PTSD and ESA

[lolalolly]

Hi
So i was diagnosed with PTSD last year after a horrific event 4 years ago but continued on my income Support because the thought of changing everything over causes me to panic and I become very upset.
I have received a letter stating my income Support will soon stop and I should claim job seekers allowance or ESA. Just looking at both of these benefits fills me with dread. I can not leave the house with out my partner or a member of my family, I can't even sit in the waiting room in the doctors because my fear of men is horrible so the thought of going to meetings and having to be around people is causing serious triggers in me. I know this sounds like attention seeking but my whole life is upside down at the moment and just need some advice on ESA and what it entails. What will happen at my 'interview' and is there any other options for me not having to go.
Thankyou for reading my post and any replies are appreciated

I don’t have a great deal to add in terms of the technicalities of the benefits system but I wonder if it would be helpful to contact your local branch of MIND. The branch I used to work for had something called a Recovery College which, among other things, provided support with benefits issues for people with any form of mental health difficulty. I can’t remember the extent of the support they gave (I was working in a different area) but they really knew the system and of course where aware of the very things you mention such as difficulty attending appointments etc. It’s just a thought. I hope you are getting support with your PTSD?

Hi. I will ring them tomorrow and enquire. I have started a course of antidepressants, anti anxiety and am waiting for an appointment off self help. Hopefully when I start getting some help other than pills I will start to get better over time.
Thankyou for your response
❤️