Dear Editor:
The state of mental health in Guelph and Centre Wellington is an increasing concern for Gen Z and late-born millennials.
As mental health awareness grows an influx of young adults are seeking treatment options, there are not enough facilities, trained staff, and the government is unprepared to handle the high demand.
Anti-stigma efforts have been successful in fighting for those who would otherwise be afraid, but the system has let us down once again with the consistent gaps in funding and accessibility.
Despite the courage it takes for one to seek help, their efforts go unseen and untreated as they are turned away at doors and exacerbate all their options.
It is no surprise that young adults are struggling with finances as we continue to live in an overcharged and underpaid world, so when it comes to our mental health costs and paying our rent or groceries we have to decide what gets priority that month. Beginning to accept that there is no shame in therapy and that self-care is widely encouraged is fantastic, but when therapy costs are so steep and accessibility to programs are limited it can seem like the world is set up to see you fail; an individual can only do so much before feeling completely defeated.
When those who don’t believe in mental health speak up against progress it invalidates the work we have been struggling to make, then through the ridicule and mocking that continues it sets everyone back and the cycle of ignorance continues. While we have to pay for therapy, it costs you nothing to be a decent human.
Anyone can advocate for your own, your friends, or your children’s mental health by showing continued support, raising awareness and correcting false stigma. Remember when there was a cry about how “our children are our future,” well now is the future and your children are struggling with their mental health.
Dayna Rooney,
Guelph