Poverty Is Literally Making People Sick Because They Can’t Afford Food

“In other words, poorer people don’t need more care at the end of the month for every kind of condition. Just the ones that get worse when you don’t have enough to eat.” [Emphasis added]

Poverty begets illness which begets medical bills which begets poverty. It’s a cycle, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

“I used to have seizures when I was young. My mother and father didn’t know what to do or how to handle it, but they did the best they could with what little they had. My mother told me one day I walked into her and said, ‘Mom, I’m not going to be sick anymore,’ and she said ‘Why?’ and I said, ‘Because an angel told me so.’ Now, I don’t remember saying it, that’s just what she told me.“ 

- Prince

Cancer Survivor, Emily McDowell, Creates Empathy Cards For People With Serious Illnesses

HOLY SHIT MORE PEOPLE NEED TO SEE THIS SHIT CUZ WAY TOO FUCKING MANY TREAT THIS AS SOME LIBERATING MEDITATION BULLSHIT ASKDF;JASKDF AND EVERYTHING IS GONNA BE OKAY LIKE NO! NOT EVERYTHING IS SUNSHINE AND DAISIES YOU FUCK AND YOU ACTING LIKE IT IS IS INSULTING. SUCK YOUR PRIDE UP AND JUST ADMIT FOR ONCE THAT THINGS ARE SHIT AND SAY “I’M SORRY YOU’RE GOING THROUGH THIS” BECAUSE THAT IS HOW YOU EMPATHIZE.

First picture - December 24, 2012. I hardly remember what happened that day.  I remember feeling very low and exhausted.  Cooking was a challenge for me because it meant I had to stand up and manage different pans and pots at the same time, which I wasn’t really able to do, but my eating disorder wanted me to cook, so that’s what I did.  Mum asked me to smile for the camera which I found strange since she had never been the one to take pictures. But I put on a smile and let her take my picture. I can’t remember what I got for Christmas. I can’t remember what I got anyone else. I can’t remember if someone told me anything special. I can’t remember if we laughed a lot or enjoyed each other’s company in silence. I can’t remember if I went to bed early or late. I can’t remember if I felt genuinely happy for even just a second, but I highly doubt it. My eating disorder took everything away from me. The only thing I can remember from that Christmas is what I ate and how many calories it contained, and that is just sad.

Second picture - December 24, 2013. I think it’s safe to say that a lot can change in a year. Christmas this year has been absolutely amazing. I have actually enjoyed going out and buying people their Christmas presents. I enjoyed decorating the tree, baking Christmas cookies, hanging out with my favorite girls, wrapping Christmas presents, cooking amazing food, and just being with my family.   But this has been the hardest year of my life. I have had to climb my way out of a deep and dark hole with close to no help. How I have been able to do that is beyond me.  Everything I have done to survive this entire year has lead to this blissful moment of true happiness. I don’t just look happy in this picture, I am happy. When mum asked to take my picture again this year, I turned to her and put the biggest smile on my face.  I asked her why she wanted to take my picture, and she told me she wanted to capture this moment forever. She was just so happy to see me happy and healthy again. Then I asked her why she had wanted to take my picture the year before, and her reply shocked me. She said the reason was that she was scared that would be my last Christmas, and she had to take as many photos of me looking somewhat ok before it would be too late.  A lot can change in a year. Choose recovery.

Saw this and just had to repost. This is so beautiful. 💕

Thank you so much. I can’t believe it’s almost been 2 years since that first photo was taken. I really can’t believe it.

I will reblog this post every single time. Beautiful.

This is both fascinating and terrifying.

i can’t even imagine living with this

fucking hell

omfg this is terrifying

we did Schizophrenia in school for drama and this was our stimulus. six out of fifteen people had nightmares that night.

Our politician should have to listen to this, then mental illness would get better funding.

Friendly reminder:

It is NOT your place to tell someone:

UNLESS they ask you DIRECTLY what you think.

…or unless their chosen labels are appropriative/offensive/actually harmful.  Like when someone just decides one day to identify as some kind of spiritual leader from a closed religion or culture to which they have no rights.