Guilty Until Proven Disabled
Applying for benefits is a soul destroying process and you have to prove you are disabled over and over again.
It makes you doubt your own worth, your own integrity and has a significant impact on your physical and mental health.
Guilty until proven disabled
by Helen Jones
Perpetual fear
Neverending stress
Constant foreboding
And continual dread.
Fight and battle
Battle and fight
Repeat, repeat, repeat…
Misunderstanding.
Invalidating.
Minimising.
Erasing.
YOU. ARE. ABSOLUTELY. FINE.
Disrespected. Intimidated.
Manipulated. Humiliated.
Scrutinised. Patronised.
Head crashing
From the brick wall
You’re bashing against.
Prepare to feel guilty.
Prepare to feel paranoid.
Judged a fraud?
You’re a liar, undeserving.
Judged disabled?
You’re worthless, a burden.
And the trial doesn’t cease
If you pass the tests.
The walls have eyes
And the public are spies.
Perpetual fear
Never-ending stress.
Fight and battle.
Battle and fight.
Repeat
Repeat
Repeat…