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Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate
I wish there was some way of telling who is sponsoring this....
It does look like they are concentrating on depression this year. Last year it seemed more all-inclusive.
As much as we are talking about the stigma of mental illness, we should be talking about access to help. I was shocked at the cost of professional help. I was told that for my disorder, I would very much benefit from continued help from a psychiatrist, but it just isn't something I can afford right now. Actually, the doctor at the Ottawa Hospital specializing in my disorder put it bluntly: "I suggest you drop your personal trainer and see a psychiatrist. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health."
And the cost of help is bankrupting parents with children with mental health issues. There just isn't enough funding:
http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/childre...care-1.1656699 |
Well, I believe that free psychiatrists are offered as part of the health care system (at least I know they used to be) it's just that there are so few that it takes a long time to get in to see them. Kinda like trying to get an MRI in this city. Also, you gotta go through the whole exercise of getting a referral, etc. But once you have one, you can generally make appointments when you need them.
So yeah, having money always helps. But, it's not impossible.
As well, the South Calgary Health Clinic in Sundance there offers free emergency sessions if you feel you're on the edge, danger to yourself or others. I don't know if they are psychiatrists or just psychologists, but they are very good and very helpful. I want to say that there is a licensed psychiatrist there because the first time I went I talked to two people, but they asked if I minded being watched from behind a two way mirror as well so they could get extra opinions. I told them that was fine.
Heh, maybe I shouldn't have put that last part there, don't wanna freak anyone out who might be thinking about using their services. I have used them maybe four times over the last eight years (the first time being the big emergency time) and I can say they are wonderful people and there is nothing scary or embarrassing about the process or situation.