The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the oftentimes ignored cracks and fault lines in the current mental health care system in Canada. One of the biggest issues that has arisen and urgently needs to be addressed, is the inability of many people to access mental health services.
Mental Health
OPINION | The Niki Ashton Case and the Need for Balance on COVID-19 Restrictions
With spiking case counts across the country during the second wave of COVID-19, many Canadians were understandably upset when reports came that a number of politicians jetted off to exotic locales for winter vacations after numerous pleas from politicians to stay at home. This has decreased public trust in government and has lead to individual members of the public not taking the problems posed by COVID-19 seriously. However, the case of New Democratic Party Member of Parliament Niki Ashton highlights that it may be worth questioning how COVID restrictions and regulations could be made more humane in the first place.
What impact has COVID19 had on the mental health of Canadians?
One aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic that has been overlooked is the effect that the crisis itself and the policies implemented as a result of it has had on the mental health of Canadians. This article examines the impacts of the crisis on the mental health of Canadians and highlights areas for improvements in terms of public policy.