People living in Canada believe that we are in a mental health crisis and that governments are not doing enough about it. A recent survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) found that almost nine in ten agree that people living in Canada should have access to universal mental healthcare.
Universal mental healthcare means the services needed are available, they are funded through public health insurance plans and free to the individual and they are the same – no matter where a person lives or who they are. Universal mental health care meets everyone’s needs.
“We hear stories from people across the country every day that services are hard to find and not available to everyone,” said Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CMHA. “Just like physical health, mental health is important to living a fully engaged life. Which is why mental health services should be fully covered.”
The survey found that of the 35% of people who have experienced a mental health concern in the past year, more than one-third did not reach out for help primarily because it is too expensive or because they don’t know where to find it. The research also showed that more than half of people living in Canada (57%) would access mental health care through a community organisation with a free programme.