Free - just wanted to add my thoughts to the others. Your post about sitting with your 2 yr old when you went to get help, the people around you etc., just struck such a chord with me. I gave up a good job and good money to follow my hubby in his, just before he told me our marriage was over!
I had to go - here it's called the Benefits Agency - and sit in an office just as you describe. Thinking I had sunk to the lowest of the low to be in amongst "those people". I was scared, I was ground down, I imagined all kids of dreadful outcomes for myself and my kids. I took myself back to University and worked my socks off, whilst working part time and having the kids full time. And still couldn't get a job. Madness!
All I can tell you is, life really DOES have a way of working out. Years down the line, my kids have turned out just fine. I have learned and benefitted in ways I'd never have imagined. So many plus points along the way. I consider me and my little family have been blessed. Even although there has never been money the way there once was. It's amazing how much fulfilment you can find in other ways, and how much pride in getting by on less. Being in a room with "those people" doesn't make you one of them.
Hold your head up. Have pride in what achievements you and your family have - not least of all, stopping smoking. And have faith. it's amazing what can come along just when you least expect it.
Thinking of you here in Scotland.
S x