Typewritten notes/ESA50/Mental Health

I have until 6 Dec to complete ESA50 with regards to the IB re-assessment process.

Since I became aware of the possibility of being a part of this situation earlier this year I've occasionally been typing up what I consider to be relevant info re answering the questions on the ESA50. I have been doing this because I'm the person with the most experience of the problems I have and have had over the years.

However, when I was looking through the ESA guide re mental health on this site I notice that if I'm able to provide descriptions of my mental health problems then this in itself may well work against me. This seems pretty much a Catch 22 situation.

I have appointments to see my GP and consultant psychiatrist within the next week. Do I need to get confirmation from them of a 20 year problem with mental health issues to put in with the ESA50 (which I may need to pay for)?

Any advice gratefully rec'd

Difficult one choogle. A few months ago i would have advised and advocated anyone to be firm and confident in their own abilities to know what and how their own mental health is, to be encouraged and empowered to be their own expert in their health and care needs. Indeed a lot of past legislation, especially personalisation advocates that the individual is their own expert. However it feels that the goalpost has shifted, all to the determent of so much work for so many years by the service user involvment moverment. So I dont know what the expectation is anymore. How about a daily record/journal/diary of how your mental health impacts on daily living. Difficulties etc
lots of luck

Carole

choogle wrote:

I have until 6 Dec to complete ESA50 with regards to the IB re-assessment process.

Since I became aware of the possibility of being a part of this situation earlier this year I've occasionally been typing up what I consider to be relevant info re answering the questions on the ESA50. I have been doing this because I'm the person with the most experience of the problems I have and have had over the years.

However, when I was looking through the ESA guide re mental health on this site I notice that if I'm able to provide descriptions of my mental health problems then this in itself may well work against me. This seems pretty much a Catch 22 situation.

I have appointments to see my GP and consultant psychiatrist within the next week. Do I need to get confirmation from them of a 20 year problem with mental health issues to put in with the ESA50 (which I may need to pay for)?

Any advice gratefully rec'd

I think your correct in saying if you understand your problem too well it would go against you.


I think the wording psychiatrists use when someone has a problem and they dont think it will get better because of drugs or CBT is..

"Because the person lacks insight"

From my our own personal view I think that it is better to get a letter from your doctor and psychiatrist even with a charge. I have always found them the best proof and if they go in with your form will make a difference. They certainly have with us with DLA. I can't comment on the ESA side as we haven't been assessed through that yet however we will be asking our doctor for a confirmation letters when the ESA forms do land and our doctors have already said they will support us for the support group as they know we are both genuine and not able to work to a employer time scale nor even for our selves because of our various health complaints.