'I can't reconcile the fact that it can take up to three times longer to access care than to access MAiD and, while this doesn't mean that this will be the outcome, it speaks volumes about how much more is needed in mental health services.'
While the medical assistance in dying program program is set to become available in all parts of Canada on March 17, mental health services and supports vary from region to region across the country. Kristina Tripkovic photo/UnsplashAs we head into the Christmas season, most of us are focused on preparing to get together with family and friends with hopes of enjoying this time and building happy memories.
Starting March 17, MAID will become an option for Canadians over 18 who have mental illness as their sole medical condition. This is a development that brings up a lot of conflicted feelings for me — and for many others in the community — and there have been strong reactions from both sides of the debate.
While MAiD will be available in all parts of Canada, mental health services and supports vary depending on where you live. This creates an unequal playing field where people who are poor or live in rural parts of the country may feel that MAiD is a more viable option as needed services are not accessible to them.I can't reconcile the fact that it can take up to three times longer to access care than to access MAiD.
When you add the fact that all medical services are now experiencing staff shortages and challenges recruiting more health professionals, it is scary to consider that existing mental health services may be eroded further by lack of staff to run them. While many who live with mental health may be deemed non-urgent when assessed, this can change very quickly to urgent and being on a waitlist to see a psychiatrist — or access other services — isn't good enough.
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