About to be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

Rikochet

Hi everyone, some good news on my part. I received a letter this morning to say that I would be getting DLA at lower rate of mobility at £18.65 and the lowest rate of care at £18.65 a week until 2012!! They're paying me since the start if my claim in July and then every 4 weeks thereafter.

I was also succesful in my Employment and Support Allowance (Contribution Based) claim and get £128.60 a fortnight from that too.

I think this may mean we're also entitled to the some form of tax credits so that is our next challenge.

Thanks to everyone for all their help and if anyone needs advice please PM me.

xxx

msmoose

Ames wrote: »

To be honest, I don't really care what name they give me. I'm ill, and I'm getting treatment for it, I'm getting help and support for the first time in 15 years and that's all that matters at the end of the day.

Well said... that's something I always said... what does it matter what you are labelled... so long as your getting the right help and treatment! :T

Zara789

Hi.......Im not sure if I am posting this in the right place but I've just about given up trying to work out how to create a brand new post as it is not very clear on here.......

I also hope nobody deems me to be 'butting in' or dismissing anything that I have read above as it all is very interesting and helpful reading about other people's experiences......

Basically I am a 28 yr old who after suffering from clinical depression for the last 10 years has finally been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.......which I have suspected for the last few years, however getting this diagnosis still remains a complete shock......

I have to see a psychiatrist who is going to arrange a treatment? medication plan and I am willing to commit to therapy.....

I am a full time student and have just gone into my final year at uni, I am currently claiming Incapacity Benefit and have been doing throughout my course. I am also registered with disability support and have really good support through them...

I was wondering if because of this diagnosis, if I might be eligible for DLA? I have previously been turned down for depression....Does anybody know?

Also does anybody know if I will get a CPN? I feel really scared at the moment at unsure about what will happen to me, half of me is considering not going back and not accepting the diagnosis although I know I need to......I'm just terrified of what having this label is going to do to me.......

Thank you for reading this and apologise again if I have posted in the wrong place

Zara

dmg24

Hi Zara,

Welcome to MSE!

I would recommend applying for DLA, many of us with a bipolar diagnosis are in receipt of it. Your claim is more likely to be successful with the support of your psychiatrist, and if you are not sure of what to put on the forms, one of the benefit advisory services (DIAL, CAB etc) will be able to help.

You may be allocated a CPN or Care Co Ordinator, or you may be seen on a long term basis by a psychiatrist. I am under a psychiatrist, but I think more people see a CPN. This policy will vary from area to area, and depending on the severity of your condition.

skipsmum

hi, and welcome!
Im waiting for my dla decision, Ill let you know if I get it.

I see a psychiatrist once a week, and and the acute service nurse every week. I was only diagnosed two months ago so I understand about the shock! Theres a really good forum called manic depression fellowship (MDF), which I would link to but I dont know how...if you google it it comes up.
Feel free to PM me if you want,
Skipsmum xx

Rikochet

Thought I'd update this thread to let you all know my progress. I've been diagnosed with rapid cycling Bipolar Disorder. I'm still getting ESA and DLA but I don't get Tax Credits because of my partners earnings. I'm still on Sertraline and now some form of Lithium salts which my psychiatrist prescribed for me. I seem to be holding it together for what feels like the first time ever and I'm actually looking for work again. I can do either less than 16 hours/£93 a week and I still get my full benefits or I can work more than that and get £40 a week for a year instead of ESA. I still get DLA for the next 2 years regardless and it's helped me restore a bit of faith in myself again.

gbnut

Zara

You should get a care coordianator CMHT if you have complex issues or you might just see the psychiatrist in out patients. 99% of people who have a car coordianator will see them on a regular basis and then see the psychiatrist on a less regular basis ie every 3 months etc.

Do you have another appointment???

dane-katie

How long does it take to hear something from DLA? i applied on 06/10 i know it wasnt long ago, just wondering i think the letter said 8 weeks but i cant remember?

I see my psychiatrist on a regular basis now every 3 weeks ish, but she is trying to control my meds so i might see her more than others at the minute, it did used to be weekly.

dreamcatcher_7000

Usual response is about 6-8weeks.Definitely check throught it though, I'm lucky enough(!!!) to be both rapid cycling bipolar, and a borderline personality disorder, and after another nervous breakdown, I need a full time carer.The DLA form came through as I should be on the lowest care, and no mobility.My carer appealed on my behalf, with support from my shrink, and gp, and it was upgraded to middle care, and lowest disability. Stay safe, take the meds, and keep breathing in and out.One day, you wont need to remember.Good luck,pm me if I can help.

darknesshayz

I am worried I might have this, and I dont really know how to speak to the doctor about it. I am worried I will lose my friends if I have this, and I dont want to lose my friends. :S