Pip and mental health - Cushings Syndrome

kissywhiskers

Hello everyone, I'm new to writing on this site. I wondering which kind of mental conditions is considered by PIP. Mine is mostly from trauma. Things incl aggrophobia, social anxiety, panic attacks which can lead to very scary and embarrassing situations. They come from nowhere and for no reason at times. I won't answer the door, pick up phone. This can lead to horrific migraines which can last hours or days. This my mental health part of my claim. It does run my life. But how seriously is this taken? I've had my first assessment on 4th this month. Txt from dwp saying they received same day. Then get call from a DM asking for my bank details. I refuse over phone, but call in with details needed (which is strange as I'm UC health element for years). Then the txt arrives yesterday that they haven't made a decision and will write. Have I just my claim decision stretch out longer? I was shocked they would ask for bank details over phone anyway in this day and age. This process is pretty cruel for everyone, I know, but I ended up in hospital for them to stabilize my BP after 2 x panic attacks in 1 day. Sorry this rambles on, I don't have people I can talk to now as I find social media are cruel and bully over welfare now

Thank you

Rachel_Scope

Hi @kissywhiskers and welcome to the community. PIP isn't based on what conditions you have, it's based on how your condition affects your daily life. Here's some information about PIP and the whole process with links to sites that can help you understand the descriptors https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/personal-independence-payment-pip

You won't have affected the claim decision time, it all takes quite a while so there may be a long wait. Are you receiving any support for your mental health?

Community_Scope

Another warm welcome to the community @kissywhiskers

We're going to send you an email soon, please keep an eye out of it😊

Trevor_PIP

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/140622/pip-and-mental-health

PIP considers all kinds of mental health including yours. There are members with a PIP award that suffer the same symptoms as you. Mental health is the reason for a high proportion of current awards awarded. PIP is about how your diagnosis affects your day to day struggles with your disabilities.

The questions you were asked are standard questions, this happens to PIP claimants all the time, so don't worry about it.

The DWP have your Assessment report but have not made a decision yet. You can wait 2 weeks for the decision letter to arrive. You can call PIP for the result but they don't always tell you over the phone.

Asking for your bank details is done over the phone and to PIP claimants. PIP is a completely separate benefit to UC so UC having your details will not transfer.

Try and stay calm. Getting worked up to needing hospital treatment over something you have no control over is not helping you and making you miserable, try and relax. The process is stressful but put it to one side during your days.

Stay off social media, those people just need a reason to rant, regardless of the reason!

kissywhiskers

Hi and THANK YOU for kind responses and welcomes. My world is pretty small. I was diagnosed with Cushings Syndrome last year. It's a very rare condition, unfortunately for me I had high anxiety anyway. My body is producing too much cortisol and the fallout from that is high BP, depression, debilitating fatigue, slow metabolism (so you put on weight and can't control that). Your memory is poor and immune system is compromised. I have to have an operation for removal of 2 lumps on adrenal gland and then steroid treatment, possibly for life. The anxiety and mood swings are very difficult to control. I was wondering if anyone else has this condition? I think they call it 'the stress hormone' 🤦🤦🥺

Rachel_Scope

It sounds like you're dealing with a lot @kissywhiskers. I can't imagine how difficult it must be. I've just changed the title of the post to include Cushings Syndrome so hopefully someone else that has it will comment 😊

Strawberry1

@kissywhiskers , i think Id be right is saying everyone will be rooting for you on this topic and wanting you to be treated fairly and with compassion .

Everyone here will be very understanding and empathise with you .

Heres hoping things with the DWP can be turned around for you somehow and a brighter future with them will head your way .

Trevor_PIP

@kissywhiskers Cortisol is the stress hormone. Yes, having to much of it can have effects you mention

kissywhiskers

I had never heard of it. At first it was like "oh it's just a hormone problem". Had no idea what an uphill struggle this would be! My assessor said she was a nurse, she was very patient and kind to me, but from what I've seen from others it's a very much a "us and them" kind of deal. Despite her being lovely (on phone) I understand that doesn't mean anything. I've never asked for pip before, I just felt like another medical assessment and the one for ESA was bad enough. But I'm struggling now and some days wonder if I should be trying to claim, I'm not the worse off compared to others. A kind of guilt. I think that's a wonderful idea to bring Cushing to the group Rachel Scope, I'm grateful because you don't where to go. I saw Scope and remembered it's a great place for support. My poor flat mate and partner must be sick of hearing about it ☺️. Thank you so much to Rachel_Scope, Strawberry 1and Trevor_PIP. I feel safe in this community ❤️🙏

Trevor_PIP

@kissywhiskers I know about Cortisol because in men it can reduce your testosterone levels. Keen sportsmen don't like Cortisol because to much of it can lower your testosterone levels which then limits your development, like building extra muscle to make you stronger.

Don't be feeling guilty about claiming PIP, it's a non mean tested benefit for people that need extra help and have extra costs due to disabilities. That is how it was set up regardless of your financial situation.

Thank you!