Claiming ESA for mental health successfully?

jasmineP94
jasmineP94 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
in Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
Hello,

I just wondered how likely it is I will be awarded ESA, I suffer with depression, severe anxiety and OCD. I can’t go out by myself, do not interact socially (haven’t seen any of my friends for over a year) I can’t touch anything without needing to wash my hands and I’m constantly thinking about germs/bacteria and anxious about becoming ill. I have, not to be dramatic, a poor quality of life. I have done drastic things in an attempt to not go out, for example, trying to break my own foot with a concerte slab as I find it so traumatising/anxiety provoking to go out. I also wash my hands so much that they are cracked and bleeding. I have to be supervised when preparing food (especially hot food) as I get very distressed when dealing with food and withdraw into myself and I am not aware of what is happening around me.

I have a mental health nurse and counselling, I also see my Gp regularly and I’m on 30mg citalopram.

Has anyone claimed ESA for similar problems and been successful?

thank you

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  • jasmineP94
    jasmineP94 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
    Hi @Victoriad I’m sorry to hear that. I actually used to work at my GP surgery so my GP is very sympathetic as she saw me trying to work while struggling so I suppose I’m lucky in that regard, she signed me off since July 2017. 

    I am am also in the process of claiming PIP as suggested by someone I spoke to about ESA and was wondering if they suggested claiming PIP as they doubt my ESA claim will be successful.

    i have my assessment on the 2nd March for ESA so I’ll see what happens. 

    I hope you get some help, have you tried a different GP? 

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  • jasmineP94
    jasmineP94 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
    @Victoriad that sounds like a complete nightmare I’m sorry. I hope you can get things sorted. 
  • Pippa_Alumni
    Pippa_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,761 Championing
    Best of luck with your ESA assessment @jasmineP94, do keep us updated! Citizens Advice have some great guidance on preparing for the assessment.

    So sorry to hear about your experiences @Victoriad, I can only imagine how frustrating the situation must feel for you. Changing your GP could definitely be beneficial given the issues you're currently experiencing.
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