restarting LCWRA

amber_absolute

Hi, I am wondering if anyone can advise me? I had been claiming LCWRA until September 2021 due to PTSD and anxiety and depression. I went into LCWRA without assessment, and I'm almost certain that 

Activity 17: Appropriateness of behaviour 

was what put me into the LCWRA group. I experience episodes of hyperarousal daily where I scream and shout out expletives, particularly around unexpected noise and touch. 
I started a university course to train in a HCPC (health care professions council) course in September 2021. I won't say which but this describes people like speech and language therapists, physios, social workers and psychologists. I stopped my LCWRA claim as I was not sure I would qualify for PIP. I received a bursary and my fees were paid but was registered as a full time student. 

Unfortunately, due to the 'appropriateness of behaviour' issue, I am finding it impossible to go to a workplace, and the placement have gone over and above making reasonable adjustments for me, including seeking advice from occupational health. This is having a really negative effect on my mental health, and I cannot account for what I have been doing for the last 2 years. My reactions scare people, and most workplaces (healthcare, schools) feel it is too risky to have me there. This has had a major knock on my confidence. The role cannot be done remotely, I've had an antipsychotic added on top of 2 antidepressants (I see someone at the mental health team, but only like every 6 months), and my mood is really low. I have come to the conclusion that me completing my course is incredibly unlikely, and my tutors have said the same. I have started to fill in the UC50 form, but am unsure whether to mention the failed attempt at university or leave this out? I think the only thing that is going to be realistic in the longer term is working from home part-time, with support from a work coach. 

Can anyone offer any advice on how to approach the UC50 form. I overestimated my abilities, and it wasn't realistic for me to pursue the course I applied for. 

Amber x

calcotti

Just explain the difficulties you have with examples of what happens when you try and do things.

you can certainly refer to your failed attempt to study. You can always include this in the additional information section.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/fill-in-form-esa/

the above refers to ESA but it’s the same.

amber_absolute

Thank you for this - I was worried that me saying that I could do a university course would look like fitness for work related activity. My first year was covid so I spent most of the lectures at home, which was ok. I was late getting the work in but it was ok.  A lot has been tried: I send an individual profile to every building I visit to warn them how I may react, I have an evacuation plan, I am warned of alarms and bells, and I don't do any hot desking - I had an allocated desk in view of a doorway and with my back to a wall. Some of the things though this year have really surprised me and I really overestimated my functioning. Before starting uni I worked in the NHS, then got the diagnosis in 2017. I couldn't at the present time go back to working in an office environment, and the medication I am taking is making shift work impossible. There aren't many options for working from home if you don't have qualifications in anything, and even then I don't think I'd be able to handle full time 

L_Volunteer

It sounds like you have been through a really difficult time @amber_absolute How are you managing at the moment?

amber_absolute

L_Volunteer

I am not going to lie - I am not doing so well. I feel really scared, as my bursary of £13k, which pays bills and mortgage (I owe 45k on a 2 bed house I have owned for 10 years) is going to stop this month, and the JSA payment while waiting for LCWRA won't cover it - LCW won't either. No housing benefit obviously, I have no savings, I am estranged from my birth family. The 3 month wait is really scary with mortgage arrears and no income, but I imagine it will be LCWRA again when the decision is made. 
- I can't get a GP appointment
- mental health team tell me wait for CBT is 9 months in secondary care and all they can offer is a phone call twice a week from crisis team. Can't use IAPT. Next urgent psychiatry appointment is in March
- I don't see how adding more medication will help me
- I have a huge employment gap now with no NI contributions since 2020 and no references to cover that period
- I feel hopeless. Every second feels like hell. 

TY for your reply back

Amber x

Hannah_Alumni

I'm so sorry you are having such a difficult time @amber_absolute
When you have been unable to get a GP appointment has that been through calling up in the morning for one? I've found a few people have more success getting an appointment by signing up to the NHS app. 

Also, there are some really amazing mental services such as SHOUT which is a free texting mental health service or even apps like headspace that teach mindfulness, an aspect of CBT. 

Although your next emergency appointment isn't until March, do they have a cancellations list? I find that can sometimes move everything along quicker. 

Keeping everything crossed you are seen soon