Veterans Affairs committee  Yes. In 2015 I actually applied for sanctuary trauma through Veterans Affairs. My claim was suspended, which means there's no recourse. You can't appeal it. It's done. Yes, sanctuary trauma is exactly what we're all experiencing through our dealings with Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, Chair. I started getting treatment for PTSD in 2014 after a diagnosis from a civilian psychologist. PTSD, for me, is manageable. With the treatment that I've received over the years, I'm able to manage my symptoms. To be perfectly honest and clear, depression is a killer.

Veterans Affairs committee  My PTSD has been linked to my military service and the assaults that I've experienced. My major depressive disorder came on after I was denied DEC by VAC. As far as I'm concerned, it's 100% caused by VAC. The denials, the jumping through hoops to be treated with a little bit of dignity, wear you down.

Veterans Affairs committee  As far as Veterans Affairs, I'd like to see more access to programs that encourage both mental health and physical activity. For example, there are a lot of equestrian programs out there for veterans to spend time with horses, but in a lot of those programs, you can't ride the horses.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you. It tears at your very core to have an organization that's supposed to treat you, and it treats you as a second-class citizen. I have gone through moments where I felt suicidal after talking to Veterans Affairs. I've actually had a time when Veterans Affairs has sent the OPP to my house because I was in crisis and I was begging for help, and I told them, dealing with you makes me not want to live anymore.

Veterans Affairs committee  I have never applied for my MST through Veterans Affairs. I am incredibly grateful that they are taking steps forward and trying to help us, but I can't speak to the experience personally because I haven't applied.

Veterans Affairs committee  You're asking about adjustment disorder? Adjustment disorder is basically when there's an event, and you're unable to get over it for, I think, under six months. Anything after that kind of becomes PTSD.

Veterans Affairs committee  Over the last 10 years, I've deteriorated to the point where I struggle to do anything paperwork-related, including opening mail. Just confirming my appearance to speak here took two days and a migraine to fill one piece of paper to come here. My statement was also late to be translated.

Veterans Affairs committee  Another time I was told I wouldn't be supported because getting up and cleaning my house every day should give me a sense of purpose. My mental health has hindered my ability to apply for benefits. I'm not able to appeal benefit decisions within a certain amount of time. Over the past 10 years....

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, Chair. Good evening, Chair. Thank you for inviting me to tell you about my experience. I feel incredibly privileged to be here. After 12 years of service, I was medically released in 2013 with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder, with depressed mood and anxiety. I wasn't coping well with the death of Corporal Marie France Comeau.