“Why are we witnessing increased rates of depression and anxiety in our society?” This question often prompts complex and multi-layered answers. In recent times, the economic downturn exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with rising living costs, have played significant roles in the decline of mental health.

Many Canadians are increasingly worried about affording housing, having enough food, and securing a safe place to sleep. To cope, individuals have resorted to innovative solutions such as hosting international students, taking on roommates, or increasing workloads to meet mortgage payments. However, this hustle culture perpetuates dissatisfaction, as there’s a constant pressure to strive for more productivity and achievement.

Financial stress remains a pervasive issue impacting mental health across Canada. Unfortunately, access to mental health services is often hindered by financial barriers. Many services are not fully covered by public health, leaving clients to bear significant out-of-pocket expenses or rely on private insurance plans with high deductibles.

The combination of economic hardships, rising costs, and limited access to affordable mental health care has created a challenging environment for many Canadians. As we navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to advocate for broader access to mental health resources and support systems that prioritize well-being over financial strain.

Our counselling services offer both financial support through a sliding scale and access to resources for low or no-cost services, ensuring accessibility for those facing financial barriers.

Dr. Shereen Khan RCC-ACS