Hi everyone.

I'm new here and thought I should introduce myself. I'm Georgia, and in my twenties. I've been dealing with severe anxiety, depression and OCD for ten years now. The last five years have been horrible. I've been unable to work because of it, unable to go out and socialise and really had a hard time making friends. There were many times I didn't want to keep living as well.

I couldn't answer phone calls or make them. I couldn't even answer the door or even walk down the road. It had gotten so bad that my family had their eyes on me round the clock.

I started going to therapy last year after finally being fed up with my life and decided to try medication as well. It's changed me for the better. I managed to start studying this year which was a huge step for me, I've made my first phone calls and I can now answer the door. I'm taking my next big step and decided to make a claim for the jobseeker payment. I'm incredibly nervous about this.

I really want to work, but as we all know with depression, stepping into the unknown is terrifying. I know that I'm going to be placed with a disability job provider and that they will be conscious of my condition when finding me work. I was just hoping to know if anyone else had experience with finding work and what the whole process looks like.

I'm trying not to get worked up, but my thoughts are racing.

Getting through this

Thanks for writing your first post and telling your story.

Well done for reaching out and getting help. Dealing with Agencies can be difficult an uncomfortable at times.

Thanks for starting the conversation . We are listening.

Hi Georgia,

Thanks for reaching out here. It is incredible that you are now doing the things that you were anxious about and weren't able to do before. Well done! You should be absolutely proud of yourself. The first step to any change is usually the hardest but you made it, once you make the first step, the rest would seem a bit easier. It's great that you are looking for jobs now and I'm sure you will be able to find something you enjoy. Don't let any thing or anyone discourage you, you will get there eventually. Good luck with it all.

Hi there,

it’s great you have decided to get out there and find a job. It is definitely hard to do even without any health or mental health issues, so I am proud of you.

the first step is always the hardest, but it gets a little easier each step you take.

I wish you the best and feel free to come back if you need more advice.

jaz