By Heather Cameron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Taber Times
The Government of Alberta’s plan to transition many AISH clients to ADAP has had a profound impact on many.
Raymond, Alberta resident Chonita Sims is one of those people. “I have a number of mental health conditions mainly stemming from severe childhood trauma,” explained Sims.
“Some of these conditions include CPTSD, depression, seasonal depression, and social anxiety.”
At present, Sims said, she has a service dog named Hope who helps her navigate social outings.
Unfortunately, Sims explained, she is still ‘terrified’ about the present situation even with the support she has because being on ADAP includes vocational retraining and obtaining employment, and although she wants to work to supplement her disability income, there are barriers for her being able to do so.
“My main problem is that when my depression becomes severe, as happens regularly-particularly in the winter, I self-isolate,” said Sims.
“Forcing myself out into public only makes my depression and anxiety worse. How could I hold down a job when there are days when I cannot even leave my home? I would be regularly calling in sick, and no employer would be able to manage that unpredictability, and were I to force myself to work my depression and anxiety would only worsen. With my social anxiety, what type of employment would allow me to be left completely alone? Also, I would need accommodation for my Service Dog. Even thinking about being forced into the workforce sends my panic spiraling.”
Since receiving word that she was being transitioned from AISH to ADAP, Sims also explained that her mental health has ‘significantly deteriorated.’
“I find it nearly impossible to eat anything, and I would be surprised if I have not lost weight as a result,” stated Sims.
“This is now impacting my physical health. I have also been self-isolating, finding it nearly impossible to do the basics such as grocery shopping. I am worried that ADAP will find my reasons for not being able to work unacceptable and will cut off my funding completely.”
Sims admitted she has considered reapplying for AISH but is wary of the idea. “I heard we only have one chance at this, and I am worried that mental health issues will not be acceptable enough to return me to AISH,” said Sims. “I feel as though the people with mental health issues so often fall through the cracks as I fear will be the case with me.”
Circumstances have not been kind, Sims stressed, as her rent has increased, and she is in dire straits due to the threat it poses to her home situation and the ability she has to stay in familiar settings.
“I have lived in Raymond for over 20 years, and due to a lack of rental options in this town, I fear I will have to leave my hometown, which also means leaving my medical and mental health resources, isolating me even further,” stated Sims.
“Due to the stress I am under, my son no longer wants contact with me because he cannot handle my chaos. My mental health is shattered, and it is now impacting my physical health. I am scared I will lose my financial security. I have also lost any and all hope. Please, end this nightmare. Stop ADAP.”
