I have been mentally ill since early childhood, and for the past 6 years have been in non-stop pain. At the end of last year I decided that I was going to find work, despite the incredible pain it would cause. I was lucky — I’m now employed, even if it is only casual work.

But I was also right. My pain has skyrocketed. It took a bit over 5 years for me to find a doctor who didn’t write off my pain as being due to monthly cycles or my weight, and who referred me to a specialist. Then there was a nearly 1 year waiting list to get through. Last week I was finally diagnosed.

I do not see the point in trying to get on DSP now. I tried a few years ago and was told I was not sick enough to need it. Not when they are doing everything they can to make life on DSP miserable. I would rather be miserable because of the pain caused by work and have some kind of reasonable income than miserable because I got DSP but can’t afford the necessary assistance still. Not everyone can make that choice.

Thank you for using your voice to stand up for one group of people who are being severely mistreated by our government.