The tragedy: too late is not an option

The large number of Difference Maker nominations from survivors of suicide loss or individuals who have themselves struggled with suicidal thoughts reflected the devastating impact death by suicide has on the lives of many Canadians. While many of the 150 CAMH Difference Makers are helping to create change around how we talk about and prevent suicide, the need for broader, coordinated change remains urgent.

• Nearly 4,000 Canadians die by suicide each year an average of almost 11 suicides a day. ⁸

• More than 75 per cent of those who die by suicide are men, but women attempt suicide three to four times more often. ⁹

• More than half of suicides involve people aged 45 or older. ¹⁰

• After accidents, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 34. ¹¹

  • In 2012, suicide accounted for 17 per cent of deaths among youth aged 10 to 14, 28 per cent among youth aged 15 to 19, and 25 per cent among young adults aged 20 to 24. ¹²

• First Nations youth die by suicide about five to seven times more often than non-Aboriginal youth. Suicide rates for Inuit youth are among the highest in the world, at 11 times the national average. ¹³

• People at higher risk for suicide include those who live with serious mental illness or addiction, have a family history of suicide and who have previously attempted death by suicide. ¹⁴

“For myself, I felt firsthand the power of one person's courage to share their journey through mental illness, which in turn gave me the strength to continue on with mine . . . I would like to see more youth representation in the mental health community . . . [they] have the firsthand knowledge, and some amazing ideas . . . they are ready to make waves, they just need a few supportive adults to give them the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

Mackenzie Murphy, Difference Maker and Youth Mental Health Advocate

The opportunity: easy access to appropriate care

Stories of Difference Makers getting access to, or helping others access, the care they need provide pockets of hope: timely and appropriate care is available, and makes a difference. Unfortunately, that is not yet everyone’s experience.

• The number of Canadians reaching out for care is on the rise. In 2017, the number of people who report talking to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist about their mental health rose to 16 per cent (from 11 per cent in 2015) and those who report talking with their primary healthcare provider rose to 23 per cent (from 16 per cent in 2015. ¹⁵

• When supports are available, people access them. In 2017, almost half (45.7 per cent) of clients with access to Morneau Shepell’s Employee and Family Assistance Programs listed the primary reason for seeking support as mental health, addiction or stress. ¹⁶

• More individuals seeking care is a positive outcome of efforts to reduce stigma. However, unless resources are allocated to meet the growing demand for services, there is a risk that wait times will increase. In Ontario, for example, the 2016 Auditor General Report revealed that in speciality psychiatric hospitals, patients now wait longer for inpatient beds and outpatient programs than they did five years ago. ¹⁷

• Of Canadians aged 15 or older who report having a mental health care need in the past year, one third state that their needs were not fully met. ¹⁸

• Only about half of Canadians experiencing a major depressive episode receive "potentially adequate care." ¹⁹

• There are a number of groups from marginalized communities, such as LGBTQ+ youth, ²⁰ to members of certain professions, such as public safety personnel ²¹ who are at higher risk for mental illness and addiction, and whose needs are unique from those of mainstream populations. When services are made available that meet their needs, lives can be changed.

“Over the years, I worked in many different fields of social work and counselling within government, non-profit, hospitals and academia, and often came across the same issues the need to collaborate and overcome silos yet saw that these barriers remained despite the universal recognition of their harm.?I decided to do something about it by creating a counselling service available to anyone who needed it, and working with like-minded individuals and groups to provide the best support to our mutual clients. We provide counselling and support to nearly 2000 clients per week, and receive 30-40 new referrals (including self-referrals) per week. These clients would have otherwise never received services, or would have had to wait months or even years for such services. That is needless suffering.”

Gary Thandi, Difference Maker and Founder of Moving Forward Family Services

CONCLUSION

A growing number of proponents in a position to effect change are recognizing the need to increase access to high quality mental health services and supports. From recent announcements of investments in greater access to publically-funded psychotherapy in Quebec and Ontario, to employers investing resources in building mentally healthier workplaces, to the many Difference Makers leading the way for change, progress is being made. How do we build on this hope to keep the mental health movement moving forward? That critical question is explored in the soon to be released second Difference Makers Discussion Paper, exploring the theme of Connection through a look at mentally healthy spaces, as well as the third Discussion Paper, focusing on Innovation.