November 21, 2019

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Did you know that mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some point? Whether through a family member, friend or colleague, in any given year, “1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness”, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

By age 40, roughly 50 per cent of Canadians will experience a mental illness and suicide now accounts for 24 per cent of all deaths among 15-24-year-olds and 16 per cent among 25-44-year-olds.

In fact, the mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women due to the unwillingness for many men to seek help and admit they’re suffering. Overall, half of Canadians who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.

While fear of stigmatization still ranks as one of the top reasons as to why individuals do not seek help, also near the top of the list are financial constraints and not knowing where to find help.

You could contact your family doctor as many doctors’ offices have in-house counsel. If that option isn’t available the Halton region does have options for those ages 16+ in need of counselling—free of charge:

Milton: Mondays - John Howard Society, 191 Main Street East

Burlington: Tuesdays - St. Christopher's Church, 662 Guelph Line

Oakville: Wednesdays - CMHA Halton Region Branch, 1540 Cornwall Road

Georgetown: Thursdays - Hillsview Active Living Centre, 318 Guelph Street (back of building)

Hours: 1 pm to 7 pm in all locations (last appointment begins at 7 pm)

No appointment is necessary. First come, first served.

Individuals of all ages in need of emergency care can call the 24/7 C.O.A.S.T Crisis Line: 1-877-825-9011 (TTY: 1-844-646-1700)