Thanks, I'm trying not to get too optimistic though

Thanks again your you advice guys! @Kelcou - I know the CMP will probably be good for me but I'm not really good with new things at the moment and I tend to work situations up as worse than they are. If my appeal goes to tribunal I do intend to go in person if only for the reason that they can see with their own eyes what new situations do to me. I'm soooo angry that they didn't contact my GP as she's seen me break down several times in her office and had advised me last year that if I didn't improve I would end up in hospital, but obviously the DWP don't care about that!! @Uncertain - When I sent my appeal off I included off of my own back a further information sheet with lots of details on it, and also advised them of the steps that I took on the day that I received the letter and also called them so that they could hear the panic attack that I was having. the girl on the phone seemed to be very supportive and agreed that in her opinion I was unfit to work. I wish I could work just now but until I get back to 'normal' it's not possible at the moment.

I managed to get an appointment by calling the number but it was a very very busy line and look me hours to get through on - but I recommend doing it if you want to get the medical over and done with. Good Luck! P

I got this letter too advising me of the changes to the rate, then two weeks letter got the results of my medical advising me I had 0 points. (Which I am appealing but that's a different story for another thread!) I think the rate changes letter is a standard letter, but hopefully this time around things will be easier for your application. Fingers crossed! P

Thanks guys for your support! @Kelcou - I've only just been registered with the Condition Management Programme - my first appointment is next week and I'm not really looking forward to it, meeting new people tends to make me panic. @Uncertain - No, they didn't even contact my GP or CPN, they made the decision on what they thought on the day - I'm so upset that they don't even seem to have noticed the Panic Attack, the room was swimming, my heart was hammering, I was trembling and was in tears - but obviously that means that I have no problems!! (Sorry for the sarcasm but I don't understand why they think it was normal!!). I have contacted my GP and should be able to pick up a back up letter next week, and I've also sent them a letter giving them full consent to contact my CPN and advised them that I have several personal witnesses who see me (and my condition) on an regular basis have offered their support by consenting to be interviewed on how my condition affects me. I got another letter this morning advising me other benefits to apply for but it seems that I need to be looking for work to get them - Don't get me wrong I would dearly love to work but I need to get better first!!

Can anyone help me with any advice? I have a depressive illness, which I am struggling to recover from - I am making a little progress although I still feel some things overwhelm me. I was getting ESA and I am doing everything that they ask me to like going to Pathways to Work and have registered for Condition Management Program. I also attend my GP and CPN regularly, and when I was with my previous employment I attend a OHW appointment but I no longer have a job due to my incapacity. I attended the medical that was required with ESA and arrived 15mins early as per the letter I received I was told that I would be taken within 30mins of my arrival time which would be only 15mins after my appointment time - I didn't get taken until a full hour after my appointment time so I had been waiting 90mins - by this point I was struggling with a panic attack and when I was taken to the room for my assessment I dissolved into tears. However I have a built in reaction that I cannot prevent which makes me stay polite at all times - even when in a panic attack. This morning I received a letter telling me I had 0 points - they seem to have ignored my panic attack and also it appears that they did not contact my GP or CPN for further information. This led to a major panic attack this morning which I could only stop with medication. I have contacted JSA and ESA appeals and have also asked my GP to provide me with a letter to back up my condition. I don't know what to do or where to go - I am still signed off work until 16th March - I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, I am skilled and if I went into a job just now I would just loose it right away due to my incapacity so I really don't want a bad job record messing up my skilled CV. I am soooo lost - I just want to get better and back into work but everytime I get a step forward in my recovery it seems that I am pushed two steps back!!