By Elle Ward
It’s really easy to start feeling like the world is against you.
And honestly, some days, it’s hard not to believe it might be true.
Since being discharged from hospital, I’ve had to fight so hard — not just for my health, but for my finances, my future, and just to stay afloat.
And I know I’m not the only one.
This happens to so many people. And it’s so wrong.
🩺 Fighting the System for Basic Aftercare
I complained to the NHS about my aftercare — and now, things are finally progressing.
But the truth is: I should never have had to fight that hard in the first place.
I wasn’t asking for anything excessive.
I wasn’t demanding special treatment.
I was asking for support — because I was struggling. Badly.
I’m not someone who’s always in and out of the doctors. I probably went years without setting foot in a surgery.
I’m low-maintenance in every part of life. If I’m asking for help, it’s because I really need it.
So if I finally speak up? If I tell you I’m not okay? Then trust me — it’s serious.
And no one should ever have to go to war just to stay alive.
💷 Asking for Financial Support When You Have Nothing
When it comes to money, I’ve had no choice but to ask for help.
Right now, I don’t have an income. I’ve always worked. Always paid my taxes. I went back to work when Archie was three months old.
But now I need help?
It feels like I’m being made to jump through hoop after hoop — just to prove I deserve basic support.
It’s exhausting. And it’s dehumanising.
💼 Losing the Job I Loved — and the Fight That Followed
I loved my job. Truly. I walked through those doors every day ready to face whatever came. It wasn’t easy, and it was often thankless — but I gave it everything.
I’ve spoken before about how I was treated. About how, when I had no fight left in me, things were manipulated.
I was taken advantage of. I was pushed, tested, and put under pressure by people who knew how unwell I was.
And when I finally stood up for myself — when I thought maybe they’d do the decent thing and give me a break — they didn’t.
Instead, they’ve decided to drag it out.
So here we go… tribunal, here I come.
😔 Why Does It Have to Be This Hard?
I don’t understand why so many people — especially institutions — seem to make life as difficult as possible.
I’m not asking for a free pass.
I’m not even asking for sympathy.
I’m just asking for fairness. For dignity. For people to show basic humanity when they know someone is already struggling.
Having so much on your plate, while still being expected to prove yourself over and over again…
It’s not right. It’s not fair.
And it shouldn’t be this hard.
— What About Now
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