dont know if this is the right section

[firewatch]

But just booked my appointment with ATOS healthcare for my benefits medical assessment on the 17th.
A)they have booked it for Cardiff,and its fairly short notice for my husband to get the day off = big big stress.
B) Can I take my husband with me? He can quantify better how it effects me day day to etc.

Its for my claim for ESA as i have depression, cant leave the house most days unless its scrupulessly planned down to the last detail, get totally freaked and stressed at the most minor change. Cant cope in new situations just get totally introverted and wont speak even to say no. I have found things hard for a long time, and been assessed before but went on my own and they try and put numbers next to the effects of depression, i am wondering if i take my husband will they be able to better understand its effects??

[boxtops]

You really need to ask them. I would have thought that it was perfectly acceptable to take someone with you.

[boxtops]

.. and btw I wish you good luck with your assessment, there are several scales for depression measurement. I suffered with anxiety and depression for years, years back, and it took over my life - but I do want to say to you, there is life on the other side, it doesn't have to be like this forever. I wish you well ♥

[China Doll]

I imagine you can bring someone for support and to help you but that you would still have to quantify the problem yourself.

[boxtops]

You're probably right, china, firewatch's hubby could accompany but might not be able to speak for her.

[firewatch]

thanks guys much appreciated, little one will be with me either way and ad can certainley make sure hes heard hes worriead about me had a relapse of bad days a lot lately i suspect he will try and get the 19th off when i go for for medication review with the dr. Its an illness that runs through the generations of my family :(

[boxtops]

It's certainly not fun when you're in it, firewatch - good on your hubby for being so supportive. Let us know how you get on.

[firewatch]

lol his version of support is shove me in the bathroom with clean clothes to make sure i go out, shoudl of gone out to pay bills today but went to do the bins and had to run back in again! Now the local shops i can normally handle. PLUS we had our first lot of carolers this evening slammed the door in there face (group of lads) and locked it then checked all the other doors were locked and windows shut