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Default Jul 25, 2021 at 07:18 PM
  #1
There are many forms of discrimination. I started this thread to focus on discrimination, medical abuse and ableism in the healthcare field. I feel everyone should have an outlet to discuss concerns, their feelings and heal.

“Patient-Reported Experiences of Discrimination in the US Health Care System”

Question What are the national prevalence, frequency, and main types of discrimination that adult patients report experiencing in the US health care system?
Findings In this nationally representative cross-sectional survey study, 21% of 2137 US adult survey respondents indicated that they had experienced discrimination in the health care system, and 72% of those who had experienced discrimination reported experiencing it more than once. Racial/ethnic discrimination was the most frequently reported type of discrimination respondents experienced.
Meaning Experiences of discrimination in the health care system appear to be more common than previously recognized and deserve considerable attention.

Abstract
Importance Although considerable evidence exists on the association between negative health outcomes and daily experiences of discrimination, less is known about such experiences in the health care system at the national level. It is critically necessary to measure and address discrimination in the health care system to mitigate harm to patients and as part of the larger ongoing project of responding to health inequities.
Objectives To (1) identify the national prevalence of patient-reported experiences of discrimination in the health care system, the frequency with which they occur, and the main types of discrimination experienced and (2) examine differences in the prevalence of discrimination across demographic groups.

Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional national survey fielded online in May 2019 used a general population sample from the National Opinion Research Center’s AmeriSpeak Panel. Surveys were sent to 3253 US adults aged 21 years or older, including oversamples of African American respondents, Hispanic respondents, and respondents with annual household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Main Outcomes and Measures Analyses drew on 3 survey items measuring patient-reported experiences of discrimination, the primary types of discrimination experienced, the frequency with which they occurred, and the demographic and health-related characteristics of the respondents. Weighted bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to assess associations between experiences of discrimination and several demographic and health-related characteristics.
Results Of 2137 US adult respondents who completed the survey (66.3% response rate; unweighted 51.0% female; mean [SD] age, 49.6 [16.3] years), 458 (21.4%) reported that they had experienced discrimination in the health care system. After applying weights to generate population-level estimates, most of those who had experienced discrimination (330 [72.0%]) reported experiencing it more than once. Of 458 reporting experiences of discrimination, racial/ethnic discrimination was the most common type (79 [17.3%]), followed by discrimination based on educational or income level (59 [12.9%]), weight (53 [11.6%]), sex (52 [11.4%]), and age (44 [9.6%]). In multivariable analysis, the odds of experiencing discrimination were higher for respondents who identified as female (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% CI, 1.50-2.36) and lower for older respondents (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99), respondents earning at least $50 000 in annual household income (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60-0.95), and those reporting good (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46-0.75) or excellent (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31-0.56) health compared with poor or fair health.

Conclusions and Relevance The results of this study suggest that experiences of discrimination in the health care system appear more common than previously recognized and deserve considerable attention. These findings contribute to understanding of the scale at which interpersonal discrimination occurs in the US health care system and provide crucial evidence for next steps in assessing the risks and consequences of such discrimination. The findings also point to a need for further analysis of how interpersonal discrimination interacts with structural inequities and social determinants of health to build effective responses.

Healthcare: Discrimination/Ableism/Medical AbuseFull article available at link below

Patient-Reported Experiences of Discrimination in the US Health Care System | Health Disparities | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

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Default Jul 25, 2021 at 07:21 PM
  #2
Healthcare: Discrimination/Ableism/Medical Abuse

“Went to the doctor this morning for a broken toe. Guess what she wanted to discuss first I’ll give you zero guesses.”

