MyAnxiety – MyAnxiety

1st December 20181st December 2018

New Anxiety Medication Sertraline

As usual time has passed – back in July I went and visited my GP for the first time in a long time. Since then I have been back to see him a couple of times. After my first appointment, we agreed that I would try out an additional medication, so I started on Sertraline at 50mg once a day for two weeks, then increased it to 100mg once a day. I have been on this dose now for 3 months. Here is a useful explanation of the medication Sertraline on Mind’s website. Continue reading “New Anxiety Medication Sertraline”

6th July 20181st December 2018

Mental Health and Money Research

I have a lot of time for Martin Lewis of Money Savings Expert, for his advice on consumer finance and his annual debt advice booklet for people suffering with mental health illness.

He is also the face of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, based in London UK. I am proud to contribute to their research by being a member of the research community. This involves completing online questionnaires and surveys from time to time. There is no obligation to complete all surveys and there is also an opportunity to partake in online discussion groups. Continue reading “Mental Health and Money Research”

24th June 20181st December 2018

Reflection about losing PIP Award

I had been receiving DLA and then PIP for the past 5 years or so, because of my mental health and Ulcerative Colitis. Following a mid award review which started in August 2017 and a medical assessment by Capita in November 2017, my PIP award ended on the 11th December 2017.

I have been reflecting on this a lot over the past 6 months. Financially the impact was significant, as it meant I also lost my Tax Credits award from the 11th December, and any day I expect a bill for £500 over payment following the year end tax credit review.

I have been lucky and been able to earn a little more money through the work I do and been helped by family.

Continue reading “Reflection about losing PIP Award”

10th June 20181st December 2018

Binge Eating A Letter to Myself

Last night you had kebab, not just any kebab, you chose the extra-large mixed kebab, with three pittas- there is a clue there, in theory to share with your wife, (but she didn’t eat much). Today you have been awake since 5am feeling bloated, nauseous and sweaty. You started going to the toilet at about 7am, wanting to rid your body of the bloated sick feeling. But now at 11am having been to the loo more than 10 times, you are in pain, your bottom is sore and bleeding, you still feel sick and bloated and in pain. If you are lucky this will ease around 1pm and you will start to feel better.
Continue reading “Binge Eating A Letter to Myself”

19th December 20171st December 2018

PIP Medical Assessment Outcome 2017

I have been receiving PIP for a few years and was asked in the Summer to confirm my current health situation by submitting a medical questionnaire form back to DWP. I think I may have blogged about my quandary and in the end I confirmed that my ability to dress and bathe had improved. I then had an anxious couple of months waiting to hear further from the DWP. Then I was asked to attend a medical assessment with Capita on the 10th of November.

Continue reading “PIP Medical Assessment Outcome 2017”

24th November 20171st December 2018

Reflection on my mental health

I attended a DWP Medical Assessment with Capita in Northampton following a review for being submitted in August.

During the Assessment the assessor said that she was not there to advise but she thought I should go back and see my GP.

Having talked about my illness with the assessor I have realised that my anxiety has got worse. I can separate my mental health illness into three areas Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) , Social Anxiety and Depression. Continue reading “Reflection on my mental health”

9th October 20171st December 2018

Mental Health in the UK

In honour of World Mental Health Day on Tuesday the 10th October 2017, which this year focuses on workplace well-being, our friends at MyTherapy have put together an info-graphic to share some pretty surprising facts about mental illness in the workplace.

Continue reading “Mental Health in the UK”

22nd September 20171st December 2018

What helps My Anxiety

I used the opportunity of not being able to sleep last night, to consider what helps me live with my Generalised Anxiety and Ulcerative Colitis conditions.

So here is my menu of options in no particular order that help me:

Continue reading “What helps My Anxiety”

10th September 20171st December 2018

Is Anxiety a Disability?

I have in the past pondered whether my anxiety in the form of Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety was a disability. As I also have Ulcerative Colitis (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and receive Personal Independence Payment, now, if I am asked in a questionnaire etc whether I consider myself disabled, I do usually end up ticking yes.
Continue reading “Is Anxiety a Disability?”

6th September 20171st December 2018

Mental Health Disability Benefits

I thought I would share with you what I have learnt about the financial help that is available to those with a disability. This blog is based on my experience of claiming benefits and getting financial help as I have a long term ill health in the form of a mental illness and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I have linked the benefit types to relevant part of disability benefits on GOV.UK website

Continue reading “Mental Health Disability Benefits”