It’s becoming the norm, people admitting they are suffering mental health issues. Athletes, musicians, co-workers, classmates and family members are all affected. Mental illness is real. Numbers are rising dramatically, and people are embracing and supporting each other. From anxiety and depression, to phobias, mood disorders, bi-polar, schizophrenia, PTSD and more, mental illness can . . .
affect any age or social status. It depletes health, threatens lives and hurts the economy.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, in a year, one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness. The World Health Organizations states around 450 million people currently suffer mental health issues, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. The economic cost of mental illnesses to the Canadian healthcare and social support system for 2021 is projected at 79.7 billion, as reported in a study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reported that mental illness affects more than 6.7 million Canadians. That translates into one in two Canadians who have, or have had, a mental illness by the time they reach 40 years of age. And, people with mental illness are two times more likely to suffer substance abuse than the general population. Opioid overdoses now account for more deaths in Canada than automobile accidents and over 4,000 Canadians die by suicide every year. That’s an average of 11 per day. An astounding number.
Since Covid-19, more youth have experienced stress, anxiety and depression due to school closures and cancellation of extracurricular activities. Most children, by nature, are social butterflies that need that interaction every day. These limitations may have a negative impact on how they move forward, especially if you have a child who already experiences mental illness or has a pre-existing disorder.
Our seniors and veterans too have suffered severe depression and anxiety as some of them are isolated in care homes and have been denied access to family member visits. This too will have long lasting effects on their ability to move past this crucial lost time with loved ones.
Identifying mental health issues early and using the support systems in place, is critical for people to get the help they need to thrive and carry on leading normal lives. Without the right support system, people with mental health issues and substance abuse problems, their families and caregivers, can experience great suffering.
There should never be a stigma around mental health as it has affected almost every family in some way. If you or someone you know is or may be suffering any form of mental illness, please reach out to your family physician or any of these numbers 24/7 for help. Info-Santé 811 Option 2 or 1-866-567-4036, 1-819-683-3000, Suicide Help Line 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553). You are never alone. There is always someone who understands and wants to help.
Katherine Hynes