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#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Jul 25, 2021 at 07:23 PM
  #3
Healthcare: Discrimination/Ableism/Medical Abuse

“So, i just had a nutritionist appointment, and apparently, 1200 calories a day is not enough to live on. Some of my memory problems, heat intolerance, might be starvation I weigh 201 pounds Ive been refered for eating disorder. My MD had just told me to lose weight AN HOUR before”

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Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Jul 25, 2021 at 07:24 PM
  #4
Healthcare: Discrimination/Ableism/Medical Abuse

“Even 2000 cal isn’t enough for many bodies!! I learned that during my eating disorder recovery! In the Minnesota starvation experiment, their normal was 3200 and when reduced to 1570 (a starvation diet) their physical and mental health suffered to horrifying”

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#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Jul 25, 2021 at 07:25 PM
  #5
Healthcare: Discrimination/Ableism/Medical Abuse

“I went for my annual and my weight was discussed. I had gained weight after my mom died. My dr told me I needed to take care of myself like my mom obviously hadn't.”

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#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Jul 25, 2021 at 07:31 PM
  #6
Healthcare: Discrimination/Ableism/Medical Abuse

“Harriet A. Washington
Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present”

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#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Aug 26, 2021 at 10:00 PM
  #7
I had a horrible flare up with two of my rare diseases. I scheduled an emergency appointment with the immunologist on duty.
We discussed Fibromyalgia too. I was concerned my monthly treatments were causing an increase in my Fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms.

I agree to see a dietitian to discuss an anti-inflammatory diet plan. I hate taking a crapload of medication. I agreed to add two new medications and increase the dosage of my monthly injections (Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria) for a period of time.

However I made my rules very clear. No medications that cause certain side effects.

My immunologist, Dr. C., is nice however I do have a good rapport with the other immunologist (Dr. M.) in the practice. She listens and understands why I can’t take sedative antihistamines during the day, why I don’t wanna take medications or treatments that cause hair loss, weight gain, depression or suicidal ideation.

I feel like male nurse practitioners,doctors and specialists don’t get it. Don’t get that mainly women are taking kids (a kid) to school, picking kids up from school, helping with homework, cooking dinner, taking kids to sports activities etc. I don’t get, how they don’t comprehend, patients can’t sleep our lives away.

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__________________
#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Aug 27, 2021 at 03:12 AM
  #8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cocosurviving View Post
II feel like male nurse practitioners,doctors and specialists don’t get it. Don’t get that mainly women are taking kids (a kid) to school, picking kids up from school, helping with homework, cooking dinner, taking kids to sports activities etc. I don’t get, how they don’t comprehend, patients can’t sleep our lives away.

Oh @Cocosurviving dont get me started. I started perimeno early when I was 40. All the awful symptoms but...bloodwork was negative. Had a UTERINE biopsy- normal. So I got the "run along and play nice" talk from my male ob. 2 years of the endochronologist( all he wanted was to sell me his wl program ( I had gastric bypass in 07 kept all 127lbs off but have about 10-12 lbs of skin. Um no, I eat clean f**k off. (seriously. if you want to see before and after pm me.}

Still looking for decent rheumatologist- in three years i have had 5 joint surgeries. I literally got so sick it triggered reactive arthritis, then inflammatory arthritis and now RA and within a year my joints just started to go. I am 46! I am still young, pretty sure I look ok.. what gives?

I know men can be good OBGYN's and great baby birth docs but i am starting to think the men left for us hot-flashing, sweaty, insomnia ridden ladies have never even seen a vagina before.. fumbling around and mumbling....lol "doc, you want me to hold the swabs for you"

BUT on a serious note can you help me understand ableism? I just want to understand so I dont carry the implicit bias and offend someone

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Default Aug 27, 2021 at 11:37 AM
  #9
Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahsweets View Post


Oh @Cocosurviving dont get me started. I started perimeno early when I was 40. All the awful symptoms but...bloodwork was negative. Had a UTERINE biopsy- normal. So I got the "run along and play nice" talk from my male ob. 2 years of the endochronologist( all he wanted was to sell me his wl program ( I had gastric bypass in 07 kept all 127lbs off but have about 10-12 lbs of skin. Um no, I eat clean f**k off. (seriously. if you want to see before and after pm me.}

Still looking for decent rheumatologist- in three years i have had 5 joint surgeries. I literally got so sick it triggered reactive arthritis, then inflammatory arthritis and now RA and within a year my joints just started to go. I am 46! I am still young, pretty sure I look ok.. what gives?

