“The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes and the less likelihood that people are going to get to need those more expensive services.” Patrick Smith is CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association
Wishes came true this spring for health advocates when the 2017 federal budget promised $5-billion over 10 years for mental health initiatives. While the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is celebrating the positive results of its lobbying efforts, CEO Dr. Patrick Smith says its new goal is encouraging provinces to direct these funds to community programs instead of expensive in-hospital treatments.
"The different levels of care in Canada haven't been neglected equally," says Dr. Smith, a clinical psychologist. "Don't take this $5-billion and just get more psychiatric beds."
The way to relieve pressure at the acute end of the treatment system is by increasing interventions and education at earlier stages where people spend the most time – in schools, workplaces and communities.
"The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes and the less likelihood that people are going to get to need those more expensive services," Dr. Smith explains. The CMHA promotes the mental health of all and provides community-based supports for people experiencing mental illness.
Evidence for this community-based approach comes from other G7 countries, where specialized peer support workers, social workers and psychologists trained in cognitive behavioural therapy reach people in groups, by phone and through public health initiatives similar to vaccination outreach programs. For comparison, the UK spends 13 per cent of its total health budget on mental health, while Canada spends only 7.2 per cent.
Here, says Dr. Smith, these many effective therapies are not covered, so people with low-level anxiety, depression or substance-addiction issues may not get help until their symptoms worsen enough to require hospitalization or other expensive treatments.
“The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes and the less likelihood that people are going to get to need those more expensive services.”
Patrick Smith is CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association
In parallel with earlier diagnosis, money should also fund more self-care education in every province's school curriculum.
"Social and emotional learning is proven to help kids be resilient, learn coping skills and even help to prevent the expression of stage 1 mental health disorders," says Dr. Smith.
Promoting mentally healthy practices at work has similar positive outcomes, whether employees have diagnosed issues or not. "Wherever we can provide those supports, we reduce the number of people who cross over from just having a bad day to actually expressing mental illness," he adds.
The additional $5-billion dedicated to Canadians' mental health shows that the federal government is heeding the concerns of wellness agencies and realizing that "there is no health without mental health," as the World Health Organization has said. Now, says Dr. Smith, the work is to direct those funds where they can do the most good for everyone.
"We have to get ahead of mental illness and do what other countries are doing. Community-based services can prevent mild to moderate symptoms from getting worse and provide the supports necessary for those with serious illness to thrive in recovery after hospitalization."
The CMHA relies on donations to fund its mission and will mark its 100th anniversary next year.
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.