of course, it isn’t simple and we can feel even more dejected, depressed etc when unable to find work. Many years ago, I was refused work because of my OCD and told I was dangerous to know. This affected me very badly and I still wish I had not applied for that particular job. Even though I knew the person was wrong, the words had a lasting, damaging affect. </p> <p>On top of all this, there is the added problem that if a person attempts work after being on benefit and then finds the work is too much and is adversely affecting their health, it’s not easy to return to benefit without a struggle and that will put many off trying.</p> <p>In an ideal world, if we were treated with the understanding we deserve, I think many would benefit from some work. Obviously some of us, like Daniel, are too ill to work at the moment. But, even for those of us who do feel able to do something, it’s not straightforward, I really do appreciate that.</p> <p>I have recommended voluntary work to some of those in the group I belong to. As I said, for those like me who suffer intrusive thoughts, with no contamination or checking compulsions, work can definitely help to take our minds of the OCD. A good working environment can also help with depression and low self-esteem.</p> <p>David, Your experience proves how much difference how we are treated makes. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56830 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:32:02 +0000 checker 56830@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>A useful organisation and web site for benefits information can be found at Disability Alliance (just put the name into a search engine). It would be nice if all employers helped staff into/back into work but after a 'breakdown' I returned to work and my line manager said when I asked for a phased return to work that either I was 'fit to resume work or not' and gave me an entirely new area of work. He wanted me out. I managed to survive and cope. Just. That was 24 years ago. I had another breakdown eight years later with another employer but the Disability Discrimination Act had been passed, I got the support of a clinical psychologists to help with working strategies and joined and was active in a local mental health charity and I returned to work very successfully. So my experience confirms the points that Tess makes but there are still a lot of bad and unsympathetic managers about. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56824 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:43:02 +0000 Tess 56824@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Paul<br /> Know exactly where you're coming from. My husband and I were in a similar position once, during the public service cuts in the'80's, not quite as bad as £5 per week but due to double redundancy and then my work contract coming to an end and being unable to get a job we found ourselves having to attempt to live on an income which was way below our outgoings on housing and necessary other bills before we even thought about buying food - and the consequence was that we both ended up in hospital with breakdowns. This type of worry and financial pressure is too much for anyone to cope with let alone people with the added burden of OCD. Then after coming out of hospital we had the trauma of regular interviews by the Benefits Agency and the worry about the outcome of these kept us mentally unwell. We found ourselves trapped in an all or nothing system with no dividing line between being too ill to work and being well enough for full time work with immediate loss of income. This system left a lot of people in limbo, stuck in a benefits trap and too frightened to be able to get well. I think a lot of lessons were learned and the system has become more flexible now but it is still cumbersome. People recovering from OCD need to have hope that they can get back into the working environment but this has to be sensitively and gradually phased with fall back mechanisms in place so that no-one is suddenly forced into a change of lifestyle which may plunge them back into illness. I have seen some encouraging signs in our support group of organisations like Outreach and Rethink helping people make the first tentative step into voluntary work with full maintenance of benefits and there are other organisations providing training and work placements again with a great deal of support. I would advise anyone who is worried about their future in the light of changes in the benefits system to get all the help and support they can from their GP, health professionals and the caring agencies. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56796 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:23:48 +0000 blueboy 56796@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>i have to agree with all you say there Tess,<br /> i would love to do something that stops me thinking so much... and in some ways think i will have to try in order to keep sane... it's tricky but everyone must do what they feel is right.. i have been in a posistion once where i was only getting £5 per week .. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56791 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:26:02 +0000 Tess 56791@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>BT<br /> I agree with you about work being immensely helpful to a lot of OCD sufferers and in my experience a lot of sufferers who are out of work would love to find a paying job and to be able to cope well enough to do it. I also have experience of being out of work and unable to get a job and there came a point when the depression of waiting and hoping for something to turn up other than polite letters saying I had not got an interview became unbearable and my GP advised me to take up some other form of activity so I became busy in other ways and life settled into a routine which became my security. To have that suddenly threatened is very stressful and frightening especially when it is a threat of loss of income without any guarantee of work. People who have been very ill with OCD cannot be expected to get back into the work environment without a huge amount of support and the knowledge that if they fail that they will not lose out financially. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56782 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:22:35 +0000 bethany 56782@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Daniel, I can imagine the amount of pressure on you, but as others have said, you will not be made homeless. It sounds as if you have multiple problems which are severe and I can’t see that your benefit would be reduced.