I know men can be good OBGYN's and great baby birth docs but i am starting to think the men left for us hot-flashing, sweaty, insomnia ridden ladies have never even seen a vagina before.. fumbling around and mumbling....lol "doc, you want me to hold the swabs for you"

BUT on a serious note can you help me understand ableism? I just want to understand so I dont carry the implicit bias and offend someone

Personally, I encounter a lot of ableism. I have set firm boundaries. I will end friendships, communicating with family members that don’t respect my boundaries and say hateful/harmful comments. I’ve changed healthcare providers/specialists. Peace of mind is priceless.


25 Examples of Ableism to Avoid as an Ally to People With Disabilities

Ableism means “discrimination in favor of able-bodied people.”
As of today, I am officially “totally disabled.” My health has been declining before getting diagnosed with a chronic illness in May 2019 and having to stop work.

It has been devastating to grieve my old life, career and hobbies. And ableist remarks (still fairly common!) are like kicking someone when they are down. Since at least one out of five people will become disabled in their lives — and ableism is still largely unaddressed and unknown — if you are the loved one of someone with a disability, you will want to be aware of how to proceed with compassion. Here is a list of 25 examples of ableism so you can be a good friend / medical practitioner / family member and avoid the harm ableism causes.

1) Minimizing another’s struggle for your comfort. We know it is hard when someone has a disability / chronic illness. But imagine how much harder it is for them. Give them space to talk about it.

2) Discriminating against them for speaking about their diagnosis/challenges, or accusing them of just wanting attention or trying to manipulate others. These ideas are completely ridiculous and rooted in acute ableism. This is likely the hardest thing a person has ever gone through. Sharing is a part of well-being; a little bit of compassion goes a long way.

3) Thinking you understand how a condition affects someone without listening to them and researching their condition. Each person has different experiences and each diagnosis has complex symptoms.

4) Comparing chronic/long-term disabilities to temporary/short-term injuries or illnesses. Getting your tonsils out is not the same at the existential identity crisis or the physical and emotional challenges of facing a potentially lifelong disability.

5) Saying they should just “get over it” or “accept it” without recognizing the immense grief that can come with chronic illness / disability. Again, it is likely the hardest thing a person has gone through and there are a lot of big feelings that need to be expressed. Let the person know you are there for them. “Tough love” attitudes towards someone with a disability are not love at all.

6) Assuming a person is faking an invisible disability. Just. Don’t. No one would choose this. If anything, we are actually faking being well!

7) Avoiding interacting with someone because their disability/illness makes you uncomfortable. Try “I know this must be so hard for you” and ask how they would best like to be supported. Offering specific things such as “I can bring soup” or “I am stopping at the pharmacy, do you need anything?” can help you feel supportive in a concrete way.

8) Presuming disabled people can’t speak for themselves. Always speak directly to the person rather than their caregiver.

9) Thinking they should be able to do everything for themselves rather than offering or validating community care. This individualistic culture harms us all — imagine how much it harms those who aren’t able to fully function physically/mentally. We could often use a hand with many things. Don’t shame someone for not being able to do it all.

10) Thinking those with disabilities are a leech on the system. Everyone deserves to live. Enough said.

11) Inferring someone is lazy, unmotivated or not trying hard enough to get better. Saying they just need to “buck up” or try ____ treatment, eat ____ food or do more yoga. The sheer amount of practitioners many of us see, treatments we try, research we do and money we spend on trying to get better would make your head spin. We are some of the strongest people there are.

12) Often physical disabilities cause mental health issues like anxiety and depression, not the other way around. It is hard to wake up every day knowing we are not able to live the life we would choose, or even take care of basic household tasks. While there has been immense historical stigma, depression is not the root of chronic illness.

13) Not allowing space for the people with disabilities in your life to discuss their disability issues, while expecting them to listen to your problems. Relationships don’t work that way — they are about give and take. Healthy relationships are reciprocal — if not, they are exploitative and draining.

