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Original poster

Would you wear a sunflower lanyard...

61 replies

SuckItup22 · 01/01/2022 18:17

If you were on ESA benefits, being unable to work due to acute anxiety and depression? Do they count as 'disabilities?'

I get especially flustered in shops and thought it might help checkout assistants to give me a bit of extra time or explain why I might be a bit flustered?

OP posts:
elelel · 01/01/2022 19:15

@JohnWaynesHorse

On an SEN thread too, it was parents of children with autism that said they'd found it useful- now I'm concerned 😟
You don't need to be concerned, just recognise this absolute riot and stop recommending it.

Nobody with an autistic child needs this. There is absolutely nothing to be gained from it, other than a lighter bank account.

JohnWaynesHorse · 01/01/2022 19:18

Helpful in airports and at events not to have to explain myself... I have mobility problems because of a inherited disorder but it's not always completely obvious I have no nerves in my lower legs depending on the day. Doesn't mean they're any stronger and I'm not wobbly though.

I've told other disabled friends about it who I know through local groups and they have also said positive things

elelel · 01/01/2022 19:19

The fact that only people on benefits can get one should be an indicator of how corrupt they are. Not everyone who is disabled is on benefits. Lots don't qualify or claim PIP/DLA - it's fucking nonsense. There is no 'nationally recognised' disabled card and if there were it would be inclusive.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
elelel · 01/01/2022 19:20

@JohnWaynesHorse

Helpful in airports and at events not to have to explain myself... I have mobility problems because of a inherited disorder but it's not always completely obvious I have no nerves in my lower legs depending on the day. Doesn't mean they're any stronger and I'm not wobbly though.

I've told other disabled friends about it who I know through local groups and they have also said positive things

You don't need a plastic card made by some random company to get help in airports. You can contact assistance and ask for help without this crap.

JohnWaynesHorse · 01/01/2022 19:21

I'm actually not on benefits, however, I have a blue badge for my car. This just seemed like an extension of this.

FawnFrenchieMum · 01/01/2022 19:23

@JohnWaynesHorse I have the DID card and have used it to gain entry to supermarkets when their was large queues and also in public places. So it definitely has helped me.

I’ve now got the access card which seems to be a little wildly acceptable and has specific symbols outline what help you need.

Chunkymenrock · 01/01/2022 19:23

No. I would shop online and have groceries delivered. I would not want to put myself repeatedly in anxiety causing situations.

XenoBitch · 01/01/2022 19:24

@Legoisthebest

It's the Hidden Disabilities website. Signs a bit like these (I think your can choose the words yourself)
You can get these on Etsy too.. or you can make one at home yourself. There is no "official" card.
FawnFrenchieMum · 01/01/2022 19:24

For me the cards are a very quick and easy way of showing an invisible disability without carrying lots of paperwork. Both DID & access card check the paperwork before issuing them.

elelel · 01/01/2022 19:25

@JohnWaynesHorse

I'm actually not on benefits, however, I have a blue badge for my car. This just seemed like an extension of this.

It's not though. That's what makes me angry about it. Your BB is issued by your local council - this is not issued by any official body. It's not the same in any way.

elelel · 01/01/2022 19:25

[quote FawnFrenchieMum]@JohnWaynesHorse I have the DID card and have used it to gain entry to supermarkets when their was large queues and also in public places. So it definitely has helped me.

I’ve now got the access card which seems to be a little wildly acceptable and has specific symbols outline what help you need.[/quote]

You can do this without paying for a card.

Faretheewellmyfairyfay · 01/01/2022 19:26

Yep. Acute anxiety and depression is a valid reason.

NotVictorianHonestly · 01/01/2022 19:29

Totally acceptable for you to use it. Yes some anti maskers wear them, but I'm pretty sure anyone seeing the OP wearing one alongside her mask will realise she is in fact not an anti masker and has a disability.

