I've been through 2 of these and got zero points both times, I got a copy of the drs report from the first one and he actually wrote that I wasnt suffering from anxiety because I wasn't rocking backwards and forwards!
For my second one I took my mental health worker with me which really helped, I don't think the dr took any notice of a word he said but it made me feel better having the support. My anxiety was really bad during my 2nd one and it always causes a tight knot and cramping in my stomach and at least this time the dr did admit I looked anxious!
Basically if you can get through a "normal" day then you are fine to work, at the time of my 2nd medical I was homeless and living in a bed and breakfast, I was having very frequent meetings with my mental health worker and was self harming, I was in no fit state to work, I could barely get through the day most days. They try and trick you into things, like they said do I use facebook, yes, well then you can communicate effectively, he asked me what I'd done at xmas and I said I'd spent it with my sister in Liverpool, ok so that means you can travel long distances without support. It even came down to watching tv, if you have the concentration level to watch tv then you can work.
They will ask if you shower everyday, what time you go to bed and get up, whether you cook for yourself, wash your clothes, clean your house etc.
It seems to me the only way you can get through this with enough points is to say you lie in bed all day staring at the ceiling or sleeping, you don't wash, cook, use a phone or computer or read or watch tv.
Totally ridiculous system and having watched 2 documentary's on the subject and how they "train" the drs made me sooooo mad.
Anyway, sorry if I've rambled on a bit!
Hope some of that helps, and hope your phased return to work goes well
Chezie
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Originally Posted by Fenrir
