Pretty much what it says on the tin really.
Apologies for the essay....
Suffered with depression/BPD since I was 16 (34 now), been on and off antidepressants (Seroxat and Fluoxetine) since 18, various talking therapies, 2 full courses of CBT, one hospitalisation (overdose) and long history of self harm.
I have horrible anxiety to the extent that I never finished learning to drive due to panic attacks, and when things worsen I become less able to do all sorts (remember to take medication, use public transport, manage finances, eat/stop eating, go outside, get dressed.... all the usual suspects tbh).
I've never claimed any benefits relating to this before as I've always thought myself reasonably high functioning. But it was suggested that I'd be eligible for PIP by the health visitor I began seeing prior to giving birth last year. After months of umming and ahing I finally took the plunge and applied, and now I've my face to face assessment on Friday.
And I'm TERRIFIED.
When I did the online tests/paperwork etc I come out as being comfortably in the enhanced rate for daily living, nothing for mobility, which I think is correct. But I'm 99% convinced they're going to reject the claim, and make me out to be a drama queen, time waster, etc etc. Just fully expecting it to purely be a "can we catch folks out" exercise, and I'm getting more and more scared of the meeting.
Have any of you been in similar situations and can offer any advice or reassurance please?
I'm genuinely eligible according to their own criteria and any benefits money genuinely would help - I could afford to spend more money on easy to prepare healthy food, pay for the odd taxi to make sure I keep appointments or social activities instead of wimping out in case someone looks at me on the bus, etc etc.
I know this probably all sounds pathetic. I think so too, and I reckon they will as well. Ugh.
Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.
Mental health
Anxious re PIP assessment
KittenOfWoe · 29/02/2016 02:06
As well as can be expected tbh love, thank you. The woman was actually really nice and we pretty much just redid the form verbally. I was really jittery on the day as it was an hour and a half's drive away then we awoke to several inches of snow so had to change plans in the morning to catch the train instead. Then I got a call 3 hours before my appt asking if I could get there 30 minutes early. And then the train was 40 minutes late getting in due to the weather!! Thankfully we had planned lots of time so still made it for the earlier time, but hell my anxiety was skyrocketing....
Shame to hear your session with CAB wasn't very fruitful 
do you have a confidante you can go over it with? Any backup (letters from a gp etc to vouch for how your daily life is impacted) will help too. Hope you're feeling okay x
Quick update. My claim was denied.
I immediately spent my 20 quid and joined the above forum. Once I'd downloaded the docs I could immediately see there were literally swathes left out of my original claim and that she didn't have a fucking clue.
E.g., DWP do not expect ANYONE to travel more than 90 minutes to an assessment centre. Where I live that makes a huge difference to many people. Also, with regards to your own appointment - you can also say that you need a home visit because you'll get suicidal thoughts if you have to undertake that type of journey. Also, that DWP do not consider "cereal and crisps" cooking yourself a meal - even though CAB lady was quite insistent that only the physically-disabled would need help with eating. Things that I wouldn't have considered before: I am capable of washing my hair and brushing my teeth... but I don't always do it. 
Anyway, I phoned DWP who said I had two choices - either phone the original PIP number and get a new form, or appeal.
So I asked benefitsandwork which option to take - they suggested a new PIP would be better because of the fact I would have to add SO much info to appeal, AND I would then need to explain why the first form was so crap.
I bit the bullet and emailed the CAB explaining that I'd been unsuccessful, would try anew and pointed them in the direction of the website and heartily suggested that just because a person is physically able to board a bus - doesn't mean it doesn't fuck them up completely.
She just said "you'll be sanctioned for 6 months if you do that".
I (feeling momentarily feisty) said "Again incorrect".
So the CAB in my area appear to have absolutely NO inclination to improve their knowledge and assist other claimants. :( Do-goody worthy shits - just because you're a do-gooder, doesn't mean you do good!
I hope you don't have too much longer to wait for the decision! x
Glock I've only just seen your update from last week: I think you're being sensible to make a new application and doing it yourself- CAB seem to be so hit and miss, depending on where you are in the country.
Fingers crossed for you, mini and Kitten: I sometimes suspect that the system is set up this way to put people off even actually applying in the first place. And don't despair if you're turned down first time like Glock was - it's so hard when you're already struggling, but you have to appeal, and, if necessary, appeal again. It took me three goes under the old system to have my application for DLA approved - it's a question of knowing what boxes to tick etc And it's really hard to go for an interview, when you're used to spending all your time putting a brave face on things and trying to be upbeat, and to be totally and utterly honest about how affected you are, especially if you haven't even really admitted it to yourself. But you absolutely must - like PP have said, it's based on your worst days, not the days when you are coping pretty well. Hang in there, all of you guys 
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.