Will ESA be any easier due to past history?

I had been in receipt of IB and DLA until just over one year ago when I started to feel 'less ill' so I contacted the DLA and told IB that I wanted to sign off and undertake some self employed work, which my G.P. agreed that that I should work for no more than 18 hours per week.
Shortly after this (and having given up both DLA and IB) I felt that I had acted a little prematurely as my symptoms slowly returned but continued in my self employment as my wife was the one whom was carrying out 90% of the work.
I have now got a note from my G.P. signing me off sick for eight weeks. I am aware that I will now have to claim ESA, but wondered if it would be any easier or difficult to get into the support group. I have not yet sent in my sick note as I thought that it would be best to ask on the forum for advice as to the best way to proceed.
Regards,
Linsky