It is no small exaggeration that the world is currently facing a mental health crisis. The latest studies estimate that as many as one in four adults suffer from serious mental health issues. And one in ten children suffer too. And experts estimate that this number will only go up in the years to come if something isn’t done.
But we are also lucky to live in an age where we know more about mental health issues than ever before. Advances in medical technology and a shift in the attitudes of our society mean we are far better equipped to help people deal with their mental health issues. But, like any medical crisis, it requires a lot of involvement from a country’s government to properly combat it. Today we are examining just how Canada is dealing with the growing mental health crisis.
Bell Let’s Talk
Bell Let’s Talk is a charity that was founded by the Bell telephone company back in 2011. The foundation was created to help combat mental health issues in Canada. The original five year goal of the foundation was to give out $50 million to various institutions. And it didn’t stop there. The foundation has continued their good work relentlessly. Providing much needed funding to numerous mental health charities across the nation.
Most recently the foundation donated $1 million dollars to 11 different Canadian colleges and universities. The money is going directly into the institution’s different student mental health programs. This is a huge step in the right direction. Studies have shown that the later educational years are when young people can suffer the most from mental health issues. The stress of education paired with the anxiety of the future can be a lot. Not to mention the financial strain of funding a university education.
THC Legalization
Back on October 17th, 2018, Canada took a monumental step forwards as a nation. They legalized weed. This was an amazing decision for a number of reasons. It was a huge step forward in the social justice cause, removing the issue surrounding unjust incarceration relating to weed. It was a huge financial boon for the nation, bringing in an estimated $1.3 billion dollars a year to the nation’s economy. And, most importantly, it was extremely beneficial for the war against mental health issues.
Many studies have shown that both THC and CBD, the two primary cannabinoids found in hemp, can be used to help deal with various physical and mental ailments. The primary medical use of THC has been as a potent natural pain medication. It is particularly useful in helping people who suffer from chronic pain.
Recently there have been studies that have found that using THC and CBD in moderation can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Both substances can elevate a person’s mood and boost their creativity and emotional thinking. All things that have been proven to help those suffering. CBD can also increase the brain’s ability to absorb the serotonin it produces, helping combat the chemical imbalance that leads to depression.
The legalization of weed has made it so that Canadians can get whatever they need, whenever they need it. Companies like topshelf in BC sell a range of buds and flowers that can be delivered directly to your door. Which is a huge boon for people with mental health issues that keep them from venturing outside.
Farmer’s Mental Health
The agricultural sector in Canada is huge. The sector provides 1 of every 9 jobs. And it is responsible for 7% of the nation’s GDP. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador makes up 1.1% of the 7%. And it is for this reason that the nation is putting around $7 million dollars into the province’s agriculture sector. And a large sum of this is to go towards a new farm-focused mental health initiative.
It is all too easy for our digital society to forget about the people working in the agriculture sector. Our attention is often focused on the big tech innovators, celebrities, influencers, and the bigger cities. But the mental health concerns of farmers are just as important. These are the people that grow the food we all rely on. So it is amazing to see Canada putting more money into making sure their needs are being met.
Over the last few years we have seen more and more initiatives like this and the Bell Let’s Talk foundation. And we hope it is the sign of a continual upward trend for Canada when it comes to handling the mental health crisis. As long as people don’t stop discussing the importance of mental health care, we can hopefully build a better future for everyone.