Husband's BPD and our options

[StageD]

Hi all, hoping someone can help with our current situation. My husband has recently been diagnosed with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), and has thankfully been put on the waiting list for a Psychologist. However, in the mean time a few things have cropped up that we could use some help with.

 

Briefly, BPD is a disorder that causes overwhelming feelings of distress and anxiety, problems self-managing feelings without self-harm, problems with being impulsive.

 

Firstly he's been let go from his work. He was working long term through an agency at a public recycling centre, and they've let him go because he's not been pulling his weight recently (due to his BPD). This leaves us in a bit of a pickle where it comes to income, though I've still got my job working 20 hours a week.

 

Due to his BPD he's not really able to search for work at the moment, nor would be really be able to perform at work either. His doctor did offer him a sick note just before he got let go, but he declined due to needing to keep the job, something he felt was threatened if he took time off sick. Wishing he'd taken that option now So we're trying to work out what benefit he really needs to be looking into for the moment, until he starts getting treatment, or naturally comes out of this episode.

 

We've also got 2 loans, a credit card and a £1000 overdraft that's maxed out. What can we do with regards to these in the meantime to help our money situation?

 

Also can anyone recommend a mental health support forum at all, if allowed? I think we could both use some help with this atm:sad:

 

I'm sure there was more I wanted to ask, but at the mo thats all I can remember

 

Many thanks in advance to all

StageD

[Mr.P]

We've also got 2 loans, a credit card and a £1000 overdraft that's maxed out. What can we do with regards to these in the meantime to help our money situation?

 

Also can anyone recommend a mental health support forum at all, if allowed? I think we could both use some help with this atm:sad:

 

Write to your creditors for the overdraft & credit card - Briefly explain that due to loss of employment, you are in financial difficulty. Ask that they freeze interest and not apply additional charges that would increase the burden of debt. Finish off with making a reasonable offer to repay monies owed.

What ever you do, don't be pressured in to taking out a loan to pay off these debts - You end up owing even more and the bank rake in additional fees for arranging the loan.

 

Next step, if you haven't already done so, is to make a claim for ESA through the Job Centre. then contact the local council and claim council tax relief (try to get it back dated to when your husband was "laid off").

 

As for forums for m/h support - My opinion - A dangerous place to go. You have absolutely no idea what qualifications people offering advice have. The "advice" might be good, or it could result in serious long term damage. The best place to get advice is from your GP.

[**Margaret**]

:StageD:

 

The benefit your husband needs to be looking at is employment n support allowance. A contributions flavoured award will depend on his contributions during the two tax years ended April 13. If he doesn't have enough contributions Jobcentreplus will consider an income related award, which will depend on your income. If you're in rented accommodation, one of you should apply for housing benefit, as well as council tax reduction, on the grounds of low income.

 

Employment n support can be claimed through the Jobcentre, but alternatives are the new claims number 08000 556688 (takes up to an hour) or a paper claim form.

 

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim

 

Mind has some info about personality disorder and may be able to point you towards some local support.

 

http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/borderline-personality-disorder/

 

You may like to consider asking for help with your debts at;

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?173-Debt-management-and-Debt-self-help

 

Best wishes, Margaret.