Table of Contents Show
One very important drive in Calgary is the extension of mental health clinics and providing more facilities. The city has also seen an increment in mental health centers and clinics. The mental health facilities’ goal is to provide a wide range of healthcare services like counselling, therapy, and mental care. These healthcare facilities plan to cater to people of all ages from younger ones and teenage ages to adults and seniors.
Calgary has also placed a powerful focus on communities based on mental health progression. There are various community organizations and support group which offers counselling session1, peer support system2, and mental health awareness in the education system. These programs play an essential role in creating a sense of belonging and connectivity for the people who the facing mental health issues.
1. How is Mental Health in Calgary
Mental health in Calgary is a bit complicated and varied issues. The city is still working to improve mental health care services and awareness related to it summons still exists.
The significant concern for Calgary City is the requirement for improvised mental health services with increased availability of resources which leads to long waiting times for the citizens takes hope. This mental health problem is not different in Calgary and is a very common challenge in most of the healthcare system.
Moreover, stigmas adjoining mental health still exist as a barrier to seeking and receiving the right care. Calgary in collaboration with many organizations and initiatives been actively taking care of reducing the stigmas and encouraging individuals to be open to converse about mental health issues.
It is essential to note that mental health problems vary from one individual to another. A few factors like socioeconomic status3, accessibility to resources, and cultural background can impact mental health results. More efforts are being made to communicate the differences and offer equal access to mental health support systems to the whole city.
It is highly recommended to reach out to updated sources like local mental health clinics, government healthcare websites, or healthcare professionals. In Calgary for the appropriate and recent information on the state of mental health.
2. Program and Initiative
Calgary has made many health initiatives to be aware of the demands of the citizens. The following are some worthy examples:
2.1. Access Mental Heath
Access Mental Health is an integrated mental health intake service that offers feedback, referral, and support systems to the citizens of the city wanting mental health services in Calgary. It helps in keeping connectivity with the individuals for the right resources based on their requirements.
2.2. Counselling Service Centre
Calgary Counselling Service Center provides affordable and obtainable counseling service centers to people, couples, and senior citizens. It offers an extensive range of therapeutic mental health services to aware man health issues.
2.3. Distress Centre
Calgary Distress Center works 24/7 health crisis helpline number for citizens in distress. Professionally trained volunteers provide immediate emotional well-being support, crisis involvement, and updates regarding community resources.
2.4. Calgary Communities Against Mental Health Abuse (CHMA)
CHMA is a non-profit organization that provides specialized support services for people who have suffered sexual abuse or assault. It offers counseling sessions, and advocacy and educates the survivors and their other family members.
2.5. Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
Calgary actively joins in many initiatives which are led by MHCC like Opening Minds programs which aim to decrease the stigma and discrimination related to mental health by caring for individuals through education.
2.6. Peer Support Program
Many of the organizations in Calgary provide peer support programs where citizens with practical experience of mental health tough challenges offer support, sympathy, and care toward others suffering from difficult problems.
2.7. School Mental Health Program
Calgary has executed mental health awareness programs in schools to make them learn how to support others’ well-being when they are in a problem. These mental health awareness programs include counseling sessions, workshops, and essential resources to address mental health concerns. amongst young ones.
2.8. Workshop Initiative
Calgary businesses and other employers have always speedily identified the significance of mental health issues in workshops. Most of the reputed companies have executed employee assistance programs, mental health well-being training, and essential resources to support and care for their employee’s mental health.
It is very important to note that this is not enough there are many more mental health programs and initiatives that are happening in Calgary. The only goal of these efforts is to elevate accessibility, decrease stigma, and offer support to the individual and community facing difficult mental health issues.
3. Common Mental Health Issues
In Calgary City, there has been a tremendous increase in mental health issues that are distributed and have been reported. Every individual mental health issue experience varies from one to another. So, some of them are discussed below are:
3.1. Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders like common anxiety disorders, social anxiety, and panic disorders are universally observed in Calgary. These mental health issue conditions include excessive worry and a lot of distress which interferes with everyday life.
3.2. Depression
Depression is a very serious mental health issue that has taken place. A constant feeling of sadness determines it., losing interest and pleasure in everything, change in eating habits or sleeping patterns, loss of physical energy, and difficulty in concentration. Depression can have a very bad impact on an individual’s well-being.
3.3. Abuse and Addiction
Abuse and addiction s are common concerns in Calgary. Drug intake and alcohol addiction can lead to serious health issues and can affect relationships and quality of life.
3.4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder4 (PTSD)
It develops after experiencing and witnessing traumatic post-traumatic affairs like a natural disaster, accident, or domestic violence. Calgary also suffered like any other city from these mental health problems which lead to PTSD symptoms such as intrusive memory, avoidance of mood changes, and many more.