14) Ignoring the disability/pretending it doesn’t exist. This is an attempt to erase a person’s marginalization and challenges. It is also emotionally neglectful. This doesn’t mean discussing it every time you see someone but ask them how they are with things regularly.

15) Concluding the person with a disability is doing something wrong if other people have recovered and they haven’t. Recovery isn’t an option for many people. They may already feel embarrassed, ashamed or scared about this. This is otherwise known as victim-blaming.

16) Placing less value on people with disabilities than people who can work or do certain activities. We are valuable as is. Capitalist production does not translate into loveability. We have many types of creative gifts and often more compassion than the average Joelene.

17) Blaming a person or their lifestyle for “creating” their disability. This is more victim blaming. It doesn’t matter if you are a “spiritual master.” Don’t. It is not our fault.

18) Thinking the disability is “not that bad” or is non-existent because you can’t see it with your eyes. Invisible disabilities are extremely common. The fact that you cannot see them does not make them less debilitating.

19) Telling someone to “change their mindset” or to “not identify with their disability.” Doing so does not magically make our disability disappear and leaves us feeling shamed and unseen. For many of us, disability is part of our identity — it affects everything about our day. Yes, hope is helpful, but it does not negate the grief they might feel or the validity of their experience / condition.

20) Thinking a person with a disability is overreacting or being high maintenance for stating their needs. It is often really hard to ask for help or state our needs. If you shame someone for doing so, they may never open up to you again. Put yourself in their shoes.

21) Assuming that because someone is smiling / laughing / out that they must be better, or things are easy, or they are faking their disability. Smiling and laughing feel good. It does not mean we aren’t struggling. Most of us attempt to fake being well or try to ignore our symptoms. And many of us have some days that are much better than others.

22) Expecting that if a person with a disability is up for something one day, they should be up for it another day. See above.

23) Consistently making group plans that the disabled person is unable to participate in. You like hiking? We understand and may have loved it ourselves. But we need social contact too. Check in and see what types of activities work for a get together once in a while.

24) No longer inviting someone out because their disability has caused them to cancel a lot of plans previously. Trust me, we hate this way more than you do. Keep inviting us. Maybe visit us at home.

25) Believing ableism is less toxic and harmful than racism, sexism, classism etc. It’s not.

How to Avoid Ableism and Be an Ally to People With Disabilities | The Mighty

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

__________________
#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Cocosurviving
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Cocosurviving ❄️Happy Winter Solstice! ❄️Happy Kwanzaa!
 
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Default Aug 27, 2021 at 11:37 AM
  #10
Personally, I encounter a lot of ableism. I have set firm boundaries. I will end friendships, communicating with family members that don’t respect my boundaries and say hateful/harmful comments. I’ve changed healthcare providers/specialists. Peace of mind is priceless.


25 Examples of Ableism to Avoid as an Ally to People With Disabilities

Ableism means “discrimination in favor of able-bodied people.”
As of today, I am officially “totally disabled.” My health has been declining before getting diagnosed with a chronic illness in May 2019 and having to stop work.

It has been devastating to grieve my old life, career and hobbies. And ableist remarks (still fairly common!) are like kicking someone when they are down. Since at least one out of five people will become disabled in their lives — and ableism is still largely unaddressed and unknown — if you are the loved one of someone with a disability, you will want to be aware of how to proceed with compassion. Here is a list of 25 examples of ableism so you can be a good friend / medical practitioner / family member and avoid the harm ableism causes.

1) Minimizing another’s struggle for your comfort. We know it is hard when someone has a disability / chronic illness. But imagine how much harder it is for them. Give them space to talk about it.

2) Discriminating against them for speaking about their diagnosis/challenges, or accusing them of just wanting attention or trying to manipulate others. These ideas are completely ridiculous and rooted in acute ableism. This is likely the hardest thing a person has ever gone through. Sharing is a part of well-being; a little bit of compassion goes a long way.

3) Thinking you understand how a condition affects someone without listening to them and researching their condition. Each person has different experiences and each diagnosis has complex symptoms.

