Help Kristel raise money

Hi, I'm Kristel!

This year I am participating in the Run Ottawa Charity Challenge. I chose The Royal Ottawa and Mental Health Foundation (RO) and here's why:

“While mental illness accounts for about 10 percent of the burden of disease in Ontario, it receives just 7 percent of healthcare dollars. Relative to this burden, mental health care in Ontario is underfunded by about $1.5 billion. When compared to its Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) counterparts, Canada is well behind other countries that spend 10 percent to 11 percent of their health care budgets on mental health.”1

As someone who has accessed services through the RO, it is evident that the expansion of existing services, research, day treatment, rehab centres, inpatient care, and outreach programs are needed to provide faster solutions to assist those who are facing mental illness. 

Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness because of our experiences, biology, and social roles. At 22, after the birth of my first child, I suffered from severe undiagnosed postpartum depression. Because I didn’t understand what was happening, I never sought treatment. At 25 I had a miscarriage and again was faced with depression. Within that same year, I suffered from several bouts of mania, mood instability, and insomnia before I was finally diagnosed with soft bipolar disorder (or bipolar ll), ADHD and anxiety. These debilitating conditions have affected my everyday life and influence both my physical and mental health. The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Care Centre saved my life. 

When considering making a donation, please think about this: Have you ever experienced a mental health condition or illness? Do you know someone who has been through it or are you wondering how you can help? Here are some ways that your generosity can improve our mental health system:

 1. Supporting children and youth who are in crisis. The onset of mental health conditions typically occur during childhood or adolescence and most do not access treatment. However, without early diagnosis and treatment children with mental illness can have a multitude of issues that are detrimental to their growth and development. I can remember showing signs of depression and extreme mood swings around the age of 6 after experiencing trauma and emotional neglect. During that time I had difficulty with developing healthy relationships, connecting with peers, expressing my feelings, and there were many concerns in school. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents aged 15-24. Access to care and early childhood intervention is crucial for their success and well-being.

2. Promoting positive mental health initiatives in schools to better support educators, students, and parents. As an educator who specializes in mental health, I have witnessed the long-term consequences from the lack of funding, resources, and training all of which are needed to create a positive and safe environment. Educators and students are struggling, especially with the unique challenges due to the pandemic. Children and youth are more at risk because of environmental factors that include school stress, anxiety, social media, eating disorders, and bullying. 

3. LGBTQ and Mental Health. The LGBTQ community experience ongoing discrimination, stereotyping, and violence which increases their risk of developing a mental health condition. Because they identify as LGBTQ, there may be additional challenges when accessing mental health services that are appropriate and inclusive. In Ontario the LGBTQ population are approximately double the risk of suicide and substance abuse. 

4. Community-based mental health care such as protected housing and employment, specialized school programs, social support groups, and therapy can lead to early intervention and treatment. Across Ontario some community-based services are provided for free or at a low cost but these resources have waitlists too. Community services and mental health professionals play a crucial role with recovery and reintegration to society. Community rehabilitation establishes a positive environment by collaborating with a person's medical team and families, providing equal opportunities, inclusion, and empowering those individuals to self-advocate.

5. Educating families and care providers can help with their understanding and ability to cope with mental illness. Caring for a family member or child can create various challenges, particularly if they lack resources. Parents and caregivers who have their own mental health conditions, such as myself, may have more difficulty providing care and connecting with their loved ones. I know how much my mental illness has affected my family and friends but I am extremely grateful to have such a strong support system. Parent information nights, couples therapy, online, in person training, and in-home consultations are some of the services that are available to ensure a safe and nurturing home environment.    

6. Costs and Coverage. The average cost for therapists in Ontario can be as much as $200 per session, and sometimes higher if you live in an expensive city like Ottawa. I went through my benefits pretty quickly and ended up having to pay out of pocket. Those who don’t have insurance benefits may not seek treatment which can delay their recovery. Psychologists and social workers may be covered if they work in government-funded hospitals, clinics, agencies, or through an employee assistance program but are not covered by OHIP. Therapy is covered by OHIP only if provided by a family doctor, psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. However most family doctors or walk-in clinics do not have the training or the time to provide in-depth/ongoing support. In Ontario there is a shortage of doctors who dedicate their practice to providing psychotherapy. 

7. Waitlists. Thousands of Ontarians are waiting months for publicly funded therapists and paying high costs for quick access to private ones. Speaking from experience, the referral, intake process, and emergency services are long. I had to wait 8 months before I saw my psychiatrist (who’s been great) and start my road to recovery. During those 8 months I struggled with being on and off a trial of ineffective medications, various appointments, multiple diagnoses, and a lot of uncertainty. Currently The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is not tracking wait times but patients say it has taken them weeks, months, or even years to see a psychiatrist.  "A new report from Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) says the province’s children and youth under 18 are now waiting as long as two-and-a-half years to receive mental health treatment, and wait lists for services have more than doubled in the past two years."2

“The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health is a not-for-profit organization and reinvests all of its revenues to provide patients and clients with high-quality care, find solutions to treat the most complex mental illness cases, and teach the next generation of physicians and researchers.”3

With your donation The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health can continue their research, hire more medical professionals, reduce wait times, and address the stigma by raising awareness, promoting education and minimizing misconceptions about mental health. 

YOU can make a difference in the lives of so many people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. 
YOU can continue to give us hope. 
YOU can improve our health and well-being by providing us with the best possible care.  
Be an advocate. Be our voice. Stop the stigma. 

@ottawamarathon #CharityChallenge #RunOttawa2022 #theroyalfd