#BellLetsTalk is a means to promote mental health awareness and address the stigma associated with it. Mental health affects everyone in some way, whether you know a friend or family member dealing with some issues, or most importantly, yourself. Statistics state that 1 in 5 people have a mental health disorder which accounts to an approximate 1.5 billion people worldwide that are affected. World Health Organization states that we should invest in 25-30% of the national healthcare budget towards mental health but Ontario only invests approximately 5.5% towards mental health treatment and services. Mental health care centers are closing down all over the GTA. Center of Addiction and Mental Health is leading mental healthcare center in Toronto but has a 46,000 person waiting list. Women on average have a higher percentage of mental disorders due to gender inequality they suffer at work (e.g. glass ceiling) and balancing two strenuous jobs at once – one at work and the other at home.
Mental disorders result in financial losses; this is measured by absenteeism (staying away from work with no reason) and presentism (going to work while sick). Both cases lead to exponential decreases in productivity, resulting in Canada losing $4.5 billion annually, but this figure is continuously growing. Personally as a student, this hits home for me because I’m often overwhelmed with how much I need to finish and accomplish. I feel the need to become a modern Renaissance Man and attempt to do it, which is very problematic. Trying to become an expert in so many fields drains all the energy from my body, and especially my brain.
Depression manifests itself through nervousness, restlessness, irritability, physical complaints like aches, inability to get motivated; which produces unproductivity. Depression is the major healthcare condition that employers spend the most money on (as surveyed by Harvard’s medical school) and the WHO states that by 2020, depression will be the leading cause of disability.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by phases where there are depressed and lethargic states, as well as mania, wherein you become overly emotional. The depression phase is more effectual than mania (even though it is more noticeable)
Anxiety is personified usually by a physical aspect with some variation of mental disorders. Most people with anxiety either get support or deal with it, though most people who go for treatment usually get help for the side effects, which are the physical aspects and not the main problem in itself, which is psychological.
ADHD is seen as just a childhood dilemma, as profoundly broadcasted by the media, but it can affect adults just as much. It can result in disorganization, failure to meet deadlines, inability to cooperate or follow order, tardiness among other behaviours. Treatment is fairly low due to misdiagnosis of symptoms.
Public spaces should be open and accepting places where people don’t need to hide their disorders. I personally felt much happier when I spoke to people regarding my issues and it brought me comfort knowing that I wasn’t the only one suffering and that there are communities and groups ready to help. Furthermore, we can invest in creative art therapy which is a great medium for those affected. Art can help people alleviate their problems. Canada as a nation, and not just Ontario, should heavily invest in mental healthcare. We cannot simply brush these reoccurring and prevalent problems away and hope they solve themselves. Like Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau justified his half-female cabinet by simply stating “because it’s 2015”, we can say the same in front of the face of stigma and the lack of funding towards mental health to bring change and reform to mental health policies (despite it being 2016 and not 2015 like his iconic response).