Mental health concerns continue to rise

A new study from the Children Youth Planning Table reports an increase in calls for mental health needs.

In a recent community update, that study was referenced by the director of counselling at Carizon. The study showed that the most pressing need for youth and families is the feeling of despair due to isolation and a disconnect from their school families, neighbourhoods, and extracurricular activities.

The study revealed that this leads to increased demand on the mental health system in terms of ongoing counselling and rapid responses to mental health needs. 

“Parents are also really struggling with access to supports like respite programs and childcare, and so there is a greater strain on the parents in the community,” said Lisa Akey, director of counselling at Carizon. “In addition, some reported access to testing has been an issue, and the stress and uncertainty of that and food assistance as well.”

She added that across the board, the counselling industry has seen a massive surge in mental health services.

“Comparing 2019 to 2020, we experienced in that first year about a 20 per cent increase in calls in presenting issues around anxiety, depression, isolation,” said Akey. “We are seeing moving into the second year of this, another significant increase of 40 per cent over 2020. That is a 60 per cent increase in call volume, in demand for needing counselling services.”

Akey pointed out family counselling has increased by 40 per cent. “The greatest strain we are seeing is on the population of youths and parents. They are the ones that are the highest trends reaching out for support.”

The organization also supports the family violence project — a partnership with Waterloo Regional Police Services, Sexual Assault Treatment Program, and Domestic Violence Treatment Program. With increased calls in domestic violence, Carizon is seeing more referrals for support with couples in conflict. 

Carizon offers in-person services to those who don't have access to technology or young children who can't respond to virtual experiences. “Some of our trauma modalities that can not deliver virtually and for individuals who have experienced violence in the home, and it not safe for them to engage virtually.”

Akey said the need for these services is much higher than they have seen before., as “it's not just family conflict — it's job loss, it's financial strain, it's chronic depression and anxiety.”

However, Akey notes one positive that has come out of the pandemic is their hybrid model. Being able to provide services both in-person and online has allowed more flexibility for people to reach out.

“The Ontario Health funding coming to the Region has allowed us to work closely with primary care,” said Akey. “We are now starting to get those referrals, strengthen those pathways, and that is so essential to get [those families] the support they need.”

Carizon is encouraging those who need support to reach out. “Anyone, whether they are recipients of Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, whether they are facing no ability to pay, there is a way we can support.”

Speaking on the rumours around wait lists, Akey said there is a wait time for specialized programs. However, she has double the counselling staff for children and youth.

“We are continuing to work with different ways to get immediate support like increasing quick access appointments, so families get a response [when they need it].”