Do not assume to “take care of me;”
Assuming this presumes I'm helpless.
Rather, offer to assist me,
By assisting we can be equal partners.
Find my strengths, I know my weaknesses;
Point me toward finding my full potential.
Don't think of me as unable or disabled
For even those words are not enabling.
Challenge me to love and be loved;
Let me know I can be a social creature again.
Empower me to be independent and free
And don't take this away because I'm different from you.
Days will come when my recovery falls back
Don't think then that I'm needy;
Rather support me and let me know there is tomorrow
And with tomorrow my recovery will begin again.
Treat me as an equal for I am.
When you treat me humanely
I will respond to you in like manner
And there will be no misunderstandings.
I am not a patient, not a number, not a case -
I am a person, an individual, a human being
And, being each of these, I have human feelings
Exactly the same as you.
I am not asking for sympathy
I am not wanting your pity;
I seek for acceptance
I long for respect.
When I speak hear my voice.
Don't listen to my illness
Instead listen to that part of me
That struggles to be free.
