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.