Mental Health Week in Canada

This year in Canada Mental Health Week (MHW) took place from May 2-8 2022. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) first introduced Mental Health in 1951. The aim of Mental Health Week is to bring awareness to and help improve public awareness towards mental health and mental illnesses.

The theme for Mental Health Week changes every year. The theme this year is “This is Empathy. Before you weigh in, tune in”. Empathy is the capacity to step into each other’s shoes, and understand where others are coming from and what they’re feeling. It’s about listening without judgement, and about reducing and resolving conflicts.

The designated hashtags for participating on social media are #GetReal (about how you are really feeling) and #MentalHealthWeek. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) also suggests the hashtags #MHW2022 and #MentalHealthIsHealth.

Why is Mental Health Awareness important?

Mental illness is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada. Mental illness affects a person’s ability to function in many ways, be it socially, at work or activities of daily living.

It is worth noting that although 20% of Canadians experience a mental illness in any given year, it is still considered to be an “invisible illness”.

According to CMHA, all Canadians are indirectly affected by mental illness at some point in their lifetime, whether through a family member, friend or colleague.

This is why it is important to have awareness weeks and to raise awareness about mental illness and how stigma is dangerous. Stigma could prevent someone from seeking treatment.

Awareness campaigns are important because they are meant to help people gain a better understanding of mental illnesses. If you have filed a disability claim for an invisible illness, it is important to show your insurance company you are following treatment recommendations or are attending the right kind of treatment for your condition.

What is the Difference Between Mental Illness and Mental Health?

How is a mental illness defined? The term, “mental illness” refers to a variety of diagnosable mental disorders.

A mental disorder is a health condition characterized by alterations in thinking, mood and/or behaviour that is associated with distress and/or impaired functioning.

The term mental health refers to striking a balance in all spheres of one’s life including social, physical, spiritual, economical and mental. 

While 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness (or mental health issue), 5 in 5 Canadians have mental health, just as we all have physical health.

The Facts & Statistics

Here are a few important facts from Canadian Mental Health Association’s Fast Facts About Mental Illness.

Here are some other important statistics to consider:

• By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness
• About 8% of adults will experience major depression
• Anxiety disorders affect 5% of households, causing mild to severe impairment
• Approximately 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder
• 1% of the Canadian population is affected by schizophrenia
• 49% of those who feel that suffer from depression or anxiety have never been to see a doctor about it
• Stigma/discrimination presents a serious barrier to diagnosis and treatment and acceptance in the community

Mental Health Week & COVID-19

Last year, the theme of Mental Health Week was the importance of social connection as social (physical) distancing measures were in place.

Currently we are in the 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of meaningful social connection to combat loneliness and the importance of emotional support is equally as important as this Mental Health Week is taking place during a Stay at Home Order in Ontario and when many provinces are under strict restrictions.

It is noted that even before COVID-19 loneliness and social isolation were of societal concern and people with weak or few social connections are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, anti-social behaviour and suicidal behaviours. In fact, is documented that the lack of strong relationships affects the risk of mortality in a comparable way to smoking 15 cigarettes a day! 

According to an April 2020 study conducted by Angus Reid polling Canadians about the impact of COVID-19, half of Canadians reported a worsening of their mental health and 10% reported it has worsened “a lot”. The study revealed that 44% of respondents said they are worried and 41% said they are anxious.

A recent study conducted by CMHA and the University of British Columbia compared the mental health impacts of the first 2 Waves of COVID-19 and found that overall 40% of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic.

Of those sub-groups who said their mental health has deteriorated:

• 67% of those with a pre-existing mental health condition reported high levels of anxiety/worry (vs. 63% in Wave 1) as well, 57% of this subgroup reported stress, 39% loneliness, 35% sadness and 48% depression
• 45% of woman reported deteriorating mental health vs. 34% of men
• 27% of those with a pre-existing mental health condition reported suicidal thoughts and feelings (vs. 18% in Wave 1)
• 24% of those with a disability reported suicidal thoughts and feelings (vs. 15% in Wave 1)
• There was 18%  increased prescription medication use for people with a pre-existing mental health condition
• There was an overall 17% increased substance use as a way to cope, with alcohol being the most common substance

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) also conducted several surveys to determine the effects of the pandemic on mental health. The most recent study was conducted between March 19 and March 23, 2021 and involved 1,000 adult respondents.

Important findings include:

• 20.9% indicated moderate to severe anxiety levels (24.4% of women vs. 17.3% of men(
• 20.1% reported feeling depressed
• 21.3% reported feelings of loneliness (24.2% of women vs. 18.3% of men)
• 25.7% of participants reported binge drinking in the previous week
• 19.5% of Canadians sought help for mental health concerns

In recognition of the growing mental health difficulties people are having, last year, the Government of Canada launched a mental health portal, Wellness Together Canada for mental health and substance use support to provide free tools and resources for Canadians.

Mental Illnesses and Disability Claims

When you file a claim for short-term or long-term disability benefits, insurance companies consider whether or not you are seeking appropriate treatment from an appropriate physician or specialist for your illness, as that is one of the responsibilities under your insurance contract.

Your insurance company needs to understand how your illness prevents you from working and have an idea of what your restrictions and limitations are based on your symptoms and your doctor’s/treatment provider’s observations.

It is very important to demonstrate that you are seeking treatment and documenting your symptoms and rehabilitation efforts when you are receiving short-term or long-term long-term disability benefits as a result of an invisible illness like a mental illness.

One of the most common reasons that short-term or long-term disability claims are denied is because of a “lack of objective medical evidence” or because the insurance company does not think you are seeking appropriate treatment.

You may be unable to see your treatment providers in person due to COVID-19, or specialist referrals may be delayed, but you may be able to explore alternate treatment options on the advice of your doctor/treatment provider to help you in your recovery.

You should always follow the advice of your doctor/treatment provider when it comes to taking your medication, attending treatment or increasing activity (if applicable). You should also always advise your doctor of any changes to your health including new or worsening symptoms.

If Your Claim is Denied

You should know that if your claim is denied, you do have the option to fight the insurer’s decision.

Your insurer has an internal appeal process you can go through which can be lengthy and may not produce a positive result.

You can consult a disability lawyer to find out your rights and legal options. A lawyer can commence a court action against your insurance company once retained by you.

Our lawyers have helped many people with invisible illnesses successfully resolve their disability claims against their insurance companies.