Can Online Therapy Help Improve Canadian Mental Wellness?
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), one in five people will experience a mental health problem or illness each year. It is also estimated that by the age of 40, half of all Canadians will have had a mental illness. Mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders in the country. They have been shown to negatively affect a person's ability to work or perform even basic activities.
While mental health conditions in Canada are common, it can still be challenging to find the right support, especially for those who reside in remote or rural areas. This is one of the main barriers people face when trying to get mental health care services, including the stigma around mental health that can prevent people from getting help and worsening their problems. Online therapy on Calmerry can be helpful in overcoming some of these barriers.
Mental Health Wellness in Canada
Here are a few facts and statistics about mental health disorders, specifically mood/anxiety disorders, in the country from the Government of Canada's Health Infobase:
Mood/anxiety disorders are more common among women than men.
35% of Canadian employees diagnosed with a mood and/or anxiety disorder reported having to stop working at some point due to their disorder.
30 to 54 years old is the age group that uses health services for mood and/or anxiety disorder, followed by 55 years and older.
About ¾ of Canadians who use health services for a mental illness use them for mood and/or anxiety disorder.
Nearly 3.5 million Canadians use health services for mood and/or anxiety disorders; 258,000 of them are children and youth, 1-19 years old.
The thing with mental health illnesses is that they often have a ripple effect on families. They can create stress, tension, and even major changes in how family members live their lives. The good news is with professional guidance like online therapy on Calmerry, the symptoms of these disorders can be managed, and those with mental health issues can thrive.
What is online therapy?
Also referred to as e-therapy or teletherapy, online therapy is a form of mental health counseling or psychological support delivered via the Internet. It is usually carried out through live video chats, phone calls, or text messaging. A secure e-counseling platform like Calmerry provides an easy and affordable way to connect with licensed professionals and get started on your online therapy journey.
Just like in the US and many parts of the world, online therapy became more popular in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its accessibility is its main appeal, allowing people to get in touch with a therapist and get mental health guidance from the comfort of their own homes. There are also a number of online therapy platforms that help people connect to counselors who can treat different issues, including:
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Eating disorders
Grief and trauma
Relationship or family conflict
Post-traumatic stress disorder
And more
Online therapy is found to be as effective as face-to-face therapy. This 2022 study found that receiving care for depression through teletherapy benefited both younger and older adults.
Online Therapy Can Make Positive Changes in Canada's Mental Wellness
Online therapy on Calmerry can significantly reduce or eliminate barriers related to conventional therapy, such as geographical limitations, mobility issues due to physical disabilities, and inability to take time off work or school. It provides accessibility to people without needing to visit a counseling office. This can be beneficial in improving or making positive changes in Canada's mental wellness because of:
Reduced Anxiety with Complete Privacy
Shame or embarrassment is among the top reasons people are discouraged from seeking help. Apart from the common myth that only "crazy people" go to therapy, there is also a belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness. These, of course, are not true; you don't need to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder to go to therapy. Seeking counseling is also a sign of strength, courage, and vulnerability.
Attending therapy sessions, however, is not something anyone should be ashamed of. Online therapy can help reduce feelings of anxiety or embarrassment, as it offers complete privacy, so:
You won't have to worry about seeing someone you know at your provider's office.
You can schedule and attend your sessions at home or without going out.
You can select the mode of communication you are most comfortable with.
You can get professional guidance and support with just a click away.
Comfort and Easy Access
Attending a face-to-face therapy session can be challenging, especially for those already dealing with mood and/or anxiety disorders. Scheduling sessions, getting dressed for the appointment, commuting, or dealing with the traffic can add further stress and anxiety that may prevent you from going to therapy. These, however, won't be much of an issue with online therapy, as it:
Allows you to begin therapy and continue your sessions anywhere you are (as long as you have an Internet connection).
Helps you feel more at ease and encourage you to talk or open up more.
Offers flexibility in scheduling appointments; you can schedule your sessions on the weekends or evenings.
Successfully Shown To Be Effective in Reducing Anxiety and Depression
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular form of talk therapy that is found to be effective in managing anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, trauma, and more. It can be done in person, which is the traditional way, or via the Internet through online CBT. The latter is found to be effective as a face-to-face treatment for treating depression, as well as anxiety, with sustained effects at 12 months follow-up.
A 2016 review of studies published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found Internet-delivered CBT to be effective in treating panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain phobias. There is also another review of studies that found online CBT for depression may be more effective than in-person therapy.
Getting Started with Online Therapy
The first step is choosing a mental health provider or an online therapy platform like Calmerry. The latter is ideal if you don't know how to get started. Calmerry has over 500 licensed therapists and professionals who cover a wide range of specialists to meet your unique needs and goals. They also have flexible subscription plans that suit different budgets.
Starting your online therapy journey at Calmerry begins with making an online account. This is then followed by completing a survey and selecting a subscription plan. Calmerry matches you with a professional who suits you best according to your survey answers. You will then be connected to a therapist within an hour and start working towards your goals.
Other benefits of online therapy on Calmerry include:
Individual matching of therapist
24/7 human-operated support
Mental healthcare services with licensed and vetted therapists
Easily cancel anytime and renew your subscription
Switch therapists for free
Subscription plans that suit various needs and budgets (fees start at $50 per week for text-based therapy)
Online counseling continues to pave the way for accessible mental health care that is also in sync with our modern society. There are, of course, challenges related to this type of therapy, but its benefits and effectiveness are certainly not to be overlooked when it comes to reshaping or improving Canadian mental wellness.
