The Toll on People with Mental Illnesses

Truthfully we live in a society where people’s looks and behaviors are based and judge. So for individuals who have some sort of mental illness they are looked down apart and most often ignore because they aren’t per say “normal” and capable to function properly. These individuals are not only left alone but are also stigmatized leading them to dramatically fall through the cracks and into a life of poverty.

It’s been said that one out five Canadians will experience a mental illness (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2003). And these mental illnesses vary from different forms, such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and also eating disorders (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2002).  With a mental illness these individuals are incapable to get proper jobs and an education, which adds up to how they don’t have anything to support themselves or anyone to turn to because initially no one is gonna take them seriously. I find this quite sad because these individuals have nowhere to turn to, and even imagining myself in their shoes where basically you’re getting the “silent treatment” from society is quite unimaginable. “The serious stigma and discrimination attached to mental illnesses are among the most tragic realities facing people with mental illness in Canada. Arising from superstition, lack of knowledge and empathy, old belief systems, and a tendency to fear and exclude people who are perceived as different, stigma and discrimination have existed throughout history” (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2002). From that being said why not we change that perspective we as a society have and instead of judging these individuals help them, and not point the finger to their flaws as a functioning individual, because in the end no one is perfect and who are we to judge that.

 

We live in a country where we are fortunate to have and access education, so why not we educate ourselves in understanding these individuals and stop the inequality. I believe if we did so then the whole stigma and isolation that are place with people living with a mental illness would not exist.

Communication and trying to fit in is a struggle for these individuals and it’s our job to assist them in and lend a helping hand, by that meaning more resources to help each individual’s specific need to the best, and if capable helping them get jobs making them feel like they belong and aren’t just nobody’s wandering the face of this Earth. Because no one likes to feel left along and especially ignored.

- Hannah

References:

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2003). Mental Illness in Canada. Citizens for Mental Health. Retrieved from http://www.cmha.ca/data/1/rec_docs/155_mental_illnessENG.pdf

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2002). A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada.  Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/miic-mmac/chap_1-eng.php

Older Adults in Poverty

Poverty in Canada has been seen in the mix of all different groups of people, seniors being one of these groups. To the surprise of it there are still many seniors in Canada who are living in poverty and falling through the cracks of society.  It’s been said about 5.8% of seniors ages 65 + especially is (Yalnizyan, 2011). Although the poverty rates among seniors have dropped over the years there’s still more we must do to make this not exist completely. The percentage dropping from 29% in 1976 down to 4.7 per cent in 2007(Battle, Torjman, & Mendelson, 2011).  

 

These senior's income when retired come from 3 sources. “The first source of income is the OAS. Almost all Canadians over the age of 65 receive OAS benefits, which provide an average income of $450 per month. Seniors with low incomes also receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in amounts that vary according to marital status and income. Other financial benefits are provided by the provinces and territories to beneficiaries of the GIS, such as drug insurance, access to subsidized housing, etc” ( National Advisory Council On Aging, 2005). However these individuals are still living in poverty, 36% who are receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement are as well living in poverty (Williams, 2008). This then leaves these individuals to continue working because the funds they are receiving isn’t cutting it for them, so there left to take matters to their own hands and figure it out by themselves. Because in reality no one wants to admit they are poor and in need of more money.

As a country when it comes to poverty rates in Canada we rank the second lowest, the Netherlands being the lowest rate. However we can’t rest our success by this rate (Amdur, n.d.). There’s still more action that needs to take place on this matter. I believe there should be a fund created to help and address seniors when they retire, especially single seniors.  Because they are in desperate need and have a much higher poverty rate than elderly couples and the poverty line is much deeper for them then senior couples. (Battle, Torjman, & Mendelson, 2011).  

In the end we need to help them and encourage them to not be ashamed to seek out for help because asking for money help isn’t something one should be embarrassed about, even if one is a senior.  As well these individuals could use a break. Everyone should for that matter deserve one and not have to work hard labor their entire lives.

- Hannah

References:

 

Amdur, S. R. (n.d.). Canadian senior poverty is low but rise is worrying. Seniors Daily Online. Retrieved from http://www.seniorsdaily.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1819&Itemid=35

Battle, K., Torjman, S., & Mendelson, M. ( 2011, March 2). A simple way to help Canada’s poorest seniors. The star. Retrieved from http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/947639--a-simple-way-to-help-canada-s-poorest-seniors

Edgar, W. (2008, February 20). Poverty Among Seniors. Carp. Retrieved from http://www.carp.ca/2008/03/06/poverty-among-seniors/

National Advisory Council on Aging. (2005). Aging in poverty in Canada. Ottawa, ON: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. Retrieved from http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/H88-5-3-2005E.pdf

Yalnizyan, A. ( 2011, April 2). How to wipe out seniors’ poverty, no extra charge. The Globe And Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/how-to-wipe-out-seniors-poverty-no-extra-charge/article1967092/