Born & raised in Ontario, a place where we are led to believe that we have all these rights, freedoms and that if your traumatic experiences are too much & you are diagnosed by a medical professional the state will stand behind you and allow you to receive disability each month.

But what happens when the system backfires & people who are really suffering end up getting truly screwed over for the bare minimum— that is a so called monthly disability cheque.

For the people of Ontario, It’s not even enough to live on, let alone rent a room anywhere across the state to begin with.

Over the course of the last 4 years, I have been told I can only live within a specific set of rules after being deemed or as they would call it — diagnosed with a few intense mental health disabilities due to traumatic experiences over the course of my young adult life.

Struggling to find who i am in the world or how I am suppose to live, breathe or even exist within the confines of these set of rules has been more than challenging enough — the fact that I even ended up getting diagnosed is a feat in itself.

The last thing after enduring any traumatic experience anyone needs is to have people who have never endured trauma judging, placing blame on the person who survived it and re-traumatizing the said person.

If you only had any idea what it was like for that person, JUST to survive those experiences, you would have such a different view of or understanding way of handling situations — I can not stress this enough. People don’t think about the cause and effect of how you handled a person’s mental health disabilities in extreme situations let alone on the daily tasks that seem simple to most — it isn’t always cookie cutter or black and white.

As a young adult female, I fought getting diagnosed for time & after the years of traumatic events ensued. Why, you may ask? Our system of handling people with mental health disabilities, most of the time re-traumatizes people and makes it even harder to exist — as if it isn’t hard enough to exist in today’s judgmental AF society.

See it’s easy for people who do not struggle with mental health disabilities to judge, have skepticism, and place blame on the people who endured terrible life altering shit — let’s face it because when you have no idea what it is like to struggle with something that is causing you to suffer in such a prolific way each day, why would you understand where we are coming from?

The truth of it is most people don’t give a fuck, don’t care to understand and write us off as liars, pathetic (like we should

just be able to get up every day and move forward after

severe trauma & if we don’t

somehow it means we are

weak & faking it ..

— what kind of shit is that?), taking advantage of the system, faking our disabilities (not even sure how the fuck you do this one seems insane to me) & the list goes on and on.

I worked multiple positions from the age of 15 onward. Graduated high school, college worked full-time for over 20 years — the last thing I ever wanted or expected was to be in a situation where I had to be diagnosed, on disability, told I can only live within certain rules and then abruptly cut off after 3.5yrs of being told this is how it is and this is what you have to live with only to be completely screwed over on a technicality.

It’s truly devastating to have to endure trauma and have to jump through all these hoops for the government to get barely enough for an adult to eat a month, let alone survive on.

It’s almost humiliating to even have to admit it & when you ask for help or try to fight them on being kicked off ODSP — you get every word you use to explain things to the appeal board turned around on you & used completely against you to make it look like your not suffering that much — all so they can deem you not disabled enough to deserve the pathetic excuse for a monthly amount of money were suppose to be able to live off of. TF?! It’s absolutely horrendous if you ask me.

My paperwork for being cut off ODSP states I was no longer a person with a disability because my psychiatrist did not check a box stating I would have mental health disabilities symptoms/issues over a year time frame. Anyone who has applied for ODSP knows how much paperwork it is to apply the stack is massive.

Please, someone explain to me how, for the last 3.5 years you’ve told me I need to be on ODSP bc my mental health disabilities are affecting my work & life ability, but yet my psychiatrist forgets to check a box after pages and pages of filling out information on each symptoms, disability, issue and all my past experiences that led me to this moment right now — misses checking a box and you just cut me off without a thought of maybe that was just a mistake or a misstep since everything else is filled out in detail & properly stated.

NOPE, (let’s just fuck with her more & who the fuck cares how it effects her mental state ..) — just cut off & I’m told I can appeal the decision. Another set of forms — since I was put on ODSP, i have had over 5 different workers. It’s always ever interchanging with people it’s sometimes hard to keep up with.

