Mental Health and Substance Abuse

The level of mental health and substance use concerns across Canada remains high, particularly for people with past and current substance use concerns.
Among youth (16-24), 45 percent report moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. About 40 percent of those who use alcohol or cannabis report increased use in the past month and a reduced ability to handle pandemic stress.
By comparison, older adults (65+) show better mental health, less problematic substance use, and more vital coping skills.
Perceived stigma toward depression is still common and even more prevalent for alcohol use disorders.
Continued investments in youth mental health and substance use support, resilience among older adults, and (further) stigma reduction efforts are needed.
It has been more than one year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. During the past year, concerns about catching the virus, feelings of isolation and hopelessness, financial concerns, job insecurity, the trauma of losing a loved one, or a combination of these and other stressors have affected us all. However, not everyone has been impacted equally.
Mental illnesses are health challenges that can affect how we think about ourselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around us. They affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Mental illnesses can disrupt a person’s life or create challenges, but a person can get back on a path to sustainability and wellness with the proper support. [1] Many different types of mental illnesses affect people in different ways. Within each mental illness, people may have very other symptoms and challenges. Access to services, support from loved ones, and the ability to participate in communities play a big part in how people experience mental illnesses. Culture, background, and personal beliefs also shape the way people understand mental illnesses.

FACTS AND STATS

People with a mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use problem compared to the general population. At least 20% of people with a mental illness have a co-occurring substance use problem. For people with schizophrenia, the number may be as high as 50%.
Similarly, people with substance use problems are up to 3 times more likely to have a mental illness. More than 15% of people with a substance use problem have a co-occurring mental illness. [4]

Why is it important?

The onset of most mental illnesses occurs during adolescence and young adulthood. This affects educational achievement, occupational or career opportunities and successes, and the formation and nature of personal relationships. The effect extends throughout an individual’s life. The greater the number of episodes of illness that an individual experiences, the greater the degree of lasting disability. Receiving and complying with effective treatment and having the security of solid social support, adequate income, housing, and educational opportunities are essential elements in minimizing the impact of mental illness. [5]

The economic burden of mental illnesses in Canada on the health care system is estimated to be over $51 billion per year. This includes health care costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice costs. [6] An additional $6.3 billion was spent on uninsured mental health services and time off work for depression and distress that the healthcare system was not treated. [7]

Mental Health Disorders

  • Each illness has its symptoms. The following are a few common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents:
  • Excessive worrying or fear
  • Feeling excessively sad or low.
  • Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
  • Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
  • Prolonged or intense feelings of irritability or anger
  • Avoiding friends and social activities
  • Difficulties understanding or relating to other people.
  • Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
  • Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
  • Inability to perceive changes in one’s feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia)
  • Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
  • Inability to carry out daily activities or handle everyday problems and stress [8]