{"id":16931,"date":"2019-09-24T14:08:22","date_gmt":"2019-09-24T18:08:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insurance-canada.ca\/?p=61311"},"modified":"2019-09-24T14:08:22","modified_gmt":"2019-09-24T18:08:22","slug":"mental-health-conditions-on-the-rise-while-helpful-resources-go-unused","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/2019\/09\/24\/mental-health-conditions-on-the-rise-while-helpful-resources-go-unused\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental health conditions on the rise while helpful resources go unused"},"content":{"rendered":"
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60% of Canadians with mental health concerns are not<\/em> taking advantage of support tools: 2019 Sun Life Barometer
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Toronto, ON (Sept. 24, 2019) \u2013 Mental health challenges continue to affect the lives of many Canadians. According to the 2019 Sun Life Barometer, 59% of working Canadians have experienced a mental health issue, an increase from 52% in 2017.[1<\/a>]<\/sup> With these issues on the rise, are Canadians getting the mental health support they need? The numbers show that 60% of working Canadians suffering from mental health issues aren\u2019t accessing support through their workplace benefits and more than three quarters (78%) haven\u2019t used government-funded services.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all have a role to play in supporting mental health in Canada. As an employer, it\u2019s about creating a safe environment for your employees and ensuring they feel supported throughout their mental health journey,\u201d said Jacques Goulet, President, Sun Life Canada. \u201cTogether, we can break down barriers and open the door for communication for someone experiencing a mental health condition. Help is out there, no one should face these challenges on their own.\u201d<\/p>\n

By 2020, millennials will make up an estimated 50% of the workplace.[2<\/a>]<\/sup> Two out of three millennials have reported having dealt with a mental health issue at some point in their life. The good news is, 76% of millennials who report mental health challenges are speaking to their loved ones about it.<\/p>\n

When it comes to finding mental health support, millennials are the least likely to seek help from health professionals (39%), and 61% have not made use of their workplace mental health benefits. Regardless of access to workplace benefit plans, free therapy and e-therapy programs funded by the government are available; yet 76% of millennials are not using these services.<\/p>\n

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, calling 9-1-1 and seeking immediate help may be necessary.<\/p>\n

Infographic<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"Mental<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to get help<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cWhether you need someone to talk to, or help navigating the health care system, there are resources out there to get you the care you need \u2013 and quickly,\u201d said Dave Jones, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life Canada. \u201cTaking the first step is never easy but with mental health issues on the rise, it\u2019s crucial for Canadians to maximize the tools offered by their workplace. Employees often don\u2019t realize that their employer has resources available to help them, whether it be to maintain their mental health on a day-to-day basis or during a difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Between workplace benefits plans, government resources and innovative apps, there are a variety of mental health tools to support Canadians:<\/p>\n