Priority issues in the mental health care system
With the stigma surrounding mental illness, far too many people who would benefit from accessing important services often feel too much shame to ask for help.
And while attitudes towards mental health have improved in recent years, there is still much work to be done to help reduce the stigma.
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada released findings in October from a national survey taken between July 15 and August 7 to identify priority issues within the Canadian mental health care system. Close to 2,000 individuals responded.
The 2022 Mental Health Care System Survey sought to gain a better understanding of the mental health care concerns among three stakeholder groups:
Canadians who are currently living with a mental illness;
Family members or caregivers of an individual with a mental illness; and
Individuals concerned about the Canadian mental health system.
Key findings
Overall, when it comes to mental health, there is a need for improvement, notably in giving equal priority to patients with mental illness.
Opinions remain split on whether healthcare professionals should simply provide medication, or combine information with medication to treat mental illness.
Access to medicine in this field is increasingly limited by both cost, as well as the difficulty associated with accessing mental health care services, in general.
A strong majority of stakeholders with access to private health care coverage noted their plans did not meet their needs for mental health care, and these issues have increased in numbers since 2015.
Community counselling centres (such as SOS), support services, and hospital emergency rooms were identified as the most often visited mental health facilities, while less than half of the respondents were informed of community mental health services availability.
However, overall, individuals directly involved with, or indirectly affected by these services responded with satisfaction towards mental health care service providers. Specifically: family doctors, community mental health organizations, and health care professionals.
There was minimal awareness of the Canada Mental Health Transfer, though there was a strong desire for the funding to prioritize primary health care services, community-based mental health, and virtual care.
Overall, the report highlighted how Canada's mental health care system is perceived as needing improvement and the government has indicated they are working to make changes.
Wellness Together
The Prime Minister’s office outlined its plan to roll out improved mental health services in a statement during Mental Health Week earlier this year, describing the Mental Health Transfer as a way to help expand the delivery of high-quality, accessible, and free mental health services.
Part of that plan includes a website created in response to the rise in mental distress since the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are excited to see what else the Government of Canada will do to strengthen conversations around mental health while boosting support. As a local society for crisis prevention, SOS is proud to be a trusted resource for mental wellness in Northern Alberta with counselling services, mentorship programs and a 24/7 crisis line that ensures everyone in the community is supported in the moment they need it most.
The more collective effort around increasing access to mental health and wellness, the faster we can reduce the stigma around getting help and build a stronger, more mentally well community.