I was penalised because I turned up to my PIP interview, apparently wasn't nervous [of course I was! I felt sick, sweaty, shaking] and gave eye contact, at one point I smiled [nerves]! Letters from my GP were ignored although she could have been approached at any time for more details and evidence of my medical history.
But I have a mental health problem for which there is no cure, just constant management and monitoring, and it greatly affects the quality of my life. I often struggle to function. Socially isolated, with social anxiety, a chronic sleep problem, hormone imbalance, very little support and unable to lead a 'normal' life...I would not wish this struggle on anyone.
Mental health issues are not understood by these interviewers, mine didn't have a clue and sufferers are a target for the government [as a support worker told me]. The questions asked do not take into account the inability to function with a mental health problem and the impact on lives...more concentrated on physical abilities and disabilities.
I could not face an appeal, as it had already made me unwell, incredibly sleep deprived, exhausted and the thought of weeks and months of worrying would have tipped me over and made me so ill. I couldn't afford to do that as life is a precarious balance most of the time and it takes a lot of effort to keep on an even keel.
Luckily for me I had recently been left a sum of money after my mother passed away so I live off that now. But I feel so much for genuine people who have been chucked away by the cruel system as I was who aren't so lucky. It is so wrong and needs to be looked into...although too late for so many people who have suffered already.