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Lulu Marie Brady's avatar

I actually felt a pain in my chest reading the five beliefs, because they all hit something deep within me that tells me that my need for extra support and accommodations makes me a burden on those around me and the world. It's that very belief that has most contributed to my struggles with suicidal ideation.

I will definitely try to incorporate these tips into beginning to undo these beliefs. Thank you for the tips. ❤️‍🔥

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Dr. Talia's avatar

I’m here witnessing your pain, Lulu. Everyone needs some sort of support, you are allowed to be supported and worthy of it. Sending lots of love 💗

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Liv's avatar

I love this! I have been wrestling with internalized ableism for the two years and just yesterday felt comfortable enough to post a piece about my journey with disability. It’s really painful and yet it is so magical. I feel sorry in a way for able bodied people who will never work through their ableism.

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Dr. Talia's avatar

I’m so proud of you for beginning to speak out! It’s very rewarding isn’t it?

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Amber Horrox's avatar

I was just thinking as I read this, that I’d never change a thing about my own journey - I’m so thankful for all I’ve endured and overcome, for what it’s brought me on the other side. Because without which (as this post beautifully articulates), I wouldn’t have learnt all this. What a crazy ride of a journey to be on!

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Adina's avatar

Dr. Talia, I loved this article. It so succinctly and importantly broke down the ways that ableism impacts self-worth and acceptance. I've read so much about ableism over the years, but never from this lens. Starting with defining ableist ideas like "productivity as worth, reliance as weakness, rest as shameful" helped frame the narrative. This article should be taught in all disability studies programs, psych programs, etc. You are such a thoughtful writer! <3

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Dr. Talia's avatar

Thank you so much, Adina. What an incredible reflection from a disability justice expert. Would be curious to hear more about how this lens was different from other materials on ableism you’ve read

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On Dyscalculia's avatar

I'm coming back to this over and over again. <3

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Dr. Talia's avatar

💗💗💗

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dignissimosclementia's avatar

This was so good, thank you.

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Dr. Talia's avatar

I’m so glad 💗

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Amber Horrox's avatar

I love the way you’ve framed all this! Similar to one comment above, I haven’t ever seen ableism be put forward in this kind of well articulated manner before.

The message I’ve received from reading this is that this is all part of our healing. Something I’ve come to learn is all part of the healing in my own journey - the illness, the flares/relapse etc is all healing.

It’s almost as if we undergo all this to unearth the lessons, the conditions, the ableism. Change has to happen and nature has a funny (if a lot painful for us) way of going about ensuring it does.

I’ve not once talked about ableism

On my own platform because I haven’t my own take on it (beyond it existing and beyond being aware of my own internalised ableism which I’m sure is still there in parts). But the way you articulate it is deeply inspiring. Making me think perhaps I will have my own unique take on it one day. (A lot like privilege but with that one I get triggered and have to keep digging deeper into my healing to ascertain what’s going on)

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Dr. Talia's avatar

Thank you for these kind words, Amber. I love your reflection that everything is a part of healing, flares included.

If/when it feels right, I’ll look forward to reading your take on ableism

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Amber Horrox's avatar

I meant to add, even after all I’ve been through and endured, because of what I’ve learnt and where it’s taken me on the other side of it, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve come to see it as a gift. And one that I am super grateful for 💝

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