Self harm, violence, ESA and PIP

Hi

I am not a violent person, but I get very distressed if I am stuck with people and cannot get away.
There were two incidents recently where I couldn't get away, and I lost my temper and started self harming.
One one incident my friend tried to restrain me and I bit him, as I was distressed but I apologised straight away, and on another similar incident, I could not get away and I got distressed and self harmed again, this time, I headbutted the man who tried to restrain me. I immediately apologised and there was no damage done.

I am on here asking how this would fit into an ESA and a PIP reassessment, as I know I should be expecting a brown envelope every time.
Do the incidents have to be recent?
I can go a few months without self harming etc, but I've done it all my life and if I get reassessed in a period where I have not self harmed etc, I am worried that the assessors will think that I have recovered and am fit for work.
It is hard trying to get a doctor to write a letter to this effect, I don't mind paying for letters but when I get them, they don't mention the self harm.
I have obtained my medical records and they don't mention the fact that being forced to spend time with people leads to self harm.
what should I do?
Could atos or maximus still class me as fit for work related activity?
I am in the support group
I also have trouble with alcohol and drugs and I have just renewed my subscription.
I don't have a mental health worker or a support worker.
thanks

Hi Chrissy,

Unfortunately Maximis (who now deal with ESA assessments) can come to decisions that many of us find contrary (to say the least).

All you can do is make the best claim possible and submit what evidence you have. You should clearly state 1) the condition that causes you to self-harm 2) the circumstances under which you self-harm and 3) the form that the self-harm takes. I'm sorry, I know that documenting all that is very distressing for you

edit - you should go through the same process explaining violent behaviour towards others

Thank you. I am having trouble with the evidence bit, cos the doctor never seems to put the self harm and stuff in the letters.
I got a print off from the doctor also, as a SAR request and there is hardly any info on it.

Is it possible for you to get statements from the people involved in the incidents you mention?
I appreciate this may be difficult but if your doctor doesn't know and never witnesses the behaviour it might be impossible for them to document it.
If/when you have your assessment you may need someone to accompany you.
It would also seem irresponsible if you didn't mention the problems and assaulted the person conducting the assessment.
I'm pretty sure they would over react if you attacked them without provocation or warning and not just accept an apology.