</p> <p>I have friends at a local support group who are also very worried and all are finding their OCD symptoms worsening due to stress. </p> <p>Please, please don’t anyone take this the wrong way, for I am not in your position and would not dream of trying to advise anyone; only each individual can know what he or she can face. I just wanted to say there was a time when I was off work because of my intrusive thoughts and I found they increased. For some of us work does actually help. I think I would be terribly depressed if I had not returned to work. </p> <p>Daniel, I know you have said you suffer contamination fears and this is very different from my problem and much more disabling (as to where a person can go etc) - working is obviously not possible for you at the moment. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56767 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:49:38 +0000 Truddles 56767@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Everyone will eventually be changed to this benefit. It's called ESA Employment and Support Allowance. </p> <p>For more information go to <a href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171894" rel="nofollow">http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171894</a><br /> <a href="http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/ib-reassessing-claims/ib-reassessment-process/" rel="nofollow">http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/ib-reassessing-claims/ib-reassessment-process/</a></p> <p>Try not to worry about it, if you are genuinely ill and can't hold down employment they can't make you and as Tess said you have the right to appeal if you think that their decision is incorrect or unfair.</p> <p>Financially you shouldn't lose out and they certainly can't leave you homeless and starving.</p> <p>Emphasise how the OCD affects you and the severe impact that it has on your daily life.</p> <p>I also agree that it would be an idea to contact the Advocacy service. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56760 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:06:45 +0000 Tess 56760@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Daniel<br /> The first thing to do is not to panic. This is happening all over the country and frightening a lot of people but they cannot reduce your income without very good reason and you have the right to appeal. From what I have been hearing most people who appeal about decisions which they feel are unfair are getting those decisions overturned. Paul's advice is spot on and I'm sure Jude will be able to give you all the advice you need to get through this. There is a young man in our support group who has been so worried about the possible loss of his income and home that he has talked about suicide so I know how desperately worrying these letters can be. You are not alone and there is a big support network to help people in your situation so hang on to that thought, don't do anything impulsive and you will find it will all work out in time. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56754 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:54:12 +0000 blueboy 56754@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>HI Daniel,<br /> just to say, i am similar to you in that i have survived on benefits...practicaly all my life... at one stage they brought in that jobseekers thing and in all honesty i was getting bullied by one clerk ...to find work...another clerk was nicer and said always come to him...anyway... i decided then and there i couldnt take that and then i went on sickness... dla and income support...my intrusive thoughts blight my life so i dont know if i could hold down a job properly without being ill most of the time..ESA? is that jsa&gt;?jobseekers? i have been to the medicals a apparently they look for anny sign of fitness in you, even at reception... if you seem cheerful they note that..you have to score so many points... basicaly and elaborate your condition... i know we are genuine. but like everyone we need to put our case across... that is the oppertunity...so in some ways you have to emphasise your condition, even if you are not having a particulary bad day...and if you mention feeling suicidal that scores a lot of points..i think you need to go to your gp/psychiatrist and really convey how your condition makes it impossable for you to work...get them to write to the medical people... thats always good... doctors letters... helped me out of jam before... i sympathise..and hope you get it sorted out soon...as soxon says ,get in touch with jude... i found her a great help...take care....PAUL. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56751 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:31:10 +0000 Soxon 56751@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Daniel,</p> <p>You can contact Jude our Advocacy Adviser on 0845 390 6332 / <a href="mailto:Jude@ocdaction.org.uk">Jude@ocdaction.org.uk</a> for advice and information.</p> <p>Soxon<br /> Keymaster </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/benefits-changed-and-im-scared#post-56749 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:19:57 +0000 OCDLONELY 56749@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hello I have been ill with depression and OCD since 14 and been on income support since 17 and am now 33. I have recently applied for DLA since my health has gone down hill fast both mentally and physically. I am awaiting tests at the hospital too. I had to attend a medical and now wait for the results. Well today I got a letter saying my benefits are changing and instead of my income support which was at a higher level due to long term disability I will now get ESA and they want me to attend job seeking workshops and eventually start looking for work! Do they not share information between apartments? My physical health alone makes it hard for me to do much and walking is hard but then my ocd stops me touching things, sitting down in public, being outside in general due to agoraphobia. I can't touch things other people touch and could never use public toilets. I have panic attacks and just can't cope generally. What can I do. If I lose my benefits I'll be homeless and will not be able to eat or anything. I am no way able to work. I could list so many more ways my illnesses affect me but I don't want this to be longer than it already is. Any help will be much appreciated. Thank you</p> <p>Daniel </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/new-ocd-support-group-in-salford-north-west-1#post-52106 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:59:48 +0000 Horizon 52106@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi all, </p> <p>A new OCD support group is starting in Salford on the 18 April, which will then be on every 3rd Monday of the month (so: 16 May, 20 June, 18 July, etc). It will run from 4-6pm at the Energise Centre, 3 Douglas Green, Charlestown, Salford M6 6ES. </p> <p>The support group is an opportunity for people with OCD and their carers, family members and friends to share experiences and give support to each other. </p> <p>Regards<br /> Christopher </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/alternative-to-jsa-advice-please#post-49951 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:18:03 +0000 Tess 49951@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thanks for explaining your role Jude and for the contacts. </p>