Oh, and if they don’t grant you the DSP, you could apply for “Newstart Incapacitated” (if that still exists) which gives you up to two years relief from the pressure of applying for jobs non-stop whilst seeking/receiving some form of therapeutic or practical support towards readiness to re-enter the workforce later on, and if after the 2 years of being on Newstart Incapacitated you find you’re still not ready, you might then be referred by C’link to an agency for case management (which replaces your requirement to apply for jobs and gives you another couple of years to “find a way back” whilst providing you with another avenue of practical support), and then if still not ready I’d say you’re likely to be granted the DSP – this was my process, anyway.

I remember the huge load I felt lifted off my shoulders psychologically, the day I applied for Newstart Incapacitated – that profound sense of relief, I believe, came from my having *given myself permission* to have a break and be supported and assisted in a way that I needed. I tell you all this so that you may not feel that all hope is lost if the DSP application is not successful, but then it may well be successful anyway, hey? Good luck! : )

Thankyou for your comment.

I’ve learnt a lot throughout my life about what my unmet needs are or have been, and about what kinds of environments and situations are best for me, but it has been a gradual process of discovery and I’d say even at 45 I’ve still got more to learn about these things. I seem to need things that most people don’t seem to need (at least not to the extent that I do), which is why I think it’s been so hard for me to identify (and then accept) them as my legitimate needs for my health and well-being.

I agree that we can be too hard on ourselves. Even harder than figuring out what my needs are and how to meet them, was, for me, giving myself permission to have those needs without shame and permission to allow those needs to be met without guilt.

After years of exploring and utilising various support avenues to no avail, I had to be firmly encouraged several times by my case manager (a psychologist) a couple of years ago, to apply for the Disability Support Pension, and when I finally did apply for it I was astonished to be granted it! About 18 months later I still feel undeserving of this pension and nervous about telling people after they ask “so what do you do?” (whereupon I go into great depths about all the wonderful things I spend my time on, all the while wondering what they think of the fact that most of these things aren’t income-earning activities).

And of course, even though I never receive a judgemental response I just figure that people are being polite. Just the other day, I felt so incredibly grateful for a very affirming/validating/understanding response from someone when I told them I’m on the DSP and only do a little paid work each week. And when I mentioned to her that I recognise myself as being a rather highly sensitive person, she said “oh, have you heard of the HSP website and book/s?”, which I had indeed heard of because another acquaintance who’d suspected I might identify with its ideas had previously forwarded me a link to the website (and yes, I found that very affirming/validating too).

I think, when we have needs that are either difficult to meet in our society or which seem uncommon, an associated need can be validation/affirmation and feeling understood with regards to these needs. It’s great to find people who can relate to the same needs and the difficulties in living in a society that doesn’t ordinarily recognise such needs as valid, or reflect them in things like workplaces and social norms etc. I think I’m very lucky to have several friends who really do understand my needs (and in some cases share them to some extent themselves) and still value me as a friend and respect me as a person with strengths and gifts to offer.

Christine. : )