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Frequently we can think that things are all equal in this world when they aren& #39;t. That those of us who are disabled or have diseases or mental health challenges all are somehow playing on the same field if we have the same thing. We aren& #39;t. /1
It isn& #39;t just about what you have been diagnosed with or not, but about your ability to self-advocate or if necessary is someone else advocating for you? What is your race? You social background? They matter in how the healthcare/education/social services system perceive you. /2
If you have a formal education, if you obtain a job, if you can keep and do work - can you advocate for yourself there if needed? Do you know the laws? Do you understand your protections and rights? Employers are not likely to help you to them. Can you demand what you need? /3
Those are never comfortable interactions. The more I decided I would advocate for myself instead of taking it, the more uncomfortable conversations I& #39;ve had. The more times I& #39;ve had to point to existing statute, judicial decisions and clarify that I& #39;m not requesting. /4
At the doctor& #39;s office, I can tell my doctor exactly what I think, what I agree with and what I don& #39;t. I& #39;m able to participate in my care plan. That isn& #39;t always the case for everyone in my spot. /5
Some are lucky to see a doctor. Or the Urgent Dept is their "Dr". I& #39;ve got a psychiatrist (who is a resident, but no less a Dr) that meets with me weekly for therapy and med checks. Via an outpatient hospital program. /6
If I need more visits, we meet additionally, when I am a little extra messy. Why doesn& #39;t everyone have this kind of access? Why can& #39;t they? The second COVID hit we went remote. I& #39;m never lost. Ms. W is never lost. Why isn& #39;t this service possible everywhere? /7
It& #39;s not equal. Mental health is a struggle and there needs to be more access. Medical access is not equal. We are not all treated the same. Work, education, and social services - these do not treat us all equally. We don& #39;t always treat ourselves equally in our own groups. /8
