Failing mental health services for young individuals, Canada is facing an influx of violence, suicide and addiction among young people.
Many young individuals are observed wondering the subways and streets of Canada’s largest city, Toronto, a city that acts as a window to economy and culture. Young people are seen shouting incomprehensibly and staring into space.
Opioid overdose, unprovoked attacks and various other ills due to mental health problems and addictions, fills the newspapers. Phenomenon observed in many big cities in the United States, before trending North of the border.
In the wake of the devastating covid-19 pandemic, many people are struggling, sometimes with fatal results, due to decades of underfunded mental health sector.
The growth of mental health and addiction problems in young people has been observed for more that a decade, says emergency room doctor at mount Sanai hospital in Toronto, Bjug Borgundvaag.
He says, although trying their best, it is increasingly difficult as only a limited things they can offer.
It is stated by David Gratzer, at the center for addiction and mental health in Toronto, mental health has been underfunded for decades, as only 7 to 8 cents are spent on mental healthcare for every dollar spent on healthcare in Canada. far less than any other developed countries.
Psychological service demands, increase by 50% in Ontario in 2022, with one in two youths experiencing mental illness.
The gap in public services, have been difficult to fill even with the help of charities, due to the large influx of distress individuals.
Laments Nzinga Walker, executive director of Stella’s place, says all aspects of the population is affected by this crisis. The numbers have reached alarming levels among young adults and youth populations.
Stella’s place offers free mental health support for individuals in psychological distress from aged 16 to 29 years.
Stella’s place open in 2013, offering youth counselling, psychiatric services and group programs. The organization trains young individuals to reach out to communities, where mental illness is stigmatized.
