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November 2020

3 ways to access mental health support during the pandemic


(NC) Fewer Canadians rate their mental health as good in 2020. But only a third of those seeking help were successful in finding support, according to a recent survey by RBC Insurance.

Among those who sought help, a lack of money was the most common barrier, followed by not knowing where to go. Younger people between the ages of 18 to 34 and those earning less than $40,000 annually were the most likely to seek, but not find, help.

“Admitting to a mental illness can already be a challenge for many people, so finding access to support should not add difficulty or delays,” says Maria Winslow, senior director of life and health at RBC Insurance.

“With the long wait times and complexity of provincial systems, not to mention the high expense of out-of-pocket care, it’s important to be familiar with employer benefits and/or personal disability coverage for mental health.”

When it comes to managing mental health and accessing care, consider the following:

Hospital or crisis centre
If you don’t have private coverage to pay for treatment, government-funded assistance is usually available through hospital psychiatry departments for a severe mental health crisis.  

Community organizations and associations
Having help navigating a complex system makes a huge difference. Reach out to local community organizations or associations such as the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) for free community resources.

Get familiar with coverage 
It’s important to familiarize yourself with workplace benefits and personal disability coverage before potential problems arise. Look for programs that can help provide faster access to an appropriate psychologist, in some cases without the need to make a claim.


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