4) Comparing chronic/long-term disabilities to temporary/short-term injuries or illnesses. Getting your tonsils out is not the same at the existential identity crisis or the physical and emotional challenges of facing a potentially lifelong disability.

5) Saying they should just “get over it” or “accept it” without recognizing the immense grief that can come with chronic illness / disability. Again, it is likely the hardest thing a person has gone through and there are a lot of big feelings that need to be expressed. Let the person know you are there for them. “Tough love” attitudes towards someone with a disability are not love at all.

6) Assuming a person is faking an invisible disability. Just. Don’t. No one would choose this. If anything, we are actually faking being well!

7) Avoiding interacting with someone because their disability/illness makes you uncomfortable. Try “I know this must be so hard for you” and ask how they would best like to be supported. Offering specific things such as “I can bring soup” or “I am stopping at the pharmacy, do you need anything?” can help you feel supportive in a concrete way.

8) Presuming disabled people can’t speak for themselves. Always speak directly to the person rather than their caregiver.

9) Thinking they should be able to do everything for themselves rather than offering or validating community care. This individualistic culture harms us all — imagine how much it harms those who aren’t able to fully function physically/mentally. We could often use a hand with many things. Don’t shame someone for not being able to do it all.

10) Thinking those with disabilities are a leech on the system. Everyone deserves to live. Enough said.

11) Inferring someone is lazy, unmotivated or not trying hard enough to get better. Saying they just need to “buck up” or try ____ treatment, eat ____ food or do more yoga. The sheer amount of practitioners many of us see, treatments we try, research we do and money we spend on trying to get better would make your head spin. We are some of the strongest people there are.

12) Often physical disabilities cause mental health issues like anxiety and depression, not the other way around. It is hard to wake up every day knowing we are not able to live the life we would choose, or even take care of basic household tasks. While there has been immense historical stigma, depression is not the root of chronic illness.

13) Not allowing space for the people with disabilities in your life to discuss their disability issues, while expecting them to listen to your problems. Relationships don’t work that way — they are about give and take. Healthy relationships are reciprocal — if not, they are exploitative and draining.

14) Ignoring the disability/pretending it doesn’t exist. This is an attempt to erase a person’s marginalization and challenges. It is also emotionally neglectful. This doesn’t mean discussing it every time you see someone but ask them how they are with things regularly.

15) Concluding the person with a disability is doing something wrong if other people have recovered and they haven’t. Recovery isn’t an option for many people. They may already feel embarrassed, ashamed or scared about this. This is otherwise known as victim-blaming.

16) Placing less value on people with disabilities than people who can work or do certain activities. We are valuable as is. Capitalist production does not translate into loveability. We have many types of creative gifts and often more compassion than the average Joelene.

17) Blaming a person or their lifestyle for “creating” their disability. This is more victim blaming. It doesn’t matter if you are a “spiritual master.” Don’t. It is not our fault.

18) Thinking the disability is “not that bad” or is non-existent because you can’t see it with your eyes. Invisible disabilities are extremely common. The fact that you cannot see them does not make them less debilitating.

19) Telling someone to “change their mindset” or to “not identify with their disability.” Doing so does not magically make our disability disappear and leaves us feeling shamed and unseen. For many of us, disability is part of our identity — it affects everything about our day. Yes, hope is helpful, but it does not negate the grief they might feel or the validity of their experience / condition.

20) Thinking a person with a disability is overreacting or being high maintenance for stating their needs. It is often really hard to ask for help or state our needs. If you shame someone for doing so, they may never open up to you again. Put yourself in their shoes.

21) Assuming that because someone is smiling / laughing / out that they must be better, or things are easy, or they are faking their disability. Smiling and laughing feel good. It does not mean we aren’t struggling. Most of us attempt to fake being well or try to ignore our symptoms. And many of us have some days that are much better than others.

22) Expecting that if a person with a disability is up for something one day, they should be up for it another day. See above.

23) Consistently making group plans that the disabled person is unable to participate in. You like hiking? We understand and may have loved it ourselves. But we need social contact too. Check in and see what types of activities work for a get together once in a while.

