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…