Mental illness is a big deal in Canada — in fact, 20 percent of Canadians will deal with a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Not only that, disability leave due to mental disorders ends up costing Canada about $51 billion per year. Still, “Only one-third of Canadians suffering with a mental illness receive the help they need.”

If mental illness is such a big issue in Canada, why are so few people being treated for it? Before we dive into the answer for that question, let’s take a closer look at how mental illness is affecting Canada’s economy.

Quick facts about mental illness as it relates to Canada’s economy:

– “Mental illness accounts for the highest costs in disability funding from Canada’s economy.”

– Of all disability claims, 30 percent are attributed to mental disorders.

– “70 percent of the total cost from disability funding goes toward mental health.”

As you can see from these statistics, mental disorders have a considerable effect upon Canada’s economy. What could help stop these negative effects and decrease the amount of mental illness-related money Canada spends? One of the answers is, proper healthcare for people who have a mental illness.

If people with mental illnesses received appropriate healthcare, costs related to mental health would likely decrease.

Why is this? Because there would be less people taking disability leave, therefore less money paid out for disability-related expenses.

What is appropriate healthcare? It is healthcare that actually addresses the mental needs of a person and treats any illnesses or disorders effectively. Appropriate healthcare should also include ongoing care.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is an excellent resource for people with mental issues who are needing healthcare.

Why? Because the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health offers life-changing treatments to such people. Some of these treatments include:

– Mental health assessments
– “Brief early interventions”
– Inpatient programs
– Ongoing care
– Outpatient services
– “Family support”

Visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s website at http://www.camh.net/ to learn more.

Are you struggling with a mental health issue? If so, don’t hesitate to get the care you need and deserve.

Doing so will increase the quality of your life and benefit Canada’s economy.

Please note: All statistics in this article were taken directly from the CAMH Fact Sheet (http://www.camh.net/News_events/Key_CAMH_facts_for_media/addictionmentalhealthstatistics.html)

Let’s Talk About It

Were you surprised to learn that mental health issues were such contributing factors to disability leave, etc? If you deal with a mental disorder or illness, are you receiving the health care you need to get and stay well?