Hi, my name is Elizabeth76!

Elizabeth76

Hi Everyone .

I had my assessment over the phone on Monday afternoon .

I suffer with anxiety , depression , agrophobia and anxiety attacks . I was at an 8/10 level of anxiety throughout the call . I felt drained , disoriented and was not allowed to expand on my answers . I have patches of good days over a 5 -7 month period and I felt like I couldn't explain myself clearly . I save up my energy to look after my son , who goes to College and also receives PIP . I attend to all his basic needs . Plan Journey's for him . Help him with his College work . He washes himself though . It's taken four days to be able to process the call and get it over it . I'm frightened that their gonna take away our PIP . We get taxis everywhere and he is a fussy eater . He likes to be warm all the time so the heating is on constantly . I'm worried because of how it will affect him and add to my anxieties . I only go outside if it's an emergency and have attacks then for days afterwards . Then there's recovery time on top of that . It all empacts what I can do to look after him , myself and my eating habits .

I'm trying really hard not to spiral .

Her attitude/ tone of voice was not very nice in places .

I did thank her for her time at the end because I've been brought up to thank people . I appreciate those that help me .

I've been a full time Carer since I was 3/4 yrs old . Trained to look after my Mother . I was carer for members of my family over the years . I was a Carer who my son's Father who passed away 11 years ago and my InLaws who passed in 12 years ago . Lockdown happened and I had a family member who moved in with me for 18 months .

Once they'd left my mental health declined . I've put it down to me finally stopping for a huge amount of time . I used to be able to juggle lots of different things .

Now I can only handle looking after my son , try to look after Mum and keep myself going in some way .

Has anyone else has experiences like this or advice ?

SheffieldMan1976

Oh love, you've had a really hard life being a carer from so young (I'm not crying, honest!)

I can't offer any practical suggestions other than contacting your local social services to see if they can get you any help through official sources?

Bluebell21

Hi @Elizabeth76 welcome to the Community. I hope you enjoy your time on the forum. Any questions just ask.

Have you ever had a needs assessment?

https://www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services

Please take care of yourself.

Holly_Scope

Hi @Elizabeth76 I'm so sorry that this review has caused so much distress. It sounds like you've got a lot on your plate looking after those around you, as well as managing all of this additional stress. Many people I've seen have had similar worries and anxiety from these reviews, understandably because it's a big thing.

I hope that you hear back from them soon and after a little time, you start to feel less worried and anxious. I can see @Bluebell21 has shared a useful link for a needs assessment which might provide you with some additional support day to day. Will you keep us updated on how things are going if you don't mind?

luvpink

@Elizabeth76

Hi and a very warm welcome to the community.

I'm so sorry to hear you had to experience that.

Please try to take care of yourself. 💕