By: Sahra Mohamed
Taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as maintaining your physical well being. However, for many individuals, prioritizing mental health can feel like an impossible task due to demanding routines, financial constraints, and overwhelming life circumstances.
Mental health is often discussed loosely in society, but when we examine the harsh realities, access to proper care can be difficult. Consider the challenges faced by:
- A single mother struggling with depression while raising young children.
- International students juggling full time work and academics, far from family support.
- A working professional attending night classes while maintaining a full time job.
For these individuals and many others, finding time for therapy, self care, or even basic coping mechanisms can be very difficult.
Understanding the Scope of the Issue
According to the National Mental Health Association: “In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental health problem or illness. By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.”
These statistics highlight the widespread nature of mental health challenges. Yet, despite its prevalence, mental health care remains costly, time consuming, and daunting for many.
Making Mental Health Care More Accessible
To ensure more people have access to the support they need, we must advocate for affordability and integration of mental health discussions into primary care. Early detection of conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder can significantly improve outcomes. Resources such as the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and Ontario Psychological Association can help individuals connect with professionals suited to their needs. However, systemic changes are needed to make these services more affordable and accessible.
The Path Forward
While circumstances may not change overnight, personal persistence in seeking the right psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor is vital. The journey to mental wellness can be exhausting, but it is necessary. By continuing the conversation, advocating for policy changes, and supporting those struggling, we can create a society where mental health care is not a privilege but a right. Investing in mental health is an investment in our overall well being. It’s time to break the barriers and prioritize accessible, affordable, and effective care for all.
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