Over the years many studies have shown depression, anxiety, and mental illness are becoming common among Canadians. Depression and mental health are a big concern in Canada according to reports more than 10 Canadians experience depression at some point in their lives.
Today, mental health is one of the global concerns, and many researchers are working on finding the cause, treatment, and other aspects of this condition to make people aware of this condition. The article covers this major concern that every Canadian should know about and get the appropriate treatment.
What caused the depression in Canada?
The Canadian Mental Health Association reported in November 2024 about the mental health system in every province and territory of Canada. The Association understands the increasing rate of depression, anxiety, and other mental illness in Canadians.
Mental health is one of the major global concerns that many international organizations have pointed out and spread awareness about because many people don’t realize that they are suffering from such conditions. As per reports, the depression rate in Canadians has been rising since COVID-19, and around two million Canadians are struggling with depression.
According to reports and various studies by researchers, the major cause of depression in Canadians are:
- The female population is diagnosed with depression at a higher rate due to hormonal changes, relationship violence, social obligations, childhood abuse, and others. Depression in men is rising because they don’t acknowledge the disease and try to deal with it on their own without any assistance.
- People with chronic diseases or other issues are prone to depression because of the negative changes in their lives happening due to chronic illness or any disability. According to reports, 25 to 50% of chronic illness patients tend to fall into depression.
- Another aspect that can cause depression is socioeconomic status or not earning enough.
- As per reports, people of Aboriginal ethnicity also have high levels of depression due to historical trauma, racism, different cultural practices, and others.
- According to reports, people who live alone or are socially isolated from the community have a higher possibility of depression due to their loneliness and discrimination. The report says people who live alone are 20% more likely to have depression or 9% have suicidal tendencies.
Impact of Depression on Canadians
Depression impacts human resources, society, and the country overall, hence it has become a global concern. Mental illness and other conditions affect the country and its citizens in the following ways:
- Depression has become a stigma that people avoid talking and discussing fearing it can affect their job or relationships. People fear that they will be judged and people will question their credibility, or they will be repeated differently which affects their mental health overall as they don’t take treatment timely.
- With people avoiding depression treatment or not acknowledging it, it could develop a serious mental illness that can create problems in the long run.
- The studies also show that depression or mental illness is one of the causes of criminal activities, especially among people who live in high-crime areas as they tend to develop some disorder.
- Depression also impacts the finances of the family as mental health care can be expensive. According to reports, around $3000 to $5000 quarterly costs a family dealing with serious mental health issues.
What is Canada doing to deal with depression?
The Canadian government has initiated several foundations and associations to deal with mental health issues. Government organizations have taken initiatives to spread awareness about depression and other mental health issues so that people start acknowledging it and opt for treatment timely.
The provincial government spending on mental health is around 6.3%, though Canada is behind many countries like Germany spends 11%, and France spends 15% of their budget to fight mental health issues. The government has continued to increase spending on dealing with depression, by providing free resources related to mental health.
The government has helplines that connect people with several programs or communities to offer help to citizens dealing with depression, for instance, CAMH courses, CMHA mental health programs, etc. Canadians can get support for mental health at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html and seek help from government bodies.
Some tips to Maintain Good Mental Health
In this fast-paced world, it’s essential to maintain good health for a healthy and peaceful life, here are some tips that everyone can follow:
- People should include exercise, yoga, or meditation in their daily lives to stay active and boost their energy.
- People should follow a healthy diet and avoid junk food that has higher carbs. They should drink plenty of water and keep their body hydrated.
- People should try to express themselves to their loved ones and try talking about their mental stress or any problem that will help them overcome their stress.
- People should enjoy a fun time with friends and family and keep the happy moments in their mind whenever negative thoughts revolve in their minds.
- If you find any symptoms of depression, like sleep disorder, weight or appetite change, frustration, loss of interest in work, hobbies, or any activities, feeling helpless or worthless, or you are having suicidal thoughts you should immediately seek medical assistance to get the proper treatment.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses are increasing nowadays in Canada, people should not ignore these conditions and seek assistance from medical professionals as it is quite common and curable.