AuntyBumBum · 01/01/2022 19:35

Anti-maskers don't wear the lanyards. They don't wear masks, and don't believe that they need to justify it. It's wrong to say that the lanyard has been hijacked. It's use is perfectly legitimate for those who can't wear masks.

spiderlight · 01/01/2022 19:36

I have a severe form of chronic migraine that causes dizziness, dissociation and cponsequently anxiety, and is particularly bad in supermarkets (or anywhere with fluorescent lighting and lots of movement and noise). I absolutely cannot cope in supermarkets alone and avoid them whenever I can, but sometimes it's nice to be able to actually choose food and know what I'll be getting, or to see what's new (or to find a specific item that DH would get wrong). I wear a mask no problem, but during the pandemic I've always had my sunflower lanyard with me in case I'm challenged about having my DH with me. I did have one person roll her eyes at the lanyard once, no idea why, but other than that it's never been acknowledged.

Greensmoothie1 · 01/01/2022 19:48

@SuckItup22 If you were on ESA benefits, being unable to work due to acute anxiety and depression? Do they count as 'disabilities?'

Psychological illnesses are eligible for the sunflower lanyard (usually if the mask causes a panic attack). Not sure why anxiety and depression prevents you from working?

Legoisthebest · 01/01/2022 19:50

Xeno the cards are official in the sense that they are made by the Hidden Disabilities charity (I think they are a charity) rather than some random on Etsy who has printed something off their laptop. I understand they have no legal standing but they are useful in certain circumstances. My friends 17 year old autistic son got separated from them in a busy place. By having him wear his lanyard it meant those looking for him could spot him more quickly because he would have been panicking and wouldn't have gone to someone for help by himself. At first glance he would have looked like a big young bloke acting 'strange' but by wearing the lanyard it's more obvious he needed help.

XenoBitch · 01/01/2022 19:50

[quote Greensmoothie1]**@SuckItup22* If you were on ESA benefits, being unable to work due to acute anxiety and depression? Do they count as 'disabilities?'*

Psychological illnesses are eligible for the sunflower lanyard (usually if the mask causes a panic attack). Not sure why anxiety and depression prevents you from working?[/quote]
Wait.... Not sure why anxiety and depression prevents you from working????

Are you kidding? It can absolutely stop people from working!

Faretheewellmyfairyfay · 01/01/2022 19:53

Totally agree with those saying you don't have to have something like this and those discussions might be helpful to others. But you've said you would personally find it useful to give people the heads-up. So that's fine. Do that.

Greensmoothie1 · 01/01/2022 19:53

@XenoBitch I was just curious. I know a few people who have severe anxiety, depression and PTSD (going through therapy/treatment) and they work. I know not everyone is the same.

Legoisthebest · 01/01/2022 19:53

Apologies.... Hidden Disabilities are not a charity but a private company who (as said above by a PP) developed the scheme along with Gatwick airport - trying to come up with a more 'universal' symbol.

elelel · 01/01/2022 19:57

[quote Greensmoothie1]@XenoBitch I was just curious. I know a few people who have severe anxiety, depression and PTSD (going through therapy/treatment) and they work. I know not everyone is the same.[/quote]

The ignorance is high here Hmm

XenoBitch · 01/01/2022 20:00

[quote Greensmoothie1]@XenoBitch I was just curious. I know a few people who have severe anxiety, depression and PTSD (going through therapy/treatment) and they work. I know not everyone is the same.[/quote]
Good for them.
Yes, not everyone is the same.

FawnFrenchieMum · 01/01/2022 20:11

@elelel I’m aware of that but for sake of £10-£15 for 3 years it’s just so much easier to carry and show the cards then other paperwork.

I do wish there was an official government / council issued one though.

FreeFrenchHens · 01/01/2022 20:20

OP try the sunflower lanyard, stick with it if it helps. I think the appropriation has meant more people now know what it means overall, so with a mask and a lanyard you are likely to be given a little more grace. Not always, and you could have bad experiences as well as good, but I reckon there will be a net benefit. My son (autistic and anxious) finds it helpful when he is going into very scary situations and he's worrying about people judging how he acts.