My last one after being cut off and having to deal with all of these set situations, rules, and regulations was absolutely horrendous. Your ODSP worker is suppose to be a support system not someone who fucks you over and is complete devoidant of having any sort of empathy or heart what so ever, they just make shit even more difficult for you. My personal experience not only did she not help me she cut me off, closed my account off & wasn’t at all concerned about my mental state or wellbeing what so ever — acted like I was just some issue, problem or infection she couldn’t be bothered to deal with. I even had proof of a letter from ODSP stating that I would need to file for an appeal through my worker by the following Tuesday as I had been trying every day the week prior just to get ahold of her — sent it to her via email over my benefits account & regular email in which she dismissed it, cut me off and closed my ODSP account off.

The Monday before I would lose my opportunity to apply for the tribunal appeal through my worker all together I called the Burlington office and spoke to another worker which took all day to do, yet she helped me to ensure I had proper paperwork done, and detail explained to me that she was not sure why my account had been closed, that it shouldn’t have been handled the way it was and apologized for the inconvenience.

Throughout Covid-19 everything has been pushed back so I sat waiting for 6 months to have my tribunal appeal only to find out the day before my appeal that my appeal registered # was deleted on their end and the person that was suppose to complete my appeal had no record of it or even my name in their computer — not even in the day it was suppose to take place. I spent 2 full days arguing and working through this with people from Tribunal only to have to wait another 6 months to appeal my ODSP descision.

In that time I got my medical paperwork proof from the specialists i had seen, hospital, workers and psychiatrist that i had been working with — my psychiatrist even wrote a letter stating it was an unintentional mistake that he did not check a box stating I would have mental health disabilities symptoms for longer than a year period.

(Anyone with intelligence or even partial intelligence can see that this is a minor technicality that could have been handled in such a different way) & yet I still carried on to jump through each set of hoops following each rule they set out to knock me down.

Finally,

the date of my appeal comes, and it’s taken me weeks to prepare for this meeting bc I have no idea what to expect from this, I have never experienced anything like this in my life and my mental health disabilities are at an all time high because of everything I’m having to endure, experience and be exhausted from just to get to this point —

Only to be fucked over and have every word used , twisted and manipulated to ensure their narrative works to be able to cut off my ODSP.

It doesn’t pay to be a decent human being in any of these monumental situations or experiences. If your a decent human you are honest when communicating how you are coping with your mental health disabilities, symptoms and day to day tasks — which in turn if your like me and always try to see the good in situations because I can not pretend I don’t have the intelligence to be able understand that YES I am suffering day to day because of my mental health but there people out there suffering from far worse things like cancer & disease — me as a person cannot sit there pretending that there isn’t worse things that could be happening, yet because I’m not willing to be dishonest or play up my suffering in this appeal bc naturally I try and look on the brighter side of things as much as I can while still stating im struggling and barely keeping my head above water, that in turn in your opinion means I’m no longer considered to be a disabled person in the state of Ontario?

WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK?! —

I even asked at the beginning of my Tribunal appeal if they had received my medical paperwork and letter from my psychiatrist stating the mistake of not checking the box on my paperwork & was told in fact they had it all infront of them & had received all of it. At the end of my Tribunal appeal, I was told they would take 90 days to make their decision & to wait it out.

The final decision regardless of my medical paperwork, specialist paperwork diagnosis & letter from my psychiatrist, admitting to missing checking off the box stating I would have mental health disabilities symptoms for over a year — was DENIED. In the paperwork anything i had stated that has showed over the course of the last 3.5 years I had gained or even was slightly positive in showing that yes I was progressing and it was actually helping me in any sort of way to be on ODSP was twisted and turned around on me to be able to use as a way to cut me off and deem me not disabled enough to receive disability each month and left wondering what in the fuck am I suppose to do now?

