Consider some facts from the website of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA):
– 20 per cent of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
– Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational, income levels and cultures.
– Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.
– Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population.
– Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds.
– Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age.
– Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.
– Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. Centre Wellington has a multitude of options for those wanting help with mental health issues.
CMHA, a free service, has an office in Fergus (1-844-264-2993). CMHA typically works with those considered to have moderate to severe mental health issues.
Most doctors in our community are connected to Family Health Teams. Via a referral from your doctor, you may have access to free services from a FHT Mental Health Counselor including individual and group programs.
Many employers provide employee and family assistance programs (EAP or EFAP) to their employees and their families. Via these EFAPs, short term solution focused counselling can be accessed, typically at no or low cost.
Further, many workers with a benefit package often have coverage for themselves and their families for registered social workers, or psychological services that can cover some or all the costs of private counsellors or therapists, of which there are several working from Centre Wellington.
You don’t need to suffer alone, nor in silence. Reach out. Help is there, and waiting to hear from you.
submitted by Paul Young – Young Solutions: Family Counselling and Meditation, Ariss
