The discussion the recent drama brought up about poor people not being allowed small happinesses and not being allowed to purchase or have things they enjoy if they’re struggling,,, the value of mental health and happiness being degraded and dismissed

People spitting at and outright insulting poor people who are struggling for wanting something that could bring them happiness for a long time. Twisting the narrative and speaking over those who are less fortunate and speaking up for what they wanted.

I have chronic illnesses, I am poor, I am on a sickness and disability benefit from the government and earn less than $20,000 a year. There was a time I struggled for basic necessities like food and rent too. But it was the “useless” things that kept be going.

It was me cutting my grocery money in half for a couple weeks so I could buy merch of the band I adored to bring me happiness. It was skipping a meal to buy a video game they kept me from having a mental breakdown because it gave me something to do other than focus on misery.

Mental health in poor and struggling people is just as important as the food to fill their stomachs and the rent to keep a roof over their heads. It was for me. I’m not at that point anymore where I have to make those sacrifices as often—but I’m still poor as shit.

And I still buy video games, and I still cut into my grocery money to buy merch or albums. Because those things make me happy. And it’s that happiness that keeps me going.

Poor people are allowed luxuries. Poor people are allowed to want things other than basic survival.