Mental health issues are a serious health concern. In Canada, mental illness is a leading cause of disability.

What’s more, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reports that promotion, prevention, and early mental health intervention initiatives have positive outcomes. 

It’s no wonder that six out of 10 Canadian clinicians say mental health is the top health issue they want to learn more about, according to a recent survey conducted by MDBriefCase, a leading provider of continuing medical education and a member of the Think family of companies. 

MDBriefCase’s survey found that nearly 62 per cent of clinicians, which included doctors, nurses and pharmacists, ranked mental health as the top topic that they’d like to further their education on, signalling the importance of supporting patients’ well-being throughout the pandemic. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious implications on peoples’ mental health. Research shows that mental health has declined across age groups during the pandemic, including children and adolescents, adults, frontline workers and seniors.

Untreated or undertreated mental health problems not only hurt patients, but it also puts stress on healthcare systems. Research shows that mental illness costs Canada billions of dollars each year through hospitalizations and healthcare costs, lost productivity and disruptions to patients’ personal lives. Much of this can be alleviated through preventive measures and evidence-based treatment.  

In order to reduce crisis situations, effective intervention is key. Think developed a support tool that’s used in hospital settings to help treat patients experiencing suicidal ideation. The tool uses an evidence-based, standardized mental health approach to bridge care when immediate access to a psychiatrist is not possible. 

Another way Think is working to support mental health is through connecting mental health professionals to their patients via our Canadian cloud-based VirtualCare platform. Our telemedicine software is used by members of the Ontario Psychological Association, Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, Ontario Association of Social Workers, Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association.

Interested in learning more about our mental health offerings? Schedule your customized demo today.