Any guidelines when interviewing individuals with mental health problems? my bad experience

[jackie]

Any guidelines when interviewing individuals with mental health problems? my bad experience

I have been on income support since 2004 after being diagnosed with quite debilitating mental health issues. I was interviewed 2 weeks ago by two DWP employees at my home address regarding overpayment of benefit. It was obvious I was in no fit state to be interviewed and inspite of me informing them that I was not feeling well. I was asked about my mental health problems but I declined to discuss these (even though they had the details). I found the whole experience stressful and intimidating , I hardly remember anything that was said to me or what I said and I remember signing a statement but again cannot remember any content. Inspite of assuring me I would receive a copy the next day I havent had one. I have now increased anxiety, panic attacks, I am not sleeping with the worry. I live by myself with no social network for support, reluctant and frightened to go out, answer the phone, the door etc (this being relative to the trigger of my mental health problems).
My question is surely they cant conduct an official interview with an individual where it is obvious there are problems, shouldnt I have had someone with me. I would of thought there were guidelines on interviewing individuals with mental health problems.

 

[Twylight]

Hi jackie and welcome to the Forum
In your position I would see my GP and arrange to see a CPN (community psychiatric nurse).
I'm surprised that after fours years you haven't got a CPN already.

 

[finetime]

hi as twylight says plus have you gone to the c.a.b in your area this link mite help http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm

 

[jackie]

thank you both

 

[ramboghettouk]

It is difficult when your isolated and can't go out, sometimes i think those benefit officers think if it's as bad as that how come your not dead

You could phone for help relaxing before trying, you will be passed around though, ask a cab officer to make a home visit, then theres the local mental health adsvocacy service that i've found useful, a lot of their volunteers are out to build themselves up by putting other people down but thats part of the course

 

[nickh]

Very sorry you had this appalling experience.

In addition to other advice your local Mental Health Trust ought (I emphasise ought) to runs a PALS service which could put you in touch with Advocacy Services who specialise in MH issues. It would be worth seeing if they do anyway.

Nick.