Diary entries cover a variety of topics, some of which you may find triggering. These topics include self-harm, suicide and domestic violence.

30 Jan 2025

Q&A

Bessie J

Key messages you’d share about how we work together on Changing Realities?

Being able to share my personal experience of poverty without judgement helps me unload the stress.

I find it easier to type via the app as I struggle with my hearing. The anxiety of facing others often has me forgetting what I want to say or struggling to articulate without getting emotional. Being anonymous helps me keep what's left of my dignity.

The shame of being on a low income and receipt of benefits is ingrained in me. The stigma of benefit claiming has not gone away, and I found I am more isolated in the affluent -conservative MP- community .

Cite this entry

Use Bessie J's words in your own research or editorial

Changing Realities (2023), Bessie J. https://changingrealities.org/e/64iNg (30 Jan 2025)

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