Rest, self-care and taking time off work have complicated meanings when you experience chronic pain, are disabled or have a chronic illness. The non-disabled and neurotypical therapist lens of self-care is often through an unchecked ableist filter.

There is a huge amount of privilege that comes firstly with having the financial means to take sick leave. For many disabled folks, this is not an option, especially at the intersection of class and disability. Employment is a privilege. 2/8

Second, there might be legitimate fears that if the person continues to take time off sick that they will be fired, looked down upon as not being able to do their job properly, or not qualified or capable. 3/8

Although ableist narratives of disables people not being capable might not be explicitly said by management or colleagues- there is a definite grind culture which glorifies working through stressful periods and sickness. 4/8

Implicit ableism is often internalised and evokes a shame response that could prevent a person taking the time off that they need. Capitalism, individualisation and grind culture create a toxic cocktail that prevents inter-dependsnce and sustainable working. 5/8

Individualisation within capitalist models of work also means that the disabled person will have a mountain of work to catch up on, b/cos it is THEIR responsibility, rather than a collaborative and holding approach. Dog eat dog institutions rarely care about individuals needs 6/8

The fear of burning out immediately after returning to work may prevent people taking the time off that they really need. 7/8

The intersections of race, gender, class and disability also have significant impacts on being able to practice self-care; which more often than not is focused on white, slim, non-disabled bodies, neurotypical bodies and a middle class mindset. 8/8