DLA and concerned about lack of support

My worries are based on the evaluation of my mental health by a pyschiatrist who did want to know really know my history but simply control severe anxiety and depression with meds.
Having previously been diagnosed with having a bipolar condition cyclothymia I was simply told to go and look at the internet by the psychiatist and my doctor says alot of people have it which seems to over simplify something which makes my life, my own experience very complex.
I feel unheard and demoralised my worry is that when these health people are contacted they will not give a fair appraisal since they don't even know me, I am a symptom not a person they have no idea how this impacts on my life......I have been so blissfully unaware that there would not be an appropraite care plan I have had little support just pushed around a mental heatlh team who don't know what to do with someone that don't fit a low tier module system.
I requested a psychological appraisal for PSTD but this is not recognised it seems if something is not flagged it does not require attention....... I am very worried that the health team will not support my claim, this is my first post so I hope someone will have some advice I feel somewhat vunerable at present.

Hi,

It's impossible for us to give advice on individual claims. See FAQ
You need to seek 'face to face advice' from an organisation such as the CAB, or Community Legal Advice

Members need to bear in mind that we are not an on demand welfare rights organisation, and that the forums are not part of your membership, but are provided as a courtesy, in addition to you being able to access members only guides on DLA and IB/ESA. All moderators have chronic ill-health themselves, and work in a voluntary capacity, and at the moment the forums are being inundated with queries, so expect long delays in replying to general queries.

Kind regards.

Jim

Hi Jim I apprecaite your quick response I was just hoping to communicate with others who might have a similar circumstance of not being too seriously by health professions when making a claim..... we are all in a similar boat I only request some soundbites not legalities ........ many thanks kasper

Hi Kasper.

As Jim suggests, I would seek professional help regarding your claim for DLA. It maybe that a mental health advocacy worker in your area could help both with your claim and supporting you with the difficulties you are experiencing with your mental health team. Citizens Advice or Mind should be able to advise you on what support is available locally.

Anxiety has a compounding effect on cyclothymia, creating a complex, fluctuating mood disorder. It tends to effect sleep patterns, relationships, ability to sustain work, causes difficulty in making plans and sticking to them and can drain your energy, confidence and financial resources. It maybe not considered as severe as bipolar 1 or 2 but cyclothymia is certainly no picnic if you suffer from it.

I also suggest you try and relax and engage yourself in things you enjoy doing to counteract some of your anxiety - not easy with the added stress of worrying about benefits and medical assessments.

I don't know how mental health teams work, but I would make sure you see a good GP who understands how debilitating your condition can be.

Hi I have bi polar and am under the care of a psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist keep notes from your consultations and they will support an application for dla in most cases.

If you feel that your not being supported you can ask to be transferred to another psychiatrist. Also contact Mind who are really helpfull for advice and will also give help filling in forms.

Hope this helps.

Thanks so much I will contact Mind and see if they can give me some assistance I get worried when thats all I seem to be offered is higher density drugs...... I am concerned that if I refuse that I will not be taken seriously,it is a difficult balancing act to hold stuff together with cyclothymia and I sadly am getting so stressed out with this new application form.