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This interview is from the point of view of a great friend. A friend who has made me more comfortable talking about mental health, different therapy options, as well as why it’s important. I hope this chat is helpful in guiding you through the huge topic that is mental health!
Today many Canadians are struggling with their mental health due to work stress, school, family, illness, etc., or have loved ones who do, but where does someone begin? How do I know which option is best or who should I reach out to? These are both questions I was thinking about when I came up with this topic for my website. Hopefully, after reading this it doesnāt seem as daunting because nurturing your mental health is so necessary!
Why is this important?
A survey compiled by the Mental Health Association of Canada in 2019 says more than 6/10 people are struggling with their mental health or know someone who is.
Taking care of your mental health can have many benefits:
It enables you to deal with stress by creating coping mechanisms and a new support system. It can help you reach long-term goals and help people who are dealing with the hardships that happen, such as loss, family changes, depression, anxiety, and more.
Key Questions
- Which therapy option should I choose, online or in-person?
- How can I afford therapy today with the cost of living?
Key Answers
When selecting a therapy type, itās based on the individual and you can try everything!
- If starting from the comfort of your home is your jam, try online.
- If you enjoy conversing in a neutral environment or feel like you need more therapy tactics, try in person.
Worried about the cost? See what resources are offered atā¦.
- School
- Work
- Covered by work benefits
- Community centers
- Reading websites that list additional resources
Options to Try
When it comes to trying therapy there are two routes you can choose for how to see a professional. The first is in-person therapy where you schedule appointments at their office.
The second is doing it online through audio or video, which is called teletherapy.
The 2024 article by Nalea J. Ko, Virtual Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy highlights the pros and cons of both types, as summarized below.
In-Person Upsides
- Easier for the therapist to read non-verbal communication cues
- The office is a neutral setting
- More techniques that can be offered such as art, music, or play therapy
In-Person Downsides
- Not enough therapist availability
- Accessibility issues if you can’t attend in person or are in a remote area
- The cost of sessions might be too high
Online Upsides
- Can be more budget-friendly
- Super convenient
- Accessibility
- Reduces stigma if youāre worried about going to an office
Online Downsides
- Both the client and therapist rely on technology to work and be capable users
- Limited options of care
- Communication cues could be missed
- Privacy & Confidentiality
Another great choice is a blend of both types.
- Examine your schedule and life and see which option would best suit you. The best thing is, you can always try something else if itās not working.
What are Professionals in this Field Saying?
When researching this topic, I knew I was curious about what professionals in the healthcare system, and psychology fields had to say. Letās see!
āThe mental health crisis demands a comprehensive approach that includes expanding coverage, integrating technology, addressing generational attitudes, and implementing proactive prevention strategies. Hallās insights provide a roadmap for improving the mental health care system and making it more accessible and effective for all Canadiansā.
the 2024 article, Solving the crisis: Mental Health on the Edge, for Waterloo News, by Angelica Marie Sanchez
An article by Samritha Arunasalam published in 2024, for CBC News emphasizes it is vital to start therapy in early adulthood because that is when mental health issues begin to arise.
This highlights the need for action to support mental health services, especially by making it more accessible, including more technology, and having it work for everyone.
I hope that if you were curious about trying any therapy services, or if you have a friend, family member, partner, or any loved one dealing with mental health struggles this has helped a little bit. I know I have a plan to start taking better care of my mental health, and I challenge you too as well.
