PIP. Can anyone tell how best answer the question they may ask me

Palmtree125

Hi I have PIP assessment coming soon I have few health issue's, I suffer with anxiety and depression, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and chronic Fatigue, i'm extremely anxious about telephone appointment can anyone tell how best answer the question they may ask me. Thank you  

poppy123456

They will very likely ask you many many different questions. What they will ask exactly will depend on how your conditions affect you. They are gathering more evidence to support your claim. The assessment can last anywhere from 20 to 120 minutes.

Try not to answer with a simple yes or no and try to give as much detail as possible (though the time to do this would have been when you filled in the form) If you kept a copy of the form (you should have) then have a read of that before the assessment to remind yourself of what you said.

Some find it useful to write some notes before the assessment so you can have something to refer to. Personally, i don't find that helpful and prefer to just answer the questions without having to look through notes.

Make sure your phone is fully charged if using a mobile and have a drink next to you.

Palmtree125

Thank you very for those tips, and yes will write down some things because suffer with memory problem's also, im just praying I don't seize because anxiety on the day.

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @Palmtree125 I'd encourage you to let the assessor know at the start of the call that you're feeling quite anxious, and that you may freeze up. This should help them to be more understanding if you find yourself becoming really anxious. 

Palmtree125

 My anxiety through the roof at the moment and not sure how to manage it, but thank you very much for your advice. 

Tori_Scope

Is there anything you could try that usually helps to calm your anxiety at all @Palmtree125? 

For example, I like to have a warm shower, do puzzles, watch TV, and get into comfy clothes  

Palmtree125

Hi thanks for your reply, yes I try to listen to music or just just lay in bed quietly.

Alex_Alumni

Those are both good things to do to relax @Palmtree125, if you need anything in the meantime you know where we are   

Palmtree125

@poppy123456 Thanks for your advice, I will try remember those things.

Thank very much