Incapacity benefit - Tribunal advice needed

beachbeth

I have only just seen this thread and can relate to everything you are all saying. I have suffered with depression since around 1990. I finally left work in 2000 and after my sick pay finished went onto IB. I have attended various medicals to see if I still qualify but last November I attended a medical and as a result had my IB stopped. The doctor who saw me sounds just the same as the doctors some of you are describing. He totally lied about some of the things he put on the form and also made out that I just lay about all day watching tv and using my pc.

I have been so upset and worried since this happened and am still waiting to hear when my appeal tribunal will be. I have written many letters explaining my condition to the Welfare Rights and the Tribunal Service because I know I will be in no state on the actual day to explain anything! I have been drinking more and more alcohol and so went to see my doctor. He prescribed a tranquilliser which will take away the urge to drink. However, I can't drive when taking it and so can't take it all the time.

I take seroxat every day and have done for many years - previously I was on a much stronger antidepressant. Does seroxat count as an anti psychotic drug?

I wrote to my MP and he wrote back saying he was sorry to hear what problems I was experiencing and saying he would write to the Disability and Carers Service supporting my appeal. However, I have never had any dealings with the D&CS and can't understand why he is writing to them?

Im just so upset and worried. I just want it all to be over and for everyone to just leave me alone - I can't deal with it very well.

Any advice anyone can give me will be much appreciated.

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello beachbeth,

I'm sorry you're having problems, it can't be an easy time for you.

To answer one of your questions. Seroxat is not an anti psychotic medication, it's just an anti depressant.

As I found for the Op on this thread. There are exemptions to the IB capacity to work assessment.
Here is a link that mentions it.
http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/incapacity/mentalillness.asp

I don't know who it is that determines the level of a patients depression, and if it's classed as 'severe'.

You need to have support from someone to help you sort this out.
Firing off letters seems to have got you nowhere, so the help of someone that understands where you are coming from, will be a great help to you.

Do you have a branch of DIAL near you?
http://www.dialuk.info

Or Mind
http://www.mind.org.uk

Good luck,
Munchie

beachbeth

munchings-n-crunchings wrote: »

Do you have a branch of DIAL near you?
http://www.dialuk.info

Or Mind
http://www.mind.org.uk

Good luck,
Munchie

I have a mind that is about 15 minutes drive away from me and I was thinking of ringing them up. Ive looked at their website though and it isn't clear really what they could do for me though. What are they likely to say?

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello beachbeth,

I don't know what they are likely to say.
But what they do offer amongst other things is:
Counselling, befriending & advocacy.

I think you could benefit from all three of those.
If you contact them and make an appointment, go, see what they have to say, and what help they can give you.
Just make a list of all the issues going on in your life, that are compounding your mental health problems. This is what they are there for. It may open up all sorts of other resources to you.

Regards
Munchie

emweaver

According to that link I should be exempt from a medical due to what I have been diagnosed with, not sure if I will get called for one or not though

emweaver

Im taking chlomipramine and chiordipazmine (cant spell) and no energy to go find the boxes. Does anyone know if these are an anti-depressant or anti psychotic medication? Just curious

beachbeth

I take chlordiazepoxide. Is this what you mean? This is a tranquilliser. I don't know about the other one.

emweaver

hmm i think thats the same it calsm me down when i have a panick attack

black_paw

yes yes yes got the letter finally . IB ok until 2010 , mmm next year more worry and stress and not far a way either !

emweaver

Glad you got the news you deserve Im still waiting to find out if I need a medical