Most of my time now I just spend sitting around at home - or lying on the settee, because sitting is so uncomfortable for me. I’ll have the TV on but I won’t be watching it - I just can’t concentrate on things any more. I can’t seem to motivate myself to start things or see them through. I don’t want to see people any more - it’s even gone that my stomach turns over when the phone rings and I often won’t answer it at all. I used to enjoy going out to darts with my friends, but have had to stop it.

I also spend a lot of time crying - I used to be a cheerful person, but now tiny little things upset me - things I wouldn’t even have noticed before. When I go to bed at night I can’t sleep and in the mornings I don’t want to get out of bed - I feel tired and ‘low’ all the time. I have recently been awarded DLA at the middle rate of the Care Component because of the help I need from other people with my personal care.

I also get the Mobility part of DLA at the lower rate because I need someone with me when I am outdoors because of my anxiety/ panic attacks. I worry a lot that I should be working, but don’t feel able to. My Counsellor says to try to forget about work for the moment.

Next>>>