Stop Calling Us Unstable: The Cost of Speaking Up

In this episode of Dude, Where’s My Ramp?, Chandy and Emma explore how disabled people's emotional responses—like anger, grief, or assertiveness—are often misunderstood, dismissed, or pathologized. Drawing from personal stories and community insights, they unpack how resistance to ableism is frequently reframed as a symptom of mental illness, rather than a rational response to injustice.

Together, they discuss:

• The overlap between ableism and sanism

• How emotional expression by disabled people is socially and medically policed

• The toll of being misread as “unstable” for advocating for yourself or others

• The need for mental health frameworks that recognize systemic trauma

• Why honoring disabled people's discomfort and dissent matters

They close with powerful reflection questions to carry with you—and a reminder that your feelings are real, valid, and deserve space.

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

Have a story or insight to share? Connect with us on social media (links in the show notes) or send us a DM. We’d love to hear from you.

🧠 Mental Health Support

If this episode brought up difficult emotions or memories, you're not alone. Please reach out to one of these trusted support organizations:

🇬🇧 UK Resources

• Samaritans – Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 | mind.org.uk

• SHOUT (24/7 crisis text line) – Text SHOUT to 85258

🇺🇸 USA Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 | 988lifeline.org

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit nami.org/help

• Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741

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