ESA medical

[Erin97x]

Hi had my medical assessment for esa and haven't been able to sleep since. So nervous! Feel like it was a test rather than something to help me get better. Does anyone else who has anxiety depression and social anxiety claim ESA or had a medical? What happened during yours?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dally]

Hi
I had an esa assessment nearly 18 months ago (and am awaiting a review any day now)

This was after 3 letters & telephone calls from my GP and cpn explaining that with my severe anxiety and agoraphobia. I could not attend...
They still said I had to or would be recorded as a no show.
They also refused me a home visit, as I was getting exposure therapy from a con
But did offer to pay for a taxi. I couldnt travel with a stranger, who couldn't take me straight home if I panicked.

In the end, my son & daughter drove me. Heavily sedated with valium.
When I got there, the receptionist told me I would have at least one hours wait ascthey had 2 members of staff off sick and had a backlog!

I promptly dissolved into tears (which I have never done in public)
And was taken to o a single room and treated very kindly, and my case was heard next.
I was given the option of returning another day. But the thought of travelling again was unbearable.

The assessor was kind. Asked what meds I was on and I showed her them (as requested to bring them to the assessment). She asked me how often I took them.

I gave her a note explaining my mental health problems from m y cpn.

She took both next door to 'authorise' 'it'. With a doctor..

At this stage, I did not know what she meant. But it yet have been that she had 'passed me unfit for work. Because, she walked me out to foyer to my children and told them I would be ok. I had nothing to worry about. And I would get a letter soon regarding my benefits.

I had read so many horror stories that I did not believe she meant I was getting esa.
But I did and was placed on the support group.

Others have, said not to dress smartly ECt or show signs of caring for your appearance.

IMO medical proof is what is in

Meds and drs/nursing/specialists letters or reports

[Erin97x]

Well I actually had my nails done as my assessment was on my birthday and my sister is a nail technician so it's not asif I had to go anywhere for them. I currently have SAD GAD and depression with panic disorder. So for me to even attend was a big step in itself. Have only been claiming for 4 months so I obviously haven't made a recovery as of yet. On tablets took them with me. Took my aunty with me who is a mental health support worker but they wouldn't let her speak and as I suffer from social anxiety my answers where simply yes no answers. The man was so intimidating everything I was answering he was responding with "mmmh" and typing away. Only lasted 10 minutes don't know if it's a bad thing or good. Just waiting for my results now hopefully I "pass"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---------- Post added at 22:11 ---------- Previous post was at 22:09 ----------

Plus I told them as my problems are due to my past that I am currently on the waiting list for counselling. There was only one more person in the waiting room as soon as I walked in I was called into the room so that wasn't bad. I see all these bad story's online and it scares me as I don't want to have to go to a tribunal and stuff.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[If]

How did you get on?

I got great help from the Benefits and Work site. I have heard terrible reports of interviews being interrogations etc I am dreading mine :(

[Erin97x]

Still waiting to hear back!! Causing me so much anxiety


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sandra1980]

Have you had your decision yet Erin?

First time i applied for esa i was placed in the support group without having to go for a medical,second assessment i had to go for the medical my own fault really i was that anxious filling in the esa50 that i left out probably the most important thing about my anxiety i was found fit for work.When the decision maker called to tell me he overturned the decision and kept me in support group as the assessor didn't tell him about problems i have taking medication for my anxiety as well as leaving out other info i had told her,adding in some of her own lies and ignoring evidence i had given her.

It really just depends on who you get assessing you if they are genuine or not the so called nurse assessing me obviously wasn't.

If you haven't heard yet i hope you get good news.