After all of that i applied online again and have waited 4 months to receive a phone call saying that I now have to sign up for Ontario works again and wait over 9 months to be accepted all over a technicality that I had absolutely no control of, yet the lady that called me from ODSP stated next time to ensure the person filling out my paperwork does it properly as if its my fault or my responsibility as a person with mental health to ensure the medical professional that works in joseph brant hospital as a psychiatrist fills out my disability paperwork properly.. TF?! I am pretty sure as a patient struggling to get through daily life tasks and barely getting by — that isn’t my fucking responsibility in the slightest and to say that to someone is completely ignorant & quite fucked If you ask me let alone disrespectful & a bit demeaning — it infuriates the fuck out of me tbh. Now I’m left with mental health disabilities, symptoms that have taken years to start heal & change completely ass backwards in my recovery due to the way I’ve been miss handled & promptly cut off — even with evidence to support my claims and told I’m no longer disabled in the eyes of ontario and actually expected to go work full-time again and be a successful member of society.

WHAT KIND OF BULLSHIT IS THAT ?! — They wonder why people struggle to confront their mental health or end up homeless — some of us no matter how many obstacles you threw in front of us or walls you put up we followed all of your rules and regulations and STILL got completely fucked over.

What does that say about our system or how we handle the people who were born and raised in Ontario and struggle with mental health disabilities due to trauma?!

After everything I have endured it shows a strong FUCK YOU to a person whose never been in trouble in her life, did all the right things and followed all of the expected rules as a person is told they should while growing up in Canada — a place where we’re told from a young age will show you support when you endure traumatic experiences, only to be left wondering why the fuck did I even bother?!

& wondering what your suppose to do now because you did everything they asked of you and it still wasn’t enough.

It makes very hard to not just feel like another number or problem that wasn’t something they wanted to deal with & that is truly devastating and Immoral. What kind of society is this where we treat our own like discarded garbage? What does this say to Canadians who were born and raised here? Or people in general who struggle daily because of mental health disabilities?

Our society preaches that we are not alone, to confront & take charge of your mental health — for what? so we can be utterly humiliated, re- traumatized & treated like another burden.

If I had of known any of this I would never have put myself through all these doctors, specialist Apts, jumped through every hoop they asked of me — mental health isn’t some joke you play with like it’s something we can turn on and off. I’m an adult that lives in Ontario, fucked over by the system only to be left wondering if I’m going to be homeless because of this, I’m survivor of severe traumatic experiences just to get right fucked by the government & re- traumatized.

That’s the truth about coming out from years of traumatic shit — in the end doesn’t matter how good of a person you are, how many of the rules ,regulations and hoops you jump through, or what walls you knock down ..

I’m just another number, another person with mental health disability, another issue that isn’t even considered at all about when it’s cause & effect on someone’s mental health and their recovery or progress that they have made thus far — they can still just cut you off over a simple technicality that you had no control over, What so ever! How fucking backwards and fucked is that really though?

Being a 30-something woman in today's world is no easy feat. It's a time when we are expected to have our lives together, be successful in our careers, and have it all figured out. But let's be real, most of us are just trying to keep our heads above water and not drown in the sea of responsibilities and expectations that come with being an adult.

One of the biggest challenges that many women in their 30s face is navigating the murky waters of relationships. We may have thought that by this point, we would have found our happily ever after, but instead, we're left dealing with the aftermath of failed relationships and the scars they leave behind.

Abusive relationships, both physical and emotional, are unfortunately all too common. And as we get older, we realize just how prevalent they are in our society. We see it happening to our friends, family members, and even ourselves. Yet, for some reason, there is still a stigma attached to speaking out about it.

But why? Why do we shame and blame the victims instead of holding the abusers accountable? Why do we tell women to just leave the relationship when it's not always that easy? The truth is leaving an abusive relationship is a complex and difficult process. It involves not only leaving the person but also rebuilding one's self-worth and confidence after being torn down by the abuser. It's a journey that takes time and support from those around us.

And let's not forget about the toxic cycle of online dating in today's society. In a world where swiping left or right has become the norm, finding genuine connections seems nearly impossible. We're bombarded with endless options, ghosting, and unrealistic expectations set by social media. It's a shitshow, to say the least.

