Mandatory Reconsideration. I have a call with the DWP tomorrow

NicWil said:

Hello, I'm new here. I wondered whether you may be able to help. I applied for Pip in April, I was awarded standard mobility and scored 4 points for daily living. I requested a mandatory reconsideration 10 weeks ago and the dwp are due to call me tomorrow morning to discuss. I'm terrified. I have extreme anxiety and severe complex ptsd. The assessor gave an opinion that I can't function when I leave my home but I can fully function at home.She ignored all the struggles I face even though I submitted evidence for this. I am worried about what this call involves. Feeling so anxious about it all. 

Hi @NicWil, 

Welcome to the community and thank you for reaching out to us

I'm sorry to hear that your PIP application outcome was not what you had hoped for and I hope the phonecall with the DWP tomorrow goes well for you. As @poppy123456 commented, we don't know what they will explicitly ask you, however, please try and remember that they're not there to trip you up and just want to know how your disability impacts you on a day-to-day basis. Just try and answer the questions as best and honest as you can, and that's all you can do  

I also wanted to see if you're getting support from your GP at the moment with regards to your anxiety and PTSD? I understand why you might feel anxious about the phonecall, but try and remember that you can only do your best. Do you have any management techniques for your anxiety? I also experience anxiety and find that breathwork/meditation really help me, when trying to relax my nervous system  

If you have any further questions, then please just let us know  

Libby

NicWil said:

Hi Libby, 
Thank you for responding. You are right, all I can do is answer the questions as best I can. I just don't deal well with uncertainty. Then I'm sure I'll have to wait even longer after this call to find out whether I've been successful or not. 

In regard to my mental health, yes I have been in regular contact with my GP, and I have therapy every week and that's been the case since April this year. I have to admit I really struggle with the deep breathing exercises. When my anxiety is extreme there isn't much that helps to be honest. That makes it so much harder. 

Hi @NicWil,   

I'm sure whatever answers you provide, you know that they're honest and authentic. I understand that uncertainty brings a lot of fear. Again, I'm the same when things aren't necessarily in my control, I get anxious and worry a lot. Once you've completed the phone call tomorrow, I'm sure there will be a huge sense of relief and make sure you do something for you, because it's a big achievement given the situation. 

That's good, I'm glad to hear that you're in contact with your GP and they are supportive of you. Therapy can be excellent and it's great that you're proactive and attending sessions . I understand, not everyone has the same management strategies and what works for one person, might not work for the other. Is there anything that you have tried that gives you some relief from the anxious thoughts?

Hi @NicWil that;s lovely news, thanks so much for letting us know