Changing from WRAG to SG for bipolar?

brighton10

Hello
I'm new to this website and I'm sure this topic has been discussed plenty of times so apologies in advance!
I'm currently in receipt of ESA and in the WRAG. I've recently started training for work and have found it extremely difficult. I am now waiting to hear if I can still continue with my job due to poor attendance.
Whilst in a taxi a few days ago during what now in hindsight seems to have been a manic phase I totally lost it and had to get out the taxi in the middle of a traffic jam because I couldn't handle all the noise.
Situations like this are becomming more and more often and I'm worried that I am not as in control of my condition as I previously thought I was.

I've been advised to apply to be transferred to the support group of ESA. Has anyone had any success with this? Especially with regards to bipolar? I've started keeping a diary of my daily actions and bank statements from when I'm manic and over spend etc.

I've read horror stories of people being hauled into the job centre for these awful medicals, I'm aware this may happen but would rather be prepared than go in without knowing what to expect.

Thanks to anyone who can help x

pmlindyloo

In order to o get into the Support group you would need to meet one of the descriptors or meet regulation 29.

For more information read this link.

http://www.actionforme.org.uk/Resources/Action%20for%20ME/Documents/get-informed/esa-appeals-factsheet.pdf

The fact sheet is about appealing and I expect you are out of time for this but it does provide the information you need.

If you feel your condition has worsened then you can ask for the decision to be looked at again.

However, you will need supporting evidence from medical professionals.

Since you are concerned that you are not coping I would suggest that a visit to your doctor is number 1 on your list.

bloolagoon

Noise sensitivity can be associated with bi polar and your GP can refer you to an audiologist who can assist with this. It's often a very short referral with fast results. Please visit your GP.

System

I have bipolar and was in the SG but i think its because i met one of the special conditions (the one about being a harm to oneself or others if you had to undertake work or work related activity). I think it helps to have as much evidence as possible, at the time i was under a psychiatrist, CPN, OT, day services and my GP so had a lot of reports and evidence to send in.

What help do you currently get? I agree if you're finding things are getting worse your GP should be first point of call as they can refer you to CMHT and secondary services who might be better placed to help you right now.

brighton10

Thank you both for your replies. I'm under my local CMHT but haven't seen a psychiatrist since moving to this area, I've been seeing a CPN who is lovely but I'm always a bit apprehensive about the whole benefits side of things (unfortunately I've come across a few "what exactly do I say to get more money" people who don't seem to care about anything except what they can get) and I hate the stigma attached to mental health.
My main issue is that my behaviour is unpredictable, if someone pi**es me off 1 day I could just ignore it but if I'm manic it's a totally different story, I feel that on those days I could easily be capable of hurting someone physically which is horrible to admit. I'm also rubbish at taking my meds (2 mood stabilisers and 1 antipsychotic) when manic or low and at 27 years old still need my parents to check on me daily to make sure I take them.

When in the support group if I do improve health wise do I need to be put back into the WRAG to start work? The job I had been offered was on a bank basis which was ideal for me as I would only work when I felt able and this would only be 1 shift a week of 4/6 hours.