OTTAWA — Canadians who care for chronically ill family members are experiencing extreme stress at a time when an aging population means more people will need such care, says a mental health study.
The report by the Mental Health Commission of Canada also found that suicide rates are higher here than in some other G8 nations.
Among those 15 and over who provided care to an immediate family member with a long-term health condition, 16.5 per cent reported very high levels of stress, the report found.
The commission’s findings cover 13 indicators that provide a glimpse of how Canadians are faring mentally. By April, the commission will provide details on close to 60 indicators involving children, youth, adults and seniors in a variety of settings.
We know that mental health concerns are also pastoral concerns within congregations. So many members in every congregation I have served have struggled with mental illness, including depression and suicide. Either they are figuring out how to provide loving and practical support for family members or are dealing with these issues for themselves.
I see this report as one more step toward bringing mental illness and mental health out of the shadows of shame and misunderstanding. I hope that faith communities can be supportive of these initiatives and create safe places for those who are addressing mental health issues themselves.When I read the gospels I hear Jesus addressing mental health with many who approach him. Jesus is a beacon of hope and spiritual healing.
What are your thoughts about this report? Have you heard about it? Are you encouraged by its approach?
We know that mental health concerns are also pastoral concerns within congregations. So many members in every congregation I have served have struggled with mental illness, including depression and suicide. Either they are figuring out how to provide loving and practical support for family members or are dealing with these issues for themselves.
I see this report as one more step toward bringing mental illness and mental health out of the shadows of shame and misunderstanding. I hope that faith communities can be supportive of these initiatives and create safe places for those who are addressing mental health issues themselves.When I read the gospels I hear Jesus addressing mental health with many who approach him. Jesus is a beacon of hope and spiritual healing.
What are your thoughts about this report? Have you heard about it? Are you encouraged by its approach?
2 comments:
I haven't downloaded the report yet, but I certainly will. I feel that mental health issues are one of the most pressing issues in society.
Stigmas, embarrassment, labelling....it all needs to stop, and action needs to be taken. There are just way too many people in need of help.
I'm sure each and every one of us has been affected by mental illness, whether personally, friends or family.
Yes, the report is one more effort to bring mental health issues out of the shadows. Let's hope that each of these reports will turn into some practical initiative/application for those suffering, and those who are caregiving.
Thanks for blogging again on this topic, David. Never too much publicity. Hopefully Bell Let's Talk Day in February will be even more successful this year.
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