pip- info on mental health diagnosis?

samantham06

Hello,
I have recently applied for pip, and am wondering if anyone has knowledge about how mental health is looked at. I am unsure if you need a concrete diagnosis of a mental health disorder in order to be eligible.
I recently went through a breakdown, and didn't get out of bed for three weeks. My child has stayed with relatives since, whilst I get back onto my feet, which is very hard. I do work, and have gone back to work one part time as its important to my sense of wellbeing and am slowly getting back to normal life.

My doctors letter states that I have suffered with depression for two years, have recently had a crisis and have been refereed to the community mental health team for anxiety and depression. It also states I suffer with coeliac disease and ibs which cause me pain and tummy problems, also alopecia and finally polycycstic ovaries.
All of these combined just got a little too much, however Im unsure if just the diagnosis of depression is enough to entitle me to pip? In my form I have clearly stated the impact it has on my life, and the issues it causes for me socially, emotionally and physically. But with all the cutbacks I am unsure if the dwp may think its not significant enough, personally im sure I have something more complex but due to a lack of mental health services in my area I am unlikey to ever get proper support.

Thanks.

jacques_chirac

What care and mobility needs do you have?

samantham06

Im now seeing the cmht. Care needs are mainly reliant on my partner, as I don't cook, shop, sort out bills, cope with day to day life. And avoid social situations due to anxiety and generally feeling strange all the time. I have clearly stated on there that there are occasional days where I am okay, but the majority are not. I get panicky and very paranoid when around people, and various other issues.

Indie_Kid

The diagnosis doesn't matter. All they care about is whether you have a medical condition which means you meet the criteria.

samantham06

To be honest, I felt horrible applying for it, but my social worker advised me to, as money issues are also a catalyst to my depression. There are also days where my ibs is so bad I am unable to get my child to school and go into work myself as without being crude, I am glued to the bathroom!
I do not hold out alto of hope for receiving it, but I figured I am sure it is worth trying as my issues do impact on my day to day life.

jacques_chirac

samantham06 wrote: »

Im now seeing the cmht. Care needs are mainly reliant on my partner, as I don't cook, shop, sort out bills, cope with day to day life. And avoid social situations due to anxiety and generally feeling strange all the time. I have clearly stated on there that there are occasional days where I am okay, but the majority are not. I get panicky and very paranoid when around people, and various other issues.

On the information given you may qualify, people with long term depression and anxiety sometimes do. Where your claim may fail is how long you have had (and will have) these needs, are they always this high? You will need evidence that they will last for another nine months.

samantham06

jacques_chirac wrote: »

On the information given you may qualify, people with long term depression and anxiety sometimes do. Where your claim may fail is how long you have had (and will have) these needs, are they always this high? You will need evidence that they will last for another nine months.

They are always similar in social situations, they are not always as bad as me spending three weeks bed like I recently have- that was a particularly bad time. I didn't really mention that in the form though, as I was struggling before that. My gps letter states the depression has been going on for two years, although in reality its been on and off since my teens. I hope that it may ease in nine months, but these sorts of things have a habit of keep reapearring.

jacques_chirac

samantham06 wrote: »

They are always similar in social situations, they are not always as bad as me spending three weeks bed like I recently have- that was a particularly bad time. I didn't really mention that in the form though, as I was struggling before that. My gps letter states the depression has been going on for two years, although in reality its been on and off since my teens. I hope that it may ease in nine months, but these sorts of things have a habit of keep reapearring.

I think you'll struggle to get an award at the moment on the basis that you could be far better in nine months. The DWP recognise that some conditions are variable, but they would still be looking for a longer need for care. Personally I would put it aside and review in a few months time, see how you are then and what the prognosis is.

bloolagoon

The main block is the fact it's 3 months before and 6 months after (I think)

You could struggle with this part.

samantham06

Sorry for the rant, just it annoys me when people make judgements and rude accusations.

samantham06

bloolagoon wrote: »

She works and even in crisis is still working

Thank you, that comment was much appreciated. I felt low enough putting a claim in, but was advised to. Comments like the previous one just upset me more!