But the problem isn't just with the apps themselves, it's also with the people using them. The dating pool is filled with commitment-phobes, players, and people who are just looking for a quick hookup. And in a society that values instant gratification and surface-level connections, it's no wonder finding something real feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

And don't even get me started on the double standards that still exist in our society today. In 2024, we like to think that we have come so far in terms of equality and breaking gender stereotypes. But in reality, women are still judged for their choices and actions in a way that men are not.

We're told to dress a certain way, act a certain way, and speak a certain way to be considered "ladylike." Yet, men can freely do as they please without fear of being labeled as too aggressive or too bossy. We're expected to balance work and family perfectly, while men are praised for simply "helping out" with household tasks.

And then there are the little things that may seem insignificant but add to the constant pressure and expectations placed upon us as women. Like the pressure to look young and flawless at all times, even as we age. Or the constant bombardment of advertisements telling us how we should look, dress, and act.

But through all of this mess, there is one thing that remains constant: our resilience. As 30-something women, we have been through enough to know that life isn't always rainbows and butterflies. We've experienced heartbreak, disappointment, and setbacks. But we have also learned to pick ourselves back up and keep moving forward.

We are witty, sarcastic, intelligent, charismatic, and captivating. We know how to make the best out of any situation and find humor in the chaos. And let's not forget about our professionalism – juggling a career, relationships, and all the other responsibilities of being an adult takes serious skill.

So here's to all the 30-something women out there who are trying to navigate this messy thing called life. We may not have it all figured out, but we're doing the best we can. And that's all that matters.

Let's continue to support each other, speak out against injustice, and break through any barriers that society tries to place on us. Because at the end of the day, we are strong, capable, and fierce women who are up in smoke and not going down without a fight.

🌐: https://hgsco.vzy.io

A burning debate among dog owners, vets and researchers has been initiated by neutering which is a common practice in pet industry. Recent studies have shown that there are possible disadvantages of neutering mainly in male dogs. The purpose of this article is to consider the findings of research that contradict the conventional approach to neutering and find out why it is treated so generously by society.

The Problem with Neutering Male Dogs:

Neutering, otherwise called castration, involves removing testicles from a male dog using surgery. Although this operation is usually recommended as part of population control and for behavioral reasons, new studies indicate that it may do more harm than good on dogs’ health and welfare. It has been established that neutering can elevate risks of some diseases such as obesity, joint problems , and certain types of cancer in males.

Additionally, when one removes a dog’s testicles, it interferes with hormonal balance, leading to possible changes in behavior patterns and muscle atrophy. A number of canine caretakers, together with advocates, have become concerned about the necessity for castrating dogs and their effects on overall health condition among male ones.

The Influence of Society and Veterinarians:

Although there is a growing body of research that highlights the possible dangers of neutering, society remains steadfast in accepting this practice. Many dog owners are often forced by veterinarians to have their pets spayed or neutered when they are still young without putting much emphasis on the potential downsides.

One possible reason behind the push for neutering might be based on the assumption that it forms part of responsible pet ownership. Population control and prevention of unwanted litters are frequently cited as major reasons for promoting sterilization. However, this generalized approach to neutering fails to account for different health requirements of individual dogs.

Furthermore, some veterinary doctors may prioritize convenience and financial gains over animal well-being.

Regularly advising clients to spay or neuter without discussing risks and benefits with them can lead dog owners into making uninformed choices about their animals’ welfare.

Moving Towards Informed Decision-Making:

Since the debate on sterilization still changes, it is important that people who own dogs get enlightened about the likely risks as well as benefits associated with it. By talking with a trusted vet, researching extensively, and considering specific needs of their dog.

Ultimately, comprehensive consideration of the risks involved should precede the decision to neuter a dog rather than societal norms or convenience. Openly discussing neutering helps democratize these decisions, allowing dog owners to make sound choices that guarantee their animals’ sound health and happiness.

Recent studies on the topic of neutering have initiated a crucial debate regarding this practice and its effects on male dogs. Despite society’s acceptance of spaying and neutering as well as pressure from veterinarians in some cases, it is important to think about individual needs of each animal before choosing this process.

