Many Ontarians struggling with mental health, substance abuse

 

With the pandemic having now reached a full year, many Ontarians are struggling with feelings of isolation, and stress associated with a myriad of causes including financial insecurity, and reduced work or job loss.

As a result, many are reaching a breaking point, as the findings from a recent survey indicate, 74 per cent of Ontarians are facing increased mental health challenges as well as substance use challenges.

Further, many are unable to get the treatment they need, as Ontario was already in the midst of a mental health and addiction crisis before the pandemic, which has only been exacerbated since.

Because of this, several organizations, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), are urging the government to take immediate action to provide the support and resources many urgently need.

This includes reducing wait times for support and treatment, and simplifying the process, so Ontarians can more easily access it.

“We have collaborated on a unanimous call to action to address inequities in access to mental health care and supports for all Ontario citizens, regardless of age, geography, ability to pay or level of support required," Catherine Zahn, president and CEO of CAMH, said in a news release.