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Finding the benefit process overwhelming

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11 months 3 weeks ago #285172 by Anxious Anonymous
Finding the benefit process overwhelming was created by Anxious Anonymous
Benefits and Work

I am finding the benefit process so overwhelming. I've finally been diagnosed with both ASC and ADHD, along with my mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorder, my functional seizures and pain. My worry is that benefits don't seem to let you have much of a life. I struggle with medication but I'd like to be able to exercise or even visit the gym at 2am in the morning.

Even though I have ASC, my psychiatrist recommended joining a football team. In the past I was able to cope with a 10-14 man football social team. Most of the players also have ASC. The rest of the time I'd spend my time at home. So it's an ASC friendly environment and it was one hour a week - but I feel this would go against me in any kind of ESA/PIP kind of application.

It literally feels like you can't have a life, even if that life is just one hour a week of trying to attend an activity that benefits your health and wellbeing.
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11 months 3 weeks ago #285191 by BIS
Hi Anxious Anonymous

You know we can't tell you what to do here. I don't think it would be held against you, but that's only my view and not something I can substantiate. I think every claimant has to try and do what they think is best for them. If there's a chance it could help, and that's something you want to try I hope you give it a go.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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11 months 3 weeks ago #285203 by denby
Replied by denby on topic Finding the benefit process overwhelming
Mods can't tell you what to do Anxious Anonymous, nor should I. Doctors can recommend what you should do.
So, you do say your "psychiatrist recommended joining a football team" If so, why not give it a go, and if benefits people do question you about it, refer them to your psychiatrist. He/she should be willing to back you up by confirming they advised it, and that it is a mostly-ASC group.
Best wishes,
Denby
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11 months 3 weeks ago #285211 by Anxious Anonymous
Replied by Anxious Anonymous on topic Finding the benefit process overwhelming
You do make some great points. I did find an article that highlights the issues around exercise and benefit claimants. I don't know if you'd like to take a read but it makes some interesting points:

ukdeafsport.org.uk/the-activity-trap-benefits-or-being-fit/

From my point, I do require some support to engage in any meaningful activity. So I effectively need to be encouraged, prompted and have someone plan and follow the journey there and back due to severe anxiety.

How this relates to what the psychiatrist suggested. Well, it would effectively be socialising for one hour a week. The fact I don't socialise anymore due to neurodiversity and the mental health issues linked to that, has actually impacted my physical health to the point I'm in a lot of pain, fatigue and I'm now obese.

So in order for me to work, get better or have some kind of meaningful life then I'm going to have to try and take the advice of doing even just one hour of exercise a week, that's in a comfortable and safe environment.
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11 months 3 weeks ago #285231 by BIS
Hi Anxious Anonymous

Thanks for posting about the article - it is an interesting read I hadn't encountered before. I hope that if you have the opportunity to play football for one hour a week and it's something you want to try - you do so.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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