24) No longer inviting someone out because their disability has caused them to cancel a lot of plans previously. Trust me, we hate this way more than you do. Keep inviting us. Maybe visit us at home.

25) Believing ableism is less toxic and harmful than racism, sexism, classism etc. It’s not.

How to Avoid Ableism and Be an Ally to People With Disabilities | The Mighty

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Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
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3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
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Default Aug 30, 2021 at 12:16 PM
  #11
Why Medical Gaslighting Isn’t Always Easy to Spot.

Why Medical Gaslighting Isn’t Always Easy to Spot | The Mighty

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Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Sep 19, 2021 at 12:09 AM
  #12
Being on Disability Does Not Mean I'm 'Lazy' or 'Lucky'

“I have been told the following quotes recently after people finding out I’m on disability:
1. “You’re so lazy, you don’t do anything all day.”
2. “You’re so lucky to not have to work.”
3. “Man, I wish I had your problem.”
I hear these on a regular basis. I suffer from debilitating chronic pain as well as a handful of mental health issues, and I can honestly say I am not lucky or lazy. In fact these words are quite hurtful.

So to those who said these comments, please take this into consideration:

1. I can’t work because I am always in pain. If it felt like someone was stabbing you in the abdomen every two seconds, would you?

2. I am not lazy. I physically cannot move. Yep, that means I can hardly even walk two steps without crying some days.

3. My day revolves around medication, doctor visits, and even finding the strength to get out of bed. Please tell me how you would want this. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

4. I miss working and socializing. This is not fun. I miss being a “productive” member of society and doing what I love.

5. It takes a lot of fight to even get on disability. It takes endless documents and months to process. I am on it because I need it. I am not lazy or lucky. However, being on disability is something that I am not ashamed of. Although, with comments like these, some days I feel like it’s something I should be. Please take time to consider why someone is on disability, or even better, look into it. It actually takes a lot of courage and strength.
For those of you who are on it – never be embarrassed! You are not lucky or lazy, you are doing the best you can. We should be applauded for going through what we are. Disability and all.”

Being on Disability Does Not Mean I’m ‘Lazy’ or ‘Lucky’ | The Mighty

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#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Oct 20, 2021 at 01:08 AM
  #13
I struggle with medical gaslighting ALL. THE. TIME. It's tiring. It's exhausting. It's debilitating.

Thanks for sharing!
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Default Jan 04, 2022 at 02:29 AM
  #14
“How Systemic Racial Injustice and Trauma Leads to Bad Health Outcomes for Black People”

Systemic Racism and Trauma Affects Health Outcomes for Black People | The Mighty

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#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Jan 04, 2022 at 02:31 AM
  #15
“Disabled Doctors Were Called Too ‘Weak’ To Be In Medicine. It’s Hurting The Entire System.”

Disabled Doctors Were Called Too ‘Weak’ To Be In Medicine. It’s Hurting The Entire System. | HuffPost null

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__________________
#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Mar 21, 2022 at 03:35 PM
  #16
5 Ways You Might Still Get a Surprise Medical Bill
Even with the No Surprises Act and its consumer protections now in effect, you can still get an unexpected bill. Here's what to do.

5 Ways You Might Still Get a Surprise Medical Bill - Consumer Reports


I knew this was nothing to get excited about. It’s created by politicians who absolutely can NOT relate to everyday people or individuals with disabilities.

Politicians who work for the government and don’t worry about medical insurance and medical bills.

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__________________
#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Mar 23, 2022 at 05:42 AM
  #17
Healthcare: Discrimination/Ableism/Medical Abuse

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__________________
#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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Default Mar 23, 2022 at 05:44 AM
  #18
Healthcare: Discrimination/Ableism/Medical Abuse

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__________________
#SpoonieStrong
Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day.

1). Depression
2). PTSD
3). Anxiety
4). Hashimoto
5). Fibromyalgia
6). Asthma
7). Atopic dermatitis
8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1)
10). Gluten sensitivity
11). EpiPen carrier
12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. .
13). Alopecia Areata
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