i've been through a lot - i was hospitalised/sectioned 4 times, & was in addiction/alcoholism, involved in criminality & went through a lot of severe psychosis.

i've made a good recovery - am 12 years clean & sober, have lived independently for that time, & have had 9 years of relative stability.

But i'm not without difficulties & struggles. i've been out of work for 15 years. Have been on neuroleptic medication for 15 years as well. Family dynamics are hard, & my last 2 remaining close family members are unwell. i get bouts of severe anxiety, depression, odd mental & emotional states, problems with sleep, physical ailments, & it's often a struggle coping a day at a time.

i'm currently under a lot of pressures with the DWP (benefits agency) - there is a big shake up currently with the benefits system in the UK. i've had a lot of apprehensions & fears that benefits will be stopped at some stage, & have always had fears of homelessness.

Given my history, condition & circumstances, it can be very difficult to see how i can further things from where i am?

i'm largely content to plod on with my life, as i do - but that is becoming increasingly hard to be left alone to do that, with support from benefits.

i'm 41 this year, & life hasn't been easy.