Thread by @BethUrmston

I own it. - Thread.

I had a job with a good salary, I was healthy and happy. I followed media and would hear people grumbling about benefits.

And in my head I would shout 'don't like it get a job'! Yes, I was 'one of those'.

Cont

Never having experienced the welfare benefits system I was naive, foolish, gullible.

In 2007 everything changed, rapidly. By 2009 I was unable to work. My physical disability did not sit well with me, this wasn't me, this wasn't going to be me. I was determined to get better,

Return to work. That didn't happen, I became depressed, suicidal and I took an overdose. Had to be resuscitated twice (in part I still wish they hadn't bothered).

I have had to fight and endure the humiliation of justifying my existence and literally beg for help from the state

I am practically housebound now but run support groups and a charity for others with #fibromyalgia #MEcfs because I want to help others, show they are not alone.

But I live in fear, fear that I will be called for yet another assessment - my disability is never going to magically

disappear, being assessed every 2 years is not cost effective. Lifelong disabilities mean needing lifelong assistance.

Having to apply for benefits is demeaning, it's degrading, it's humiliating and please believe me when I say the majority would choose work and dignity

rather than face the rest of their lives on benefits.

It could never happen to me (laugh). What a bloody fool I was.

Not scroungers, cheats, scum - human beings and their but for a different set of circumstances is could be you.

I apologise unreservedly to those I wronged when I thought 'get a job'.

My naivety, stupidity, ignorance. I own it.

End.

Forgot to put

#IDanielBlake