Hello, I’m Sage (they/them). I am 29 yrs old, queer, a single cat parent, and disabled/chronically ill (hEDS/POTS/MCAS/CCI/AUDHD/C-PTSD/etc.. yes I may have lost the genetic lottery but I am rich in acronyms ✨).

I’ll admit, I’ve procrastinated creating this GFM for a long time now, mostly out of fear and shame, but I can’t put it off any longer. Simply because I’m not surviving in my current financial and physical state. I need to do something, but I need your help.

At this point in my life, I’m stuck in a cycle of poverty and illness running my life and little-to-zero support to keep my head above water throughout it.

I’m unable to work and haven’t had a job in over two and a half years now due to illness. I’m housebound 99% of the time, and frequently bedridden from pain or fatigue. I’m severely iron deficient due to an inadequate diet and symptoms attributed to regular heavy blood loss caused by PCOS/endometriosis (I also experience PMDD). I struggle to eat most of the time, due to fatigue, pain, a lack of mobility, etc, or just quite simply not receiving enough income from Newstart Allowance to afford food. I am skipping meals on a regular basis because of this, which is worsening my health conditions.

My goal is to apply for DSP (Disability Support Pension) to be able to support myself and seek further medical assistance in hopes of getting to a place in life where I am able to thrive instead of just barely surviving. In order to be considered for DSP approval, I am required to obtain adequate “medical evidence” of my health issues, which is where it becomes even more difficult as someone struggling financially. I haven’t been able to access a general practitioner for a long time now. as I mentioned, I barely receive enough income to feed myself and keep my bills paid, let alone seek medical help for my debilitating health issues. This is where your support comes in!

With your help, my aim is to access psychiatric support to finally get an Autism and ADHD diagnosis, as well as a diagnosis for a dissociative disorder caused by abuse/neglect/repeated trauma I experienced throughout my childhood. Gaining these diagnoses will greatly aid in obtaining approval for DSP, but also means I will also be able to access medication for my ADHD and hopefully receive further treatment/support for my trauma!

I also plan to seek medical assistance from a queer-focused general practitioner to discuss birth control options and/or HRT for my PCOS/endometriosis/PMDD, as well as gender affirming reasons, therefore supporting my mental and physical health!

If/when I gain access to DSP, I then plan to seek further medical assistance for the other conditions that are contributing to my poor health such as POTS, spinal injury/dysfunction, sleep apnea, and so on. But for right now, I have to start somewhere, so that’s the plan so far.

I understand that so many of us are struggling right now, so I ask that you please share this to help spread the word if you can’t afford to donate.

I’ll share updates in this DSP journey as soon as I have them! Thank you so so much for reading, sharing, and donating.

Kindest regards,

Sage