We can achieve better pet care standards by keeping ourselves informed, questioning and fighting for the best interests of our canine friends. Neutering should not be perceived like one size fits all solution; instead, should be made with a lot of thinking upon it, considering what it means to our most loved pets.

Unbelievable Secrets Behind the Neutering Debate was originally published in Long. Sweet. Valuable. on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is commonly associated with military veterans, research has shown that women are twice as likely to develop PTSD compared to men. In this article, we will explore the unique experiences of women with PTSD and the importance of raising awareness and understanding of this condition.

Causes of PTSD in Women:

Women are more likely to experience traumatic events such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and childhood abuse, which can lead to the development of PTSD. These experiences have a profound impact on a woman’s mental health, resulting in symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Moreover, women often face multiple traumatic events, increasing their vulnerability to PTSD.

Unique Experiences of Women with PTSD:

PTSD manifests differently in women compared to men. Women are more prone to emotional distress and avoidance behaviors as symptoms of PTSD. They are also at a higher risk of developing comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. Recognizing these differences is vital for providing appropriate treatment and support to women with PTSD.

Raising PTSD Awareness:

Creating awareness about PTSD in women is crucial to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage women to seek help. Many women may feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their experiences and may not even realize that they are suffering from PTSD. By educating the public about the prevalence of PTSD in women, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for those who are struggling.

Seeking Help for Women with PTSD:

Despite the prevalence of PTSD in women, many do not seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health and the fear of being judged. It is imperative to create a safe and supportive environment where women feel comfortable seeking help and receiving treatment. Therapy, medication, and support groups have proven to be effective forms of treatment for PTSD. Additionally, it is essential for loved ones to be understanding and patient with women who are struggling with PTSD.

Coping Strategies for Women with PTSD:

Women with PTSD can benefit from learning coping strategies to manage their symptoms effectively. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Engaging in activities that bring joy and provide a distraction from trauma can also be beneficial. Self-care and prioritizing mental health are crucial for women with PTSD to recover and lead fulfilling lives.
PTSD is a serious and often debilitating condition that affects women at a higher rate than men. Understanding the unique experiences of women with PTSD and raising awareness is essential for creating a supportive environment for those who are struggling. It is important to seek help and know that you are not alone. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage and overcome PTSD. Let us work together to ensure that women with PTSD receive the care and understanding they deserve.

Ghosting is a phenomenon that has become increasingly common in modern dating culture. It refers to the act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without any explanation. This behavior can have serious emotional consequences for the person being ghosted, leading to feelings of confusion, rejection, and even trauma.

Ghosting can occur in any type of relationship, not just romantic ones. Friends, family members, and co-workers can all experience ghosting in their relationships as well.

The impact of ghosting on mental health is significant. A survey conducted by Forbes revealed that 76% of people who are dating have experienced ghosting, and it can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health.

Being ghosted can be a really traumatic experience, depending on the nature of the relationship. It can bring up feelings of mistrust, abandonment, anxiety, and can make you either anxious or avoidant in your relationships.

Research has also found that being ghosted can negatively affect one’s self-esteem and self-worth, leading to lower life satisfaction, feelings of helplessness, and loneliness.

Ghosting can also erode a person’s trust in others, particularly in future romantic relationships. Participants in a study reported that they keep their distance from potential partners and are more afraid that someone will leave ‘just like that.' Others said they try not to get serious too fast with anyone and are definitely less trusting and more suspicious.

Ghosting is not only detrimental to the person being ghosted but also to the ghoster. Relationship experts and psychologists agree that people who ghost are avoiding an uncomfortable situation. This evasion, while perceived as a solution, can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety in the ghoster.

In conclusion, ghosting is a harmful behavior that can have serious emotional consequences for both the person being ghosted and the ghoster. It erodes trust, damages self-esteem, and can lead to anxiety and depression. It is important to have open and honest communication in all types of relationships to avoid the negative effects of ghosting.

