Hey guys,

Thank you so much for your continued support and replies. Big luv and hugs. Sorry it's been a few days, haven't felt like typing.

I will appeal if I can. I'm waiting for a statement of reasons first but I'm also thinking of engaging a specialist lawyer to help me formulate a response for the Upper Tribunal on the point of law that may be arguable. It's all new to me.

I tried many times to he a referral to the MH team for a formal Social Anxiety Disorder diagnosis, but it's almost impossible where I live due to resources plus the waiting list is months so I probably wouldn't have got an assessment in time anyway for the hearing. If I'd known, my evidence, my GPs evidence, my therapists evidence, my sisters evidence was insufficient for them to demonstrate I have social anxiety, which is what they all said, then I would have paid for a private consultant assessment.

I don't know why they just disbelieve all that evidence, I mean what more do they actually want? If it was a physical illness with no nuance I'd probably be OK. Its just really frustrating when I know I'm being honest. I basically don't interact with anyone f2f, including using a phone due to anxiety. I have read some UT rulings that have successfully challenged the subtle difference between 'needs prompting' and 'needs social support' for engaging with others. That's what my situation is. I just want recognition of it's true impact on me, that's reasonable I think.

If I fail. I'll reapply with evidence from a consultant. This is incredibly stressful.

Thank you so much for reading and responding, very thoughtful and kind.

Continued health and happiness to you all