Can I claim ESA for anxiety without any doctors visits

[MaccaMummi]

Hi,

I've claimed ESA in the past, because of my extreme anxiety issues which made it difficult to find a job to suit, however no amount of therapy or pills the doctors prescribed me ever worked. I managed to find a job where I could work from home on emails only, but I no longer have that job as it needed me to be on a cam and talk, it all got too much for my mental health issues. I need to go back on ESA until I can find something where I can work from home on emails again, but those jobs are few and far between and I am seriously struggling to get by with my little boy.

I have not been going to the doctors recently for my mental health, even though it is still bad, as there is nothing they can do, so I manage it myself, usually by avoidance and other tactics.

I want to know if it is even worth applying to ESA if I don't have 'proof' of prescription or doctors visits, I don't want to have to go to the doctors just to get ESA.

Any advice please.

Thanks.

Hey Macca Mummy,
I am currently on ESA for my mental health and the answer is yes you will need to have evidence of your mental health issues. The main thing is though the Drs can do something, nobody needs to struggle with anxiety. CBT is the most effective thing that has ever worked for me, have a look online and give it a go especially if your not working it will give you something to focus on. Ill add a link for CBT for anxiety. Back to the ESA though I had an appointment with an independent doctor as well. Get down to your doctor and explain how your feeling it will the be the first step to either getting ESA or getting your life back.

www.hpft.nhs.uk/media/1655/wellbeing-team-cbt-workshop-booklet-2016.pdf

Good Luck x