We all know it’s time to do things differently.
To effectively address current and future mental health challenges, we need to leverage all the talents, supports, and resources in our community. This means involving everyone, particularly those with lived experience, to co-create a supportive, preventative, connected, and effective community mental health system.
Incremental changes are not enough to meet the urgent needs of our community. Growing issues like homelessness, addiction, and social disorder demand a bolder approach.
Accessing mental health services is difficult for many people. Gaps in supports, lengthening wait lists, inflationary pressures, a lack of cultural sensitivity, and limited inclusiveness are common barriers.
Mental health impacts all Edmontonians.
One in four Canadians face mental health issues each year. Vulnerable groups, including young people, racialized communities, those living in poverty, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, are especially affected. Indigenous people, first responders, and middle-aged men are at a higher risk of suicide.
Despite the clear need, many in Edmonton do not get the mental health support they require. In 2021, 54% of Canadians with mental health concerns didn’t seek help due to stigma and cost. A 2023 poll found 69% believe Canada is in a mental health crisis, with access to care being a major issue.
While addressing these barriers to treatment is crucial, we must also ask: What if we could reduce the number of people who need support in the first place? Investing in prevention strategies—building resilience, promoting early intervention, and creating supportive communities—has the potential to transform our community’s mental wellbeing and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.
“I wish there were more ways that we could take care of each other or share resources.”
“I was never in a workplace that understood or supported my mental health needs.”
“Medication is a tool that has greatly helped me but there are so many other tools that are needed to live WELL and I don’t think we all understand that or have access to that.”
“As a senior, I feel very isolated from community especially in comparison to how it was when I was working or had kids.”
“I felt like the medical system was NOT equipped to deal with my
mental health at all.”
“For many years I was afraid to have a voice because of the stigma that I received when I said, “I am not okay.” I felt so alone and that no one was hearing my cry for help, so I suffered in silence.”
“All my experiences in formal systems made my MH worse. All my experiences in community and connecting with “people made it better.”
“I wish my family was more open to authentic communication.”
- Community participants
The Strategy for Community Mental Health is about doing this together. You. Me. All of us.
Join us in creating a bold, community-led strategy centered on the individual, innovation, and holistic care. Together, we can create a system that truly supports everyone.
Community mental health considers individuals from a holistic perspective, acknowledging the full range of what people need to thrive.