The Shortcomings of Canada’s Mental Health System – Covid Online Counselling Service

In Canada, we have to consider ourselves lucky in regards to our healthcare system, although it does have its flaws. While other countries struggle to provide their citizens with affordable, timely healthcare, our publicly-funded system is one which follows a typical western medical model, being disease-focused and putting more emphasis on physical illnesses, and relatively fewer resources dedicated to mental and emotional health.

Canada’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) doesn’t cover the costs of psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, or other mental health workers in private practices; not to mention the costs associated with online counselling services, which are fundamental during the pandemic as more people are faced with emotional and mental health challenges.

Put simply, extended health insurance covers everything not typically covered by the public healthcare system – things like prescription drugs, dental care and vision care. While some extended health insurance covers mental health services, others require the purchase of a more expensive package in order to have access to minimal mental health resources.

Even though some employers offer their employees extended healthcare, oftentimes it is not nearly enough to meet treatment guidelines or the individual needs of the patient, only covering a limited number of hours. Unfortunately, Canadians without coverage end up having to pay out of their own pockets for private therapy which can cost anywhere from $80-$250 per hour. For the average Canadian family, such costs are unaffordable. Canadians in the lowest income group are 3 to 4 times more likely to report poor to fair mental health, than those in the highest income group (as reported by CAMH). This makes it incredibly challenging for Canadians struggling with mental health issues to get the help they need in order to live a healthy life.

The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

To paint a clearer picture, at any given time, 1 in 5 Canadians struggle with a mental illness. The stigma attached to mental health in Canada, however, makes it difficult for people to open up, with only 50% of Canadians stating that they would share with friends or family that they are struggling with a mental illness. In addition, a 2016 survey showed that 40% of respondents hadn’t thought of seeking professional help despite experiencing anxiety or depression.

In an effort to provide help where it’s needed, there are non-profit groups that are working to break the stigma of mental illness and improve access to mental healthcare services. These establishments are aimed at low-income families by providing them with free access to mental healthcare and social work. This could greatly improve the lives of children and adults living in poverty.

While this certainly fills a gap, it won’t be enough until the government provides access to therapy as an MSP service. This is especially true during Covid-19 where now more than ever, Canadians are struggling with loss, loneliness, anxiety and depression.

The Connection Between Our Minds & Bodies

Millions of people in Canada are struggling with debilitating mental and physical illnesses. Sadly however, despite the vast impact of mental health issues in our society, such issues are not given the same priority as other medical conditions.

According to the Government of Canada:

• 1 in 3 Canadians will experience mental illness during their lifetime.
• 1 in 10 Canadians aged 20 and over are living with diagnosed diabetes. • 1 in 12 Canadians aged 20 and over are diagnosed with heart disease.

This illustrates clearly that there are more Canadians affected by mental health issues than some commonly recognized illnesses, so why is there less support for those suffering from mental health problems. Caring for the minds of our people is equally as important as caring for their bodies, especially considering that many mental illnesses can lead directly to a decline in physical health over time. Because depression and anxiety have been proven to be considerable risk factors in the development of heart disease (where heart disease isn’t hereditary). Depression and anxiety can also affect how well those with heart disease recover. A calm mind is a calm heart, literally.

Specialized Care Where It’s Needed

When waiting lists are long and therapy isn’t easily accessible, it takes its toll not only on the individual suffering, but also on their families and friends.

Because MSP doesn’t cover psychotherapy, it leaves youth and adults reliant on their family doctor for mental health support. Although they are the first point of contact, most family physicians are not specifically trained to treat mental health illnesses or have the time to hold space for their patients. This results in either being given a referral to a psychiatrist, and/or being prescribed medication. Physicians are discouraged from referring their patients to counselling and psychology services, knowing it represents an out of pocket cost for them.

It’s important to note that it’s very common for Canadians who seek professional support to be prescribed medication. While some diagnosed mental illnesses do require pharmaceuticals, others can be treated with a range of non-medical interventions. These modalities are proven to be equally as effective, if not more, than medication that alters the brain’s chemistry. DBT, CBT, art therapy, somatic therapy and breath-work are some of the powerful tools that help the most common illnesses like depression and anxiety.

The same way General Practitioners specialize in their field of caring for their patients’ physical health, counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists specialize in theirs. They are trained to hold space for their clients, providing them with the

tools and modalities necessary to process and heal from a range of mental health issues. These are life tools that are not only useful when patients are experiencing a difficult time, they are also resources that an individual can use throughout their life to overcome challenges, manage emotions and self-soothe.

Improving Canada’s Mental & Physical Health : Covid Online Counselling Service

Providing access to mental health care could be transformative for the overall well-being of Canadians of all ages. During Covid-19, many people who have perhaps never struggled with their mental health are being faced with new challenges. Others are living with a mental illness, and suffer exacerbations due to the overwhelm they are experiencing. In a time like this, having access to covid online counselling service would help not only people with a history of mental illness but also people experiencing these challenges for the very first time.

Making sure Canadians have access to free, or at least affordable mental health care is no longer a matter of if it needs to be implemented, but rather when and how. Until such changes are made, many Canadians will continue to go without the necessary emotional and mental health support that counselling and psychotherapy so wonderfully provides.

If you are in need of speaking to a professional, covid online counselling service by Village Grief Counselling  a way to find some healing and support in the losses and challenges you are experiencing. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to listen and help you move towards a healthier, happier life.