3.5. Eating Food Disorder
Eating food disorders like anorexia nervosa5, bulimia nervosa binge eating junk food, deformed body image, and serious emotional issues.
3.6. Attention -Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
It is a very common neurodevelopment disorder determined by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and hastiness. it usually affects both young ones and adults and may influence many other aspects of life which include academic and professional functioning.
3.7. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood issue determined by some episodes of mania (enhanced mood, excess energy). People with bipolar mental disorder in Calgary typically experience serious functions in their mood, energy level, and regular brain functioning.
3.8. Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic health disorder that affects an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and natural behavior. It can affect the whole family.
The above discussed some common mental health issues in Calgary that are very serious. These significant conditions demand professional healthcare checkups and feedback which should be diagnosed by a reputed health professional or expert in mental health issues.
4. Challenges to Take Care of Mental Health
While a lot of efforts have been taken to take care of mental health problems in Calgary many challenges have also arisen. The following are some of the key challenges:
4.1. Fewer Resources
Calgary has faced a lot of resource restraint in the matter of professional health experts, good facilities, and funding. The lack of mental health experts which includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental therapists can inhibit the right time for specialized care and proper treatment.
4.2. Stigma and Acquaintance
Stigma near mental health issues still hinder finding help and accessibility to proper health care. Misunderstanding, stereotypes6, and social discrimination together hesitate individuals from openly sharing mental health concerns and do not allow them to reach out to seek health professional guidance.
4.3. Youth Mental Health
Calgary like any other city also faces mental health awareness challenges in informing mental health care requirements for children and adults. Schools and family members struggle to recognize and inform mental health problems at an early stage and there can be some gaps in special care services for the individuals.
4.4. Incorporation with Primary Mental Health Care
Incorporating mental health services with primary care is important for holistic mental healthcare treatment. However, tough challenges still exist.
4.5. Communities Support and Follow-Ups
Constant support after the clinical setting is important for people who are suffering from a health crisis. Calgary is facing challenges in offering good health services to its citizens and lacks resources.
The Icy Canada team talked to Craig Focht, Co-Founder and CEO of All Pro Door Repair, about personalized care for individuals with special needs. Here is what he said:
“Group homes must focus on enhancing the quality of life. The well-being of your loved one is crucial when evaluating different care and treatment options.
If your loved one is dealing with mental health challenges along with intellectual or developmental disabilities, finding a group home that offers specialized programs could be particularly beneficial.
Whenever feasible, include your loved one in discussions about service planning to make sure their preferences are considered. This approach helps to ensure they feel comfortable with the potential living arrangements being explored.
Ultimately, choosing the right group home involves a balance of both tangible factors, like the availability of 24-hour awake staff, and intangible factors, such as the presence of a nurturing, family-like atmosphere in the home.
VirginiaNavigator offers a wealth of resources to help with this decision-making process.”
5. Final Words
In the end, mental health in Calgary faces tough challenges like less accessibility of resources, and too much stigma. However, the citizens of Calgary can take preventive measures to handle the situation and treat themselves with mental health issues by reaching out to other people’s support, limiting their screen time, engaging themselves with nature, setting realistic dreams, and exercising stress management methods.
By following some of the practices protecting mental health well-being and taking benefits of fewer resources individuals can be successful in controlling this issue and lead a happy life. Lastly, Calgary has identified the mental health challenges and the importance of taking care of them and has taken serious steps to focus on individual well-being.
With the increased resources, community support, and parting education campaigns regarding mental health the city is improvising towards the creation of a very much mentally healthy and caring environment for all the citizens.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Sources:
- Nor, Mohd Zarawi Mat. “Counselling: What and how.” Counseling and Therapy. IntechOpen, 2020. ↩︎
- Mead, Shery, David Hilton, and Laurie Curtis. “Peer support: a theoretical perspective.” Psychiatric rehabilitation journal 25.2 (2001): 134. ↩︎
- Adler, Nancy E., and Joan M. Ostrove. “Socioeconomic status and health: what we know and what we don’t.” Annals of the New York academy of Sciences 896.1 (1999): 3-15. ↩︎
- Yehuda, Rachel, et al. “Post-traumatic stress disorder.” Nature reviews Disease primers 1.1 (2015): 1-22. ↩︎
- Garner, David M. “Pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa.” The Lancet. Vol. 41/26: 1631 1634 (1993). ↩︎
- Hamilton, David L., and Jeffrey W. Sherman. “Stereotypes.” Handbook of social cognition. Psychology Press, 2014. 17-84. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Saket Kumar
