Descriptor: self harming

Hi, please could someone tell me which descriptor self harming comes under. I'm struggling reading all the notes.(sorry)
On my ESA50 form I wrote twice that I self harm but in my ATOS medical the nurse did not once ask about it and on her notes
MENTAL STATE 44; she has written
Ideas of self harm: No ideas of self harm.

She has also stated that I have not seen a psychologist or psychiatrist which is not true. Her question to me was, "are you seeing one", not "have you ever seen one"!
Please could you advise if I should be sending details about these facts to the appeals board?
Many thanks once again for all your help,
Rachel

Fedup wrote:

Hi, please could someone tell me which descriptor self harming comes under. I'm struggling reading all the notes.(sorry)
On my ESA50 form I wrote twice that I self harm but in my ATOS medical the nurse did not once ask about it and on her notes
MENTAL STATE 44; she has written
Ideas of self harm: No ideas of self harm.

She has also stated that I have not seen a psychologist or psychiatrist which is not true. Her question to me was, "are you seeing one", not "have you ever seen one"!
Please could you advise if I should be sending details about these facts to the appeals board?
Many thanks once again for all your help,
Rachel

from what i know on this if you have seen one in the past....but now are not seeing one they would not think you are as big danger

also are you self harming because of the "buzz" "feeling" you get from doing it or is it because of low esteem ?

that too makes a differance as does the method used

apart from ESA have you applied for dla care and mobility I know of people who get it for this problem

Hi Rachel

You weren't expecting the nurse to bother reading your form were you?

Unlike the PCA, there isn't an activity in WCA that self harming clearly fits into. However, you may be able to make a case that you satisfy Activity 13, Awareness of hazard or danger. When you self harmed, were you fully aware of what you were doing and the consequences of it, or were you too distressed to think about it? If the latter is the case, in my opinion you could score points for Activity 13 through lack of awareness.

You can also make a case that you satisfy the 'exceptional circumstances - substantial risk'. See page 9 of the ESA mental health guide. I would certainly recommend this if you feel that it applies to you.

Although it is not necessary to highlight every minute flaw in the medical report, any flaws or inconsistencies that have resulted in you not scoring points, such as the ones you mentioned, should be brought to the tribunals attention, either in writing or at the hearing.

Best of luck

Derek

Hi Derek and Dave, thankyou again for all your advice, I tend to self harm completely spontaneously and without any thought at all except that its the only thing I can do, (hope that makes sense).
I will go back through the notes when I can face it! Posted another thread just now about the CAB not being able to help me which has upset me a great deal. I have rung and left my details with swain and co solicitors to see if they can help but apparently they are extremely busy at the moment.
Dont know what to do next!
Thankyou again very much for this lifeline!
Rachel

Hi Rachel, have you tried your local branch of Mind? My local branch is supportive, although busy.

Hi

I got high rate dla for my daughter who self harms.