In a confusing situation regarding ESA (eligiblity)?

helloey

stevemLS wrote: »

I'm going bald, which is plainly very visible and, moreover, it is socially acceptable to take the **ss, whereas it is not to make the same comments to those with physical deformities. The NHS (rightly) will offer me no treatment for it.

?

regards,

(j/k!!!)

princessdon

helloey wrote: »

from reading your post, it sounds to me potentially like it could be - Body dysmorphic disorder :

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/body-dysmorphia/Pages/Introduction.aspx

"People with BDD may:

• constantly compare their looks with other people's
• spend a long time in front of a mirror, and at other times avoid mirrors altogether
• spend a long time concealing what they believe is a defect
• become distressed by a particular area of their body (commonly their face)
• feel anxious when around other people "

---

Questions your GP may ask

• Do you currently think a lot about your appearance? What features are you unhappy with? Do you feel your feature/s are ugly or unattractive?
• How noticeable do you think your feature is to other people?
• On an average day, how many hours do you spend thinking about your feature?
• Does your feature currently cause you a lot of distress?
• How many times a day do you currently check your feature?
• How often do you feel anxious about your feature in social situations? Does it lead you to avoid social situations?
• Has your feature had an effect on dating or on an existing relationship?
• Has your feature interfered with your ability to work or study?

etc etc.

...just something to maybe consider ?

regards,

Rare for a physician to diagnose over the Internet.

helloey

princessdon wrote: »

Rare for a *[STRIKE]physician[/STRIKE] to diagnose over the Internet.

*psychologist

Adereterial

Raksha wrote: »

The end decision lies with the DWP decision maker, NOT the GP. My GP was happy to provide me with 'sick notes' for 2 years saying I was not fit for work, but the first DWP DM gave me 0 points, which went to appeal, I was then given 18 points, but put in Work Related Activity Group...

That's true, but the GP needs to believe the individual is incapable of work and to provide a medical certificate stating such before a claim can proceed. If the GP doesn't believe an individual is unfit for work, that person cannot claim ESA. So ultimately, the decision does rest with the GP until such time as an individual has been assessed and a decision made on the claimants long term eligibility for ESA. Your claim would not have been possible had your GP not felt you had limited capability.

stevemLS

helloey wrote: »

*psychologist

If that was aimed at me, I should have made it clear, I am a lawyer, not a clinician - I sit on the panels to try and keep them legally on the right path.

All I was saying is that the OP's description of how they are affected is strikingly similar to cases that have come to us.

jacques_chirac

helloey wrote: »

*psychologist

A (clinical) psychologist is a physician - the latter being a term to describe a person who practices medicine.

help4help2013

stevemLS wrote: »

If that was aimed at me, I should have made it clear, I am a lawyer, not a clinician - I sit on the panels to try and keep them legally on the right path.

All I was saying is that the OP's description of how they are affected is strikingly similar to cases that have come to us.

i work in the CMHT and have done on and off for many years now i dont think its BDD i have seen first hand and what BDD is

the fact that the OP is distressed that his/her jaw is out of place is what's making them depressed

nannytone_2

OP ... you need to ask your DP for a fit note due to your mental health and not because of your perceived issues with your jar.
has your GP offered you any help with your mental health?

Swoop

Thanks for the amazing responses, I really do appreciate it.

To answer the questions, I do get verbally attacked all of the time. I don't know how other people in the same situation don't. And even when I'm not being verbally attacked, I can hear people discussing me when they think I can't hear, or doing impressions, or a number of many other strange and spirit-crushing responses that I care not to write on and on about. This happens everywhere, in the street, in the shops, on public transport etc. And I've had enough! I know what BDD is and it's not BDD - this is a clear and very noticeable injury (to everybody).

I have a different GP every single time I go to the medical centre, and they seem very anti-medication (as they should!). Next time I go I'll have to press them some more.

As for saving up and getting amazing private surgery, this is my main plan - I have a skill with which I can make money from home (which goes hand in hand with being intensely anxious) but I need some time to get the ball rolling. With regular ESA payments I could get there, and also stop having to claim benefits on the way.

Thanks again for all of the awesome feedback.

baza52

If you can still eat and talk you cant be that bad to look at.
If you can hear everyone talking about you then put headphones or earplugs in.
If it was as bad as you say you would be waiting for the surgery to open to see a doctor for medication to help you.