paranoidpeonies:

I far too often hear from able-bodied people, this notion and expectation that disabled people can, somehow, “switch off” their disability when needed.

Example: I’m moving tomorrow and the help I was offered to move my boxes and furniture was withdrawn because I was told to “toughen up”, and that it’s “for your own good”. All because I don’t “look disabled” (an incredibly ableist notion in itself). 

Last time I moved, the same thing happened: I had to move everything to  another town, with no help, and the fatigue that ensued caused me to crash for months (despite doing the task as slowly as possible to try and conserve energy). I was in bed for weeks before I could function and even think properly, and was feeling the effects for a long time after. 

And to a lot of people, that probably sounds unrealistic and “dramatic”. But, to those people I say, you have no idea the reality of how hard it is living with invisible illnesses, and being constantly expected to “keep up” with abled people, constantly being patronised when you’re truly trying your best and being told that you’re not. 

Able-bodied people need to realise that when we say we can’t do something, we mean it, and we know our bodies and limitations well. It’s not code for you to spout some “it’s time to push yourself to the limits” nonsense. I honestly just want to be heard, and not doubted at every. single. turn.