Very worried about DLA tribunal tomorrow :(

Jokey

After a year of waiting I finally have my DLA tribunal tomorrow. I've never been so scared in my life & I'm worried sick about the outcome. I really feel my whole life depends on it.

On my appeal form it states various things, I do not need care, i do not need help when I'm out & I do not need this & that, when I know I do.

I don't even care about the money, I care about the fact that if we get turned down then my partner (who spends all his time caring for me & the children) will be forced into work. If this happens then I know there will be a breakdown of the family. I can't look after myself & the children & my life will be destroyed. It sounds very dramatic, but that's exactly how it is.

I suffer with Crohn's, Agoraphobia, severe depression, OCD & various anxiety related conditions. The problem came when I moved to be closer to family for help & changed doctors. I was on DLA for 4 years, once I moved & I had rarely seen my new doctor, I was turned down due to them (new doc) saying I was ok, able to do everything, Which was an unfair report as I'd never seen them. I do have new evidence saying I need the help (from my GP_ but the letter was very vague.

I just don't know what to do. I'm terrible in confrontational situations & suffer panic attacks etc. I hate the fact that I have to go there to state my case & worried my anxiety will overtake any sense I would normally make.
I have an advocate that will be with me & a family support worker, but just feel that is not enough.

What can I do. I'm worried sick & just want to hide for the rest of my life

I'm grateful for any constructive comments x

fluffymovie

I know it can be terrifying but I go to tribunals in my role and it really isn't as bad as you think it will be!

The judge will listen to your evidence and try to understand the issues you face and give what they consider the fairest decision in accordance with the legislation.

Please try not to worry and let us know how you get on

tonydw

good luck keep us posted

flutterby_lil

Good luck today, let us know how you got on x

Hammyman

Jokey wrote: »

I don't even care about the money, I care about the fact that if we get turned down then my partner (who spends all his time caring for me & the children) will be forced into work. If this happens then I know there will be a breakdown of the family. I can't look after myself & the children & my life will be destroyed. It sounds very dramatic, but that's exactly how it is.

Even if your partner does end up having to go back to work, it won't be as bad as you are imagining it will be for the kids which I feel is your biggest concern. I understand that your view of the world is quite strongly directed by the conditions that you suffer so would like to just take this opportunity to remind you that there are millions of families where the parents work and they manage OK. The older the kids are the easier it is and I am sure that the both of you have done a good job bringing them up and they will cope far far better than you think they will at the moment being in the place you are.

Fear of the unknown is usually worse than what it ends up being and with your anxiety conditions that fear will no doubt feel like it is multiplied several times.

Best of luck and take care of yourself.

McKneff

Hammyman wrote: »

Even if your partner does end up having to go back to work, it won't be as bad as you are imagining it will be for the kids which I feel is your biggest concern. I understand that your view of the world is quite strongly directed by the conditions that you suffer so would like to just take this opportunity to remind you that there are millions of families where the parents work and they manage OK. The older the kids are the easier it is and I am sure that the both of you have done a good job bringing them up and they will cope far far better than you think they will at the moment being in the place you are.

Fear of the unknown is usually worse than what it ends up being and with your anxiety conditions that fear will no doubt feel like it is multiplied several times.

Best of luck and take care of yourself.

:T

Excellent post there Hammyman, you have great insight.

OP - good luck,

Jokey

Thank you so much for all your comments

The tribunal was adjourned for 3 months whilst they pull up past medical records & previous awards of DLA (I was on higher rate for 4 years which they didn't know!). I'll update in the future x