What next

Hi just to tell you the story. I am on incapacity benefit, and I am in receipt of dla, which before christmas, was reviewed and I was given an indefinite award as my condition has not changed, I have a form of bipolar that is resistant to medication in the fact that I have not stabilised. In the last week I have needed sleeping tablets, and my team have said that I am in crisis. In 2006, dwp sent me a ib50 questionnaire, and I came within a week of a medical. This made me really ill. I saw my gp yesterday and she said there is no way I am fit to work. In 2006 dwp did not even write to my doctors to get medical evidence. I am hearing some dreadful stories of the esa medical. Also, how will it affect my dla. I had to go to a dla tribunal in 2000 and I have never forgotten the experience. I have a lot of personal problems at the moment, including my father about to stand trial for something. I am stressed out and down, now my husband has told me to get my lazy arse out there and get a job which has placed more pressure on me. He said none of us are going to have a choice. At the moment I just need time out. How do I deal with esa forms, medical and appeal without ending up in hospital. It is all I can do to keep going at the moment and I feel hospital is looming. Please help

Hi Jasmine,

It sounds like you haven't received an IB50 to complete and it may well be months or even years before you receive an ESA50. So, difficult as it may be, it is probably best to try not to worry until you do actually get a form to complete. At that point you will have the guides to help you make the best possible job of it.

Good luck,

Steve

It sounds as if your GP is on board as they clearly already support you, so bear that in mind when you do get your forms.
Maybe at the moment, try to focus on the things that you can do something about as it sounds as if you need all your personal resources to help you cope. Can you get a key worker or CPN to support you with the personal worries? I only say this as i too was in a very similiar situation back in 2006 when my own Father was due to stand trial for in his case, historical crimes.
The current climate is a very frustrating one for all of us and it is easy to get very concerned about what is going to happen but in the end we have to take one thing at a time.
Thinking of you.
Callisto x