The World Health Organization (2018) explains that people with mental and psycho-social disorders are a vulnerable group for several reasons including the following,
· They are subjected to stigma and discrimination on a daily basis.
· They experience extremely high rates of physical and sexual victimization.
· They frequently encounter restrictions in the exercise of their political and civil rights, and in their ability to participate in public affairs.
· They are restricted in their ability to access essential health and social care, including emergency relief services.
· They often face disproportionate barriers in attending school and finding employment.
· An overwhelming majority live in poverty and struggle with poor physical health.
· They are much more likely to experience physical disabilities and die prematurely, compared to the general population.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (2018) notes that,
· Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.
· In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.
· Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.
· By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.
Lack of access to appropriate mental health services is an issue that significantly impacts all Canadians, regardless of whether they have a mental illness themselves or not. Several barriers can exist to accessing Mental Health services including stigma; poverty; lack of transportation, lack of integration between mental health and health services; shortage of mental health professionals; regional disparities and cross-cultural diversity (CMHA, 2018b). Despite the significant prevalence of mental health disorders, it is estimated that more than two-thirds of people affected do not seek treatment (CMA & CPA, 2016). Although awareness of mental health issues has risen considerably in Canada over the past few years much more needs to be done to ensure that people who require mental health care have timely access to the treatment and support they need (CMA & CPA, 2016).
Change will not be possible without a comprehensive approach at various levels. In order to better serve clients with mental and psychosocial issues at the direct care level, mental health services should be integrated thoroughly into all health services including at the primary care level. All clients presenting to the healthcare system, including the emergency department and acute care sites, should be assessed for mental health concerns and received immediate, as well as, follow-up mental health services as appropriate. Telehealth programs should be expanded into all underserviced areas to provide access to psychiatry, counseling and case management services. Furthermore, as mental illnesses constitute more than 15% of the disease burden in Canada, and Canada currently spends only about 7% of public health care dollar on mental illness, funding for mental health services and research should be increased so that funding is, at the very least, proportionate to the burden of mental illness on Canada’s health care system (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2012).
References:
Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA). (2016). Joint Statement on Access to Mental Health Care from the Canadian Medical Association and Canadian Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from, https://www.cma.ca/Assets/assets-library/document/en/advocacy/policy-research/cma-policy-access-to-mental-health-care-pd16-04-e.pdf
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). (2018a). Fast Facts about Mental Illness. Retrieved from, https://cmha.ca/about-cmha/fast-facts-about-mental-illness
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2018b). Access to services. Retrieved from, https://cmha.ca/documents/access-to-services-2
Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2012). Changing Directions Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada. Retrieved from, https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/sites/default/files/MHStrategy_Strategy_ENG.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Mental Health, Poverty and Development. Retrieved from, http://www.who.int/mental_health/policy/development/en/