PIP and Driving a Car etc

Hi Everybody, I've seen this topic touched on elsewhere but would be very grateful if anyone could offer further experience or insight. I have severe depression/anxiety/agoraphobia/suicidal ideation and using public transport is impossible for me as I was attacked by a gang on a full bus when they spotted my androgenic alopecia. Nobody helped me and it was a traumatic experience. I've kept a car for years since though I rarely drive now, 'exercising it' once a week in the evening when the roads are empty and nobody will see me. I'm so worried this is going to be seen as being 'capable' when I'm not. I've managed some fourteen mile roundtrip drives to the local hospital for follow up appointments following breast cancer but have cancelled appointments with consultant oncologists due to not being able to go out/drive/ face everything.

As all my friends have left the area and my soulmate has passed on, I've HAD to do some things. I mean, being in a taxi with a stranger is more stressful than the hospital drive, for instance. Although I collect my monthly prescriptions from the local chemist a two minute walk away, it's a nightmare. Once there, I occasionally nip into the local Co-op opposite the chemist but do my main shop online.

I just worry that this is all going to be seen as 'capable' if I get a nasty assessor. I turned down a support worker because I can't cope with strangers and I had one years ago who behaved inappropriately..

I have just the weekend now before the assessment on Monday 8th August and would be so grateful if anyone could give some pointers or any advice at all on any of my questions. Thanks in advance.

I'll second that!!

Aww, thanks Gordon. You do talk sense. But I'm also so worried about the fact that strangers cause me extreme anxiety, yet I'm having a home assessment and will be alone with the assessor which means.... what?

The reason I got the home assessment is that nobody from the local mental health advocacy 'service', Scottish CAB, or Welfare Rights would take me. Not in their remit. Really shocking. So I'm home alone 'disproving' my own claim I need to be with someone when facing strangers etc. I'm relying on those major points.

But yup. There's always the swimming.....

Hi Jul. Yes it is shocking how these places meant to be helping folks with mental health problems are shying away more and more from helping. Best wishes and good luck for tomorrow, from a fellow sufferer. Fingers crossed for you

Hello Jul. Realise you won't see this till after the assessment but just wanted to say I hope things don't go too badly for you today. Like you I had to cancel a support worker coming to see me as I can't cope with strangers coming to the house, so I understand your dilemma, it's not easy. Regards and best wishes!