Tag Archives: Disability

Isolation, anxiety and ableism

Posted on March 19, 2020 by purplepersuasion

So although the UK isn’t technically on lockdown the way a number of other European countries are, most people are beginning to find out what it’s like to spend a lot of time at home. The over-70s and people with … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Bipolar, CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mental health, NHS services, Politics and current affairs, Self-management, Social media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Isolation, anxiety and ableism

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work I – oh :(

Posted on May 8, 2018 by purplepersuasion

Recently I decided that I was ready to get a job. Aside from the freelance stuff I did a couple of years ago, I haven’t worked for a long time. The last time I worked for an employer was in … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Bipolar, Employment and benefits, GP, Mental health, Mood disorder, NHS services, Primary care, Recovery, Stress, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work I – oh :(

Why don’t people with mental health problems just get a job?

Posted on December 9, 2015 by purplepersuasion

Last week I went to the House of Lords, something I found quite intimidating. Thankfully I was supported by a member of Rethink campaigns team in giving oral evidence to a Parliamentary Review. Chaired by Lord Low of Dalston, the Review was … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, Employment and benefits, Mental health, mental health debate, Politics and current affairs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

While the tide is out: human resources for mental health #HR4MH

Posted on February 6, 2013 by purplepersuasion

This is a transcript of a talk given at the human resources for mental health event held on 05/02/2013. To find out more, go to Twitter #HR4MH Let me start by telling you a little bit about me. On paper, … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

To tell, or not to tell

Posted on January 21, 2013 by purplepersuasion

I’ve seen a lot of discussion recently about the disclosure of mental health problems at work. Should you? Shouldn’t you? If you do decide to disclose, how should you do it – and when? In your application? At interview? After … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Obesity behind the blinds

Posted on January 3, 2013 by purplepersuasion

It’s been a bad few of months for me as disabled benefit scrounger (I guess I still qualify since I am unemployed and don’t have any regular income source other than DLA). First of all there was George Osborn’s October … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental health, Politics and current affairs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

One degree of separation – there is no “them” and “us”

Posted on September 21, 2012 by purplepersuasion

103,545 people on Facebook like “I hate benefit scrounging work shy bastards.” What separates them from benefit claimants? One event beyond their control. One departmental downsizing One ruptured blood vessel One car accident that you couldn’t prevent One expected baby … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental health, Politics and current affairs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 48 Comments

The uncomfortable truth

Posted on March 27, 2012 by purplepersuasion

Today I went into work for the first time in six months. 1st April will mark a year since the first day of my sick leave, and my employer needed to discuss my most recent Occupational Health report. The report … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental health | Tagged , , , , | 35 Comments

Spoon theory, bipolar and self management: how it all fits together

Posted on February 29, 2012 by purplepersuasion

Every seen Spoon Theory mentioned in blog posts, or noticed the Twitter hashtag #spoonie, and wonder what it all meant? When I first became aware of the concept, I erroneously assumed that it only applied to people with physical disabilities; … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental health | Tagged , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Intimate details: claiming Disability Living Allowance

Posted on February 8, 2012 by purplepersuasion

In my professional life, I have filled in countless benefit claim forms for clients. I have helped people obtain Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans, simply by arguing their case on paper or over … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental health, Politics and current affairs | Tagged , , , , , , | 29 Comments