Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
Mental Health
Mental Health
Pandemic-related lockdowns intensified a sense of isolation and disconnection, and people have lost their sense of safety as well as certainty about the future, jobs and lives. (Canadian Mental Health Association, “COVID-19 Effects the Mental Health of Vulnerable Populations”)
PEC OPP have seen a 11% Increase in mental health act incidents in 2022 (over the 7 year average 2015 to 2022) (Police Services Board 2022 Report)
While everyone has been impacted by the pandemic, many individuals who experience substance use disorders were at an increased risk due to closures, isolation and changes in services and support. (Canadian Mental Health Association. Factors that Impact Addiction and Problematic substance use)
The increased need for mental health services is further straining a system that was already overwhelmed.
Mental Health Deterioriated during Covid-19
Youth mental health
Youth mental health
Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario have a mental health challenge. 39% of Ontario high-school students indicate a moderate-to-serious level of psychological distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression). (Centre for Addictions and Mental Health)
About 70% of mental health challenges have their onset in childhood or youth. Early identification and intervention are critical and can lead to improved achievement in school and better health outcomes in life. (Canadian Mental Health Association). By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have – or have had – a mental illness. (Centre for Addictions and Mental Health)
Since COVID, those aged 15 to 24 reported the greatest declines in mental health – 20 percentage point reductions from 60% (2019, pre-COVID) to 40% (July 2020) of those reporting excellent or very good mental health. (Statistics Canada)
Doctors have expressed concern about the impact that disruption to schools has on children and youth, saying their academic, social, emotional, physical and mental health have deteriorated resulting in higher rates of eating disorders, psychiatric illness and food insecurity. (CTV News 29 December 2021).
Youth in PEC
The Greater Than County Youth Collective PEC youth surveys in 2021 captured the experiences of County youth between the ages of 12-29. Overall, 72 youth participated in the surveys and 19 took part in focus groups. The report compared results from youth surveys in 2017, 2018, and 2021. See the full report.
The most vulnerable subgroups include those who are racialized, low-income, are living with disabilities, and LGBTQSIA+ youth. Barriers to mental health support expressed by PEC youth are:
- long wait times for mental health support
- the desire for counsellors with lived experience, esp. to support LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC youth
- transportation, especially for those in rural areas and youth with physical disabilities.
Substance abuse
Substance use disorder (sometimes called substance abuse) happens when a person’s use of certain drugs or other substances, including alcohol and tobacco, causes health problems or problems at work, school, or home.
Substance use can lead to a brain injury, particularly in the case of opioids or impairment from alcohol and other drugs. (Brain Injury Canada)
Substance use was on the rise in Canada during COVID-19. Canadians who described their mental health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ were more likely to have increased their use of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco during the early stages of the pandemic. Their increased substance use is attributed to feelings of stress and anxiety, loss of routine and social isolation. (Canadian Mental Health Association, “COVID-19 Effects the Mental Health of Vulnerable Populations,”) [broken link or website temporarily down]
Problematic substance use in Hastings Prince Edward (HPE)
Problematic substance use in Hastings Prince Edward (HPE)
| Problematic Substance Use | HPE 2016 | HPE 2018 | HPE 2020 | HPE 2021 | HPE 2022 | Ontario |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| opioid overdoses hospital attended, per 100K | 40.3 | 63 | 123.6 | 113.8 | 78.8 | 80.2 |
| opioid-related deaths, per 100K | 7.3 | 11.5 | 16.9 | 17.5 | 18 | 16.7 |
| cannabis harms hospital attended, per 100K | 68 | 205.8 | -- | 212.9 | -- | 121.9 |
| alcohol harms hospitals attended, per 100K | 558.5 | 600.7 | 555.6 | 596.4 | -- | 543.3 |
| adult self-reported heavy drinking | 17.5% | 27.6% | 16.3% | -- | -- | 15.6% |
| adult self-reported daily smoking | 21.2% | 21.5% | 16.1% | -- | -- | 13% |
Sources:
- Public Health Ontario Interactive Opioid Tool
- Public Health Ontario Cannabis Harms
- Public Health Ontario Alcohol Harms
- Public Health Ontario Smoking Status
- Source: Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0113-01 Health characteristics, two-year period estimates
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