Pit bulls have been the subject of controversy with many people believing that they are inherently aggressive and dangerous. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, pit bulls are one of the most loving, loyal, and intelligent dog breeds out there. Unfortunately, due to a combination of media sensationalism and a lack of understanding about the breed, pit bulls have been unfairly judged and characterized as dangerous.

The Facts About Pit Bulls

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that pit bulls are not a single breed of dog. In fact, there are several different breeds that are often referred to as pit bulls, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Staffordshire Terrier. These dogs are often lumped together and labeled as "pit bulls," even though they have different physical characteristics and temperaments.
One of the biggest misconceptions about pit bulls is that they are inherently aggressive and dangerous. However, this simply isn’t true. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, "breed is a poor sole predictor of dog bites." In other words, a dog’s breed does not determine whether or not it will be aggressive.

The Positive Qualities of Pit Bulls

So, what are pit bulls really like? In reality, they are incredibly loving and loyal dogs that make wonderful pets for the right owners. Pit bulls are known for their high energy levels and their love of play, making them great companions for active families. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
One of the most amazing things about pit bulls is their resilience. Despite the negative stereotypes that surround them, pit bulls are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. They are often used as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and even as police dogs.

The Importance of Understanding Pit Bulls

It’s clear that pit bulls are a misunderstood breed, and it’s time for us to change that. By taking the time to learn about these amazing dogs and their positive qualities, we can help to break down the negative stereotypes that surround them. We can also work to promote responsible ownership of pit bulls, which includes proper training, socialization, and care.
In conclusion, pit bulls are an amazing breed of dog that have been unfairly judged and characterized as dangerous. By understanding the true nature of these dogs and promoting responsible ownership, we can help to change the negative perception of pit bulls and give them the love and respect they deserve.

How can people change the perception on Pit-bulls

Changing the negative perception of pit bull is an important task that requires effort from everyone. Here are some ways people can help change the negative perception of pit bulls.
Educate yourself and others: Learn about the true nature of pit bulls and share that knowledge with others. This can help to dispel the myths and stereotypes that surround these dogs.
Support pit bull-friendly organizations: There are many organizations that work to promote responsible ownership of pit b. ls and to change the negative perception of these dogs. Supporting these organizations can help to make a difference.
Share positive stories: Share stories and photos of pit bulls that showcase their loving and loyal nature. This can help to counteract the negative stories that often dominate the media.
Advocate for responsible ownership: Encourage responsible ownership of pit bulls by promoting proper training, socialization, and care. This can help to prevent negative incidents and promote positive interactions between pit bulls and people.
Be a responsible pit bull owner: If you own a pit bull, be a responsible owner by providing proper care, training, and socialization. This can help to show others that pit bulls can be wonderful pets when they are treated properly.
By taking these steps, people can help to change the negative perception of pit bulls and promote a more positive image of these amazing dogs.

How can Social Media be used to change the perception of Pitbulls

Social media can be a powerful tool in changing the negative perception of pit bulls. Here are some ways social media can be used to change the perception of pit bulls:
1. Share positive stories and images: Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great places to share positive stories and images of pit bulls. By showcasing the loving and loyal nature of these dogs, we can help to counteract the negative stereotypes that surround them.
2. Use hashtags: Hashtags like #pitbullsofinstagram and #pitbulllove can help to connect pit bull owners and lovers and create a positive community around the breed.
3. Share educational content: Social media can also be used to share educational content about pit bulls, including information about their true nature and responsible ownership.
4. Support pit bull-friendly organizations: Many pit bull-friendly organizations have a social media presence, and following and sharing their content can help to promote their message and change the perception of pit bulls.
5. Engage with others: Engaging with others on social media can help to spread awareness and change perceptions. By sharing your own positive experiences with pit bulls and engaging in respectful conversations with others, you can help to promote a more positive image of these dogs.
Overall, social media can be a powerful tool in changing the negative perception of pit bulls. By sharing positive stories and images, using hashtags, sharing educational content, supporting pit bull-friendly organizations, and engaging with others, we can help to promote a more positive image of these amazing dogs.