PIP Review unexpected wording on 'Mixing with others'

Hi MissEI

There isn't anything in particular that you need to understand. Many people with mental health difficulties, find it difficult to mix with other people socially. Some find it so difficult they are housebound. Some people may only mix with old friends and relatives. Some people could never attend an event where there are strangers. Some people can only speak to people outside of their home such as a GP or a local shop keeper (neither of which should be counted as being able to mix socially).

So the first thing to consider is do you have difficulties mixing with other people? What do you find difficult and why do you find it diffcult? It could be depression, anxiety, lack of motivation because of depression, panic attack due to extreme anxiety...etc. You know your symptoms. Jot down your thoughts on a bit of paper - so you can refer back to it when filling in the form.

Tell us who helps you, eg particular family members, friends or health professional - You may not have anyone to help you and if that's the case say so. You may never be invited to socialise because of your illness. You may have turned down opportunities because you are too depressed or scared. You may have a care-co-ordinator if you are under the local mental health team who encourages you to go out - even accompanies you. You may have had a care co-ordinator in the past who tried to help and it made no difference.

What would you do if these people were not there to help? If you don't have anyone to help you - you will simply put not applicable. If you do have some help then say what you would do if they weren't there - it might be you would never leave the house, or if you reached somewhere you would have to return home immediately because of the stress. Whatever you say related it to your symptoms.

Do you have any support, such as therapy or counselling, that helps you mix with people face to face? What support , when started, if ended and how it helped you. Also tell if you are on a waiting list for any support and when you were put on it. Only you know if you currently have any outside support. If you had some in the past, but it didn't help you, or the focus was not on helping you mix with people, just say so.

Don't worry about trying to give the perfect answer.

BIS