Mental health is a constantly growing aspect of todays world, with 1 in 5 people in Canada, personally experiencing a mental health problem or illness within a given year (CMHA, 2019). Majority of people know someone, whether it be a family, friend, loved one, or colleague who has been effected by a mental health issue. To put this in perspective, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (2019), by age 40, about 50% of the population will have or had a mental illness, 24% of people between 15 and 24 will have suicide related deaths and almost on half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have not gone to see a doctor about it.
In current times with the unprecedented pandemic of Covid-19, the lives of everyone are being effected and peoples mental health is beginning to become an issue. According to CAMH (2020) 50% of Canadians reported worsening mental health since the pandemic began with many feeling worried (44%) and anxious (41%).In a recent study by CAMH (2020) women, people who have lost there job due to the pandemic, those concerned with their finances, people with young children, and young people are more likely to experience depression and mental health issues throughout this time.
These are real statistics and should be very eye opening to society, but what is the health care system in Canada planning to do about it? As shown in Figure 1, with the appropriate treatment and support the majority of mental health problems can be cured and people will recover.
The Mental Health Strategy for Canada (2017) applies until 2022 and hopes to make a change through six different approaches. Each one of these ideas focuses on educating the population on how real mental health is and that there is support and resources that can used 24/7 no matter what an individual is going through. The Mental Health Commission of Canada hopes to:
Promote mental health across the lifespan in homes, schools, and work- places, and prevent mental illness and suicide wherever possible.
Foster recovery and well-being for people of all ages living with mental health problems and illnesses, and uphold their rights
Provide access to the right combination of services, treatments and sup- ports, when and where people need them
Reduce disparities in risk factors and access to mental health services, and strengthen the response to the needs of diverse communities and Northerners
Work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to address their mental health needs, acknowledging their distinct circumstances, rights and cultures
Mobilize leadership, improve know- ledge, and foster collaboration at all levels (The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, 2017)
Recently on the Global News (2019) there was information about mental health and the advocates that are pushing for education and information to be implemented into everyday life such as, schools and workplaces.
With the right amount of support and awareness, Canada can make a change and create a start to dealing with mental health and save many people from problems that can be dealt with. The embarrassment and stigmatization is saddening to hear about and it is wrong. Change starts with little steps and consistent progress.
Resources
Changing Directions Changing Lives: The Mental health Strategy for Canada. (2017). PsycEXTRA Dataset. doi:10.1037/e504192013-001
Fast Facts about Mental Illness. (2019, June 26). Retrieved from https://cmha.ca/fast-facts-about-mental-illness
Mental Health in Canada: Covid-19 and Beyond. (2020, July). Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdfs---public-policy-submissions/covid-and-mh-policy-paper-pdf.pdf
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