Anna's Story
This philanthropic cause stands as a heartfelt tribute to my grandmother Anna’s remarkable legacy. Her boundless compassion and natural generosity form the very foundation of this organization. Through her example, she instills in us the belief that aiding those in need is the purest form of beneficence, reminding us that grace and kindness are virtues to be lived and shared generously.
Public vs Private Mental Health Care
With waiting times to be seen or treated being more pronounced in the public health care system, people and parents often look to the private sector for more immediate treatment and resources. In fact, “in the public system, often people are waiting at least six months, often a year or 18 months,” as reported by CBC. Considering this, it could be fairly understood as to why private mental health care may be much more difficult to gain access to, especially for families that are more financially vulnerable. Therefore, AnnaCares aims to focus on providing financial means to families to gain access to therapy more comfortably in the private sector.
Mental health resources within the province, although prioritized, unfortunately fail to cater to patients in a timely manner. In fact, “according to a report in 2021, it can take an average of eight months to receive mental health care from a psychologist or psychiatrist in Quebec,” and more than a dozen thousand people may stand on a waiting list to be seen by a psychiatrist. And, in a non-grief specified context, Verywell Mind states that it takes an average of 10 sessions to see progress within treatment. On a national scale, it is also found that, “Canadian coverage ranges from only $400 to $1,500 annually, covering only 2–8 therapy sessions”.
Psychological Resources and Therapy within Quebec
References
Becken, B. (2023, April 10). Demand for mental health service in Canada is climbing. So are wait times for specialists. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/checkup/mental-health-service-climbs-waitlists-too-1.6798601
Government of Canada, S. C. (2023, December 19). The Daily — Canada’s population estimates, third quarter 2023. Www150.Statcan.gc.ca. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231219/dq231219c-eng.htm
Infant deaths and mortality rates, by age group. (2019). Statcan.gc.ca. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1310071301
Mortality Rates, By age group. (2020). Statcan.gc.ca. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1310071001
Murray, J., & Knudson, S. (2023). Mental health treatment and access for emerging adults in Canada: a systematic review. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1088999
Press, T. C. (2021, May 28). Waiting list for mental health services climbs to 20,000 names. Montreal; CTV News. https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/waiting-list-for-mental-health-services-climbs-to-20-000-names-1.5447004
Public. (2020). Chapter 7: Loss and grief - Canada.ca. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/maternity-newborn-care-guidelines-chapter-7.html#a1.3
Spichak, S. (2024, February 8). How long does it take to see A psychiatrist in Canada. Resolvve. https://resolvve.ca/blog/psychiatry-wait-times-in-canada
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Loss and Grief Around Us
A heartbreaking loss, like that faced by grieving parents, is incredibly challenging to confront and overcome—not only emotionally, but also psychologically, financially, and physically. As stated by the Government of Canada:
“The loss may extend to some aspect of self, the loss of self-esteem, the loss of a stage of life or a failure in parenting. This may be the first time parents have felt bereaved and the first time they experience emotional turmoil and devastation.”
These burdens are unfortunately carried much more than we may think. According to national statistics, the average infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births from 2018 to 2022 is approximately 4.56. The mortality rate of non-infant children within the nation, meaning between the ages of 1 and 19, is 3.15 per 1,000 population. Knowing that the national population is nearly 41 million, these rates are heartbreaking for not only the deceased, but for those coping with grief and loss within the family.
Mental health resources within the province, although prioritized, unfortunately fail to cater to patients in a timely manner. In fact, “according to a report in 2021, it can take an average of eight months to receive mental health care from a psychologist or psychiatrist in Quebec,” and more than a dozen thousand people may stand on a waiting list to be seen by a psychiatrist. And, in a non-grief specified context, Verywell Mind states that it takes
an average of 10 sessions to see progress within treatment. On a national scale, it is also found that, “Canadian coverage ranges from only $400 to $1,500 annually, covering only 2–8 therapy sessions.
Psychological Resources and Therapy within Quebec
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