Struggling to put into words

Hi , I’m new to this site but have heard great things about it.
I am aware of the process of claiming pip as both my children are awarded it, but I’m really finding it hard to explain my condition of fibromyalgia, which was diagnosed 6 months ago after years of pain and symptoms. I’m ashamed to say that 3/4 days a week we live on takeaways as I have no energy and I’m in constant pain. I don’t socialise at all Infact I only have 3 friends who I only correspond with by text message. The thought of meeting new people fills me with dread.
I have no family at all , even going to the doctors is such a chore that I rarely bother.
My form has been sat here blank, I’m constantly in tears wondering if I can be bothered with it because I can’t explain things properly. I think the way I would word things would make my application be laughable and I wouldn’t stand a chance of being awarded pip.
I have read through the guides on here but still at a standstill.
Please can anyone help me. X

Hello Karen

When I filled in my form I found it easier to break it up into segments rather than looking at it as a whole. It feels less overwhelming that way. I allowed an hour each day to fill in what I could and if I couldn't manage that then so be it. I also would find myself jotting down answers/symptoms on post it notes throughout the day and working those into my main draft.
I understand this is more difficult because you are writing about yourself and a lot of us don't like to admit we are struggling. Plod on and it will be completed before you know it

Thank you very much for your help and advice, I’m going to try to get some of the form done today and see how I get on x

Hi karen

Sorry to hear you are struggling to get your form started. I think the advice of breaking it into segments is a really good idea.

I filled out the pip application form for my son recently. He has autism and learning difficulties. I knew exactly what he can and cant do but i tried to think why is it he cant do it. He can talk but not well enough to really explain why he cant do certain things but i wanted to make sure what i was putting on his form was accurate.

With the cook a meal one for example - he has never cooked a meal and, although i knew he cant do that, i was thinking of all the factors at play that stop him doing that. I knew he can peel potatoes at the cafe he volunteers at but at home he had never done this, i had never seen him do it. He doesnt eat any veg at all so he would never do this at home.

So i asked him to peel some veg at home for me just to see if he can actually do it.

And then when i saw him do the task, it was clear what factors were at play causing difficulty.

So i was able to list the factors on the form

- he lacks the drive and motivation to learn how to prepare a meal as he never eats a meal.
- he has problems with task initiation so would struggle to have the initial thought of wanting to try to make a meal
- and of sequencing the process together from start to finish. He would be unable to co ordinate timings together so all elements of the meal were ready at the same time
- he has slow processing so if something spilled or an oven shelf needed re positioned, this would cause a problem and potentially be dangerous.



Obviously, your reasons will be different but maybe thinking what actually happens when you try to do the activities on the form. Think what elements of each task you cant do and what stops you from being able to do it. An example can be good.


I dont know if my son's application has been successful or not yet. But i do know he is not being called for face to face. So my form (and tips for you) is either very good or very bad!!

The guides on this site are excellent. I didnt know about them when i sent off my son's application but i have bought access to them since.

You have already identified some reasons in your post that could get your form kicked off. Just break it down. Instead of saying 'im in constant pain' break that down and apply it to the task

So think about exactly what you feel when you need to put a cooked meal on the table

- say exactly what the pain feels like as you go through every part of peeling, chopping, moving about your kitchen. Link how you feel to every aspect of the task. I havent got fibromyalgia so if you were explaining it to me you would need to tell me if the pain is sharp, dull, tingling, what movements of your hands and limbs exaggerate it. Is it affected by temperature when you open the hot oven for e.g. Assume the assessor knows as little as i do and really get it all on there.

And if the thought of even getting the ingredients together to start a meal feels too much, say that but describe it fully if you can. What thoughts are happening that make it feel overwhelming.


I hope that gets you started off. Once you get going, hopefully your thoughts will start free flowing. Remember you can add extra sheets but try not to ramble and stick the guidance from this site.


All the best

Hi Anisty
Thank you very much for your message and tips, I will definitely try to give examples of the pain etc when doing tasks. You really have made me think differently as to how best to answer and explain in more detail.

Good luck with your sons application , it’s all so stressful, for everyone. I’m so pleased that you don’t have to go through the added stress of a face to face with your son , it’s daunting enough for us as adults .
My autistic child had to have a home visit but refused to leave the bedroom, I’m dreading all of this again when her entitlement comes up for a review.
Thank heavens for a site like this and kind people like yourself that really understands.
X