Mental Illness Discrimination

Thea

Hi,
I suffer from many mental health problems and have been awarded PIP standard rate for both daily living and mobility. I am happy with the decision but they will not acknowledge my selective mutism. They decided I can express verbally communication at all times, but I only communicate verbally with my mother not by choice but due to severe anxiety. I have provided evidence from two different psychologists and even after a mandatory reconsideration it hasn't changed.

In my experience even with doctors and mental health nurses, most of them don't seem to understand it and are rude and suggest it is by choice. I have had selective mutism since I was a young child but I was only diagnosed a year ago at the age of 21 after being sectioned. Why will no one acknowledge my selective mutism?
Thanks

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @Thea, thanks for sharing this with us. I'm sorry to hear you feel this way, it must have made your outcome bittersweet to not have such a big part of your life acknowledged. 

You could appeal the decision if you feel that you weren't heard, but since you mention being happy with the outcome, you might not want to pursue that. I'm sure our other members will be able to share their thoughts too!