Advice wanted

Rhianjayne

Hi all,

I applied for PIP back in September ‘21. Was awarded 0 points on literally everything. Unfortunately the assessor didn’t paint me in a very good light after reading through what she had said. Applied for MR, again, awarded 0. Had my tribunal on Wednesday 1st March. They were all really lovely thankfully. I was a complete mess as always, had my mental health support worker with me. I have suspected Autism, an Anxiety & Panic Disorder, CPTSD, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis in my knee and back. I panicked so much during it I was nearly drawing blood (I tend to scratch myself). We were in there for about an hour. They told me at the end of it that they were making a decision that day but don’t want me waiting around due to the state I was in. Now of course, like everyone else, lack of sleep and constant thoughts of what’s happened until I’ve got the decision letter.

 I decided to call PIP who said they received the tribunal outcome yesterday, but wouldn’t tell me what award, if any, I may have got. But he did say, the DWP has 28 days to appeal (which I’m aware of)… although he said it’s unlikely they will. Now, question is, would he of said that if the tribunal hasn’t given me an award? I know it’s an extremely far fetched question, but be grateful of any thoughts.

poppy123456

It would be impossible to speculate anything at this stage. What you were told is correct but doesn't mean they could see any information about your Tribunal. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before you receive the decision letter.

Rhianjayne

Thank you for replying. I realise I’m over thinking far too much but unfortunately that’s one of my problems too lol. I’ve only had lost once in 2 weeks and that’s not helping the anxiety 😟 

rebel11

Distraction is your friend, maybe watch your  favourite show, listen to you favourite song, maybe some painting etc. Worrying is a waste of energy and draining, your distractions will energize you.  

Rhianjayne

rebel11 said:

Distraction is your friend, maybe watch your  favourite show, listen to you favourite song, maybe some painting etc. Worrying is a waste of energy and draining, your distractions will energize you.  

Distraction has been my best friend for about 20 years 😂😂 Can’t even tell you how many times I’ve watched Moana, Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, Ice Age… I could go on and on! 

When I was a teen (I’m now 45) I was told that it’s scientifically proven, cartoons/animation help release endorphins. In my darkest moments (regularly) I watch Tangled… it always put me to sleep Unfortunately I did tell the tribunal what I’ve been saying for a while now, and that’s, I just don’t want to be here anymore, if it wasn’t for my daughters and blind dog, I really don’t think I’d be here. I did have an episode of S/H over the weekend which sadly, the tribunal ladies did see. I felt so ashamed. 

About 2 weeks ago, I’d passed out at work getting myself in a state then went onto have a 2 hour long panic attack which left me barely being able to walk… I was majorly annoyed when I found out that some of the employees watched it all back on the CCTV. That’s made me kind of not want to go back to work, so I’ve been calling in ill… unfortunately, I’ve got to work this weened and my body has decided to have a Fibro flare!

I always forgot to add, I have severe (and I really truly mean severe) Emetophobia… hence no medications for me.. I also have Crohns, Endometriosis, Peripheral Neuropathy and Recurrent Depressive Disorder…

oh the joys 😂

Rhianjayne

*weekend not weened
*also not always!!!

Hannah_Alumni

I'm so sorry you are going through all that @Rhianjayne

I see you mentioned a mental health support worker, do you feel you are getting enough support?  

Rhianjayne

Hannah_Scope said:

I'm so sorry you are going through all that @Rhianjayne

I see you mentioned a mental health support worker, do you feel you are getting enough support?  

Hiya,

If I’m honest, no lol My support worker I gained through my Housing Association Vulnerability Team would you believe!! The mental health unit in our area is shockingly awful (I’m aware not a lot of places are great anymore sadly). 

Hannah_Alumni

I'm so sorry to hear that, If you do every need so speak to anyone, SHOUT, Mind, and Hub of Hope are great services and you can even refer yourself through IAPT. 

Rhianjayne

Hannah_Scope said:

I'm so sorry to hear that, If you do every need so speak to anyone, SHOUT, Mind, and Hub of Hope are great services and you can even refer yourself through IAPT. 

Thank you for that. I’ve been in a touch with 2 of those before. I am honestly a pain in the butt as a ‘patient’. If I talk about my issues, my anxiety turns so ridiculous that I’m scratching my skin off or wanting to run off. 

I understand how frustrating it is for others trying to help me. I’m incredibly frustrated at myself for it too. My doctor asked me… ‘if you had a wand, what would you do’ I replied with, put me in a coma for a while! What sort of answer is that 🫣 

Every single day from the moment I wake, is me worrying, about literally anything.. the more I worry, the more anxious I get, the more anxious I get, the more my belly plays up, the more that plays up, the more I don’t get out of bed! It’s just a vicious circle. I hate it! 

L_Volunteer

This doesn't make you a "pain in the butt" @Rhianjayne. It just means you struggle to talk about your 'issues' and deserve some further support with this. 

It sounds really difficult that you are feeling being put in a coma for a while is the only thing that would help you right now. 

I can hear how constantly worrying is contributing to this. Not least as it also contributes to your belly playing up which has a knock-on effect on not getting out of bed. 

We are always here for you and listening to you. If there is ever anything we can do to support you, please don't hesitate to let us know. 

Otherwise, I will just say I also have IBS/functional GI disorder which is made worse by stress and worry, etc so I can only completely empathise with this! 

Sending you hugs and a listening ear 

Rhianjayne

L_Volunteer said:

This doesn't make you a "pain in the butt" @Rhianjayne. It just means you struggle to talk about your 'issues' and deserve some further support with this. 

It sounds really difficult that you are feeling being put in a coma for a while is the only thing that would help you right now. 

I can hear how constantly worrying is contributing to this. Not least as it also contributes to your belly playing up which has a knock-on effect on not getting out of bed. 

We are always here for you and listening to you. If there is ever anything we can do to support you, please don't hesitate to let us know. 

Otherwise, I will just say I also have IBS/functional GI disorder which is made worse by stress and worry, etc so I can only completely empathise with this! 

Sending you hugs and a listening ear 

Thank you. That is extremely kind of you to say so.

I’ve pretty much had enough of life if the truth be told… having an award of PIP will help me tremendously as I could use it to have regular complementary therapies that help, pay for some private treatment for my mental health etc too. 

I always thought I wasn’t ‘disabled’ enough until the last couple of years.

Cher_Alumni

Hello @rhianjayne

I hope your having a nice Sunday. I'm going to email you shortly to see if we can offer any further support, so please keep an eye out for that 

Take care and speak again soon.

Rhianjayne

Cher_Scope said:

Hello @rhianjayne

I hope your having a nice Sunday. I'm going to email you shortly to see if we can offer any further support, so please keep an eye out for that 

Take care and speak again soon.

Hi Cher,

I have replied to your email. It was very much appreciated. Thank you 😊 

L_Volunteer

I hear you @Rhianjayne. You deserve access to the treatment and support you need.

I can see you have received an email from the staff community team. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything else we can do to support you though