Accessible mental health services continue to be out of reach for Canadians: advocates
CTV
Due to the impact of the pandemic, Canadians need mental health services more than ever. But advocates say barriers like cost and location continue to make mental health care inaccessible for many.
Three years after the emergence of COVID-19, Canadians continue to feel the impact of the pandemic on their mental health.
They report high levels of mental distress as they endure ongoing challenges like periods of isolation, difficulties with relationships and working remotely or on the front lines.
Despite the high number of people needing support, many cannot find and afford access to mental health services.
The lack of preventative resources and treatment for Canadians adds pressure on hospitals, results in police responding to crises and increases demand for social services like housing and substance use programs, advocates tell CTVNews.ca.
A 2022 survey by the Angus Reid Institute reported one-in-three Canadians say they are struggling with their mental health.
"There's this huge gap to access mental health services no matter where you live," Margaret Eaton, the national CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), told CTVNews.ca.
Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) suggests most Canadians are waiting weeks, if not months, to access mental health counselling in their communities.
