Mental Health Week

New data reveals that 84% of people living in Quebec want universal mental health care.

Montreal, Quebec (May 1, 2023) – People living in Quebec believe that we are in a mental health crisis and that governments are not doing enough about it. A recent survey conducted for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) found that 84% agree that people living in Quebec should have access to universal mental health care.  

Universal mental health care means the services needed are available, they are funded through public health insurance plans and free to the individual, and they are the same – no matter where a person lives or who they are. Universal mental health care meets everyone’s needs. 

We hear stories from people across the country every day that services are hard to find and not available to everyone,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CMHA. “Just like physical health, mental health is important to living a fully engaged life. Which is why mental health services should be fully covered.

The survey found that of the 29% of people who have experienced a mental health concern in the past year, 29% did not reach out for help primarily because it is too expensive or because they don’t know where to find it. The research also showed that 57% of people living in Quebec would access mental health care through a community organization with a free program.  

The power of storytelling

The release of these findings aligns with CMHA’s 72^nd annual Mental Health Week, May 1-7, 2023. This year’s theme is MY STORY and aims to shine a spotlight on community mental health care champions, programs and communities while showcasing the importance of securing universal mental health care. 

Storytelling has the power to support individuals in their journey towards positive mental health, to provide a sense of community around shared challenges and successes,” says Karen Hetherington, CMHA Quebec chair. “Ultimately it has the capacity to impact political change in the quest for universal mental healthcare.

This Mental Health Week, we can harness the power of storytelling to help build connections and understanding between each other while strengthening our communities. To get involved, you can: 

• Share your story and use the hashtags #MyStory and #MentalHealthWeek;  
• Learn about some of CMHAs mental health supports available and how they can be used to support you or someone in your community;  
• Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca for more information and to download resources;  
• If you or a loved one is thinking about suicide, contact the Quebec suicide prevention helpline at 1-866-277-3553 or visit suicide.ca

About Canadian Mental Health Association – Quebec Division

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Quebec Division is a strong voice for the cause of mental health and for social change in Quebec. It is a member of the CMHA network that promotes mental health for all and supports the recovery of people living with mental health problems.

Discover our Toolkit by visiting mentalhealthweek.ca