3,670 people on growing waitlist for mental health and addiction services in Waterloo-Wellington
The Canadian Mental Health Association has seen a significant increase in demand for mental health and addiction services over the last two years.
“It’s devastating for people to sit on a waiting list for years at a time in some circumstances,” said Helen Fishburn, CEO of CMHA Waterloo Wellington.
There are more than 3,670 people locally on a waitlist for support and demand is only growing. Fishburn said crisis calls have also increased by 40 per cent compared to pre-pandemic times.
“There were 3,500 to 4,000 calls per month,” said Fishburn. “Now the average is anywhere from about 5,500 to 6,500 calls per month.”
Fishburn attributed the increase in demand over the past two years to the pandemic.
“It doesn’t matter where you live, what your age is, what your circumstances are in life. Absolutely everyone’s life has been disrupted. People have been incredibly distressed,” she said.
Shawna Smith, a Brantford resident who is seeking a mental health counselor, said she is still recovering from the isolation during the lockdowns.
“It’s the fear of interacting with people. Before, at least I would go shopping, now I don’t even go to the store,” said Smith.
Despite already having been on a mental health service waitlist for five months, Smith said she expects to receive counseling at the earliest by next October.
“It’s so long, it’s hard,” said Smith. “There definitely needs to be more support and services. There’s not enough, there’s not even close to being enough.”
The lack of services and long wait times have prompted some to reconsider counseling entirely.
“I have been through it so much and the process is so frustrating. I’m just exhausted from it all,” said Mandi Harper, a Brantford resident.
The CMHA is calling on the province for an eight per cent funding increase. Locally, that’s about $2.65-million to cover operation costs, hire additional staff and increase services in areas that are not already targeted.
“We all need to be vigilant and take care of each other,” said Fishburn, “the more we can share, the more we can talk to each other, the more we can normalize that mental health is health.”
RESOURCES
Here 24/7 Crisis and Access to Service: 1-844-437-3247 www.here247.ca
CMHA Waterloo Wellington: www.cmhaww.ca
BounceBack Ontario: www.bouncebackontario.ca
Here4Hope: www.here4hope.ca
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Legault wins 2022 Quebec election with a majority government
Francois Legault has been elected for a second mandate as Quebec premier with a majority government. Within eight minutes of the polls closing across the province at 8 p.m. EST, CTV News declared Coalition Avenir Québec has secured a resounding win in the Quebec legislature.
Trump sues CNN claiming defamation, seeks US$475M in punitive damages
Former U.S. president Donald Trump sued CNN for defamation on Monday, seeking US$475 million in punitive damages and claiming the network had carried out a 'campaign of libel and slander' against him.
North Korea fires missile over Japan
North Korea on Tuesday fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan for the first time in five years, forcing Japan to issue evacuation notices and suspend trains, as the North escalates tests of weapons designed to strike regional U.S. allies.
The Quebec Liberal Party will retain official Opposition status
CTV News has declared the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) will retain its official Opposition status, and Party Leader Dominique Anglade has been re-elected.
Hottest toys of 2022 revealed by Toys 'R' Us
Toys 'R' Us has released a list of the top toys of 2022 ahead of the holiday season.
Two big lottery tickets in Ontario are about to expire if no one claims them
Two winning lottery tickets in Ontario are on the verge of expiring.
Flipping tax proposal 'really scary,' says B.C. MLA who bought and sold 3 homes in 4 years
A B.C. MLA who bought and sold properties three times over the last four years is speaking out against a proposed flipping tax designed to discourage real estate speculation in the province
Justin Trudeau will take the stand at inquiry into Freedom Convoy response
CTV News has learned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be called to testify about his government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act in response to anti-mandate Freedom Convoy protests in February.
Iran crackdown on protesters likely to 'intensify' in coming days: expert
The Iranian government's crackdown on protesters is likely to 'intensify' in the coming days, despite sanctions from Canada and international condemnation, an expert says.
London
-
'Hearing that was brutal': Witness speaks out after EMDC inmate dies in custody
A man says he witnessed a violent altercation at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) last month, the same night police say a man was taken to hospital and pronounced dead. Wes Simpson was at the EMDC the night of Sept. 12, in the cell next to the person he believes was the victim taken to hospital that night, and he doesn't believe the inmate died by suicide.
-
Ontario gas prices set to take one of the biggest one-day jumps in a decade
Gas prices in Ontario are projected to jump by 10 cents later this week, industry analyst Dan McTeague tells CP24.
-
Family struggles to access cancer treatment for 11-year-old daughter
Kristy and Dave Costa's world was turned upside down in December 2021 when their young daughter Lacey was diagnosed with cancer. As Lacey continues the battle against stage 4 melanoma, her family is currently trying to get her life-saving treatments, but gaining access to the right medication is another challenge.
Windsor
-
Windsor Police want to hear from you about new strategic plan
Members of the Windsor Police Service are going ward-to-ward looking for feedback as the service forms its next four-year strategic plan.
-
Windsor advance polls offering drive-thru voting
Windsor residents can begin casting their votes in the upcoming municipal election this week, with advance polls opening up Wednesday.
-
Docu-series to show behind the spooks at Windsor’s Scarehouse
For those that love the spooky season, it’s a Halloween staple.
Barrie
-
Steve Clarke helms one of his final meetings as Orillia mayor
After two terms as mayor, Steve Clarke helmed one of his final meetings in Orillia's council chambers on Monday afternoon.
-
Multiple charges laid in ongoing Essa robbery investigation
Two people have been charged in connection to an ongoing robbery investigation in Essa Township.
-
Simcoe County nearly $4 below livable wage, report states
Simcoe County's livable wage ranks fourth in Ontario, according to recent data.
Northern Ontario
-
Lack of funding and staff means no overdose prevention site for North Bay
For the time being, there will be no overdose prevention site coming to North Bay.
-
Ontario gas prices set to take one of the biggest one-day jumps in a decade
Gas prices in Ontario are projected to jump by 10 cents later this week, industry analyst Dan McTeague tells CP24.
-
Sault’s compassion hub preparing to close
A group in Sault Ste. Marie that works with homeless people and those struggling with addiction and food insecurity will be closing its doors at the end of the month.
Ottawa
-
Legault wins 2022 Quebec election with a majority government
Francois Legault has been elected for a second mandate as Quebec premier with a majority government. Within eight minutes of the polls closing across the province at 8 p.m. EST, CTV News declared Coalition Avenir Québec has secured a resounding win in the Quebec legislature.
-
Councillor says cancelling Panda Game would not stop parties
The councillor representing Sandy Hill says cancelling the annual Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Carleton Ravens won’t stop the party from spilling into residential streets.
-
Ottawa police lay hate-motivated charges following attack near Gloucester High School
Ottawa police say six young people are facing charges following an attack last month near a local high school, video of which was widely shared on social media.
Toronto
-
New details released on Ontario’s strong mayor veto powers
The Ontario government has released proposed regulations for its so-called ‘strong mayor’ legislation that reveal when a veto can be used.
-
Ontario gas prices set to take one of the biggest one-day jumps in a decade
Gas prices in Ontario are projected to jump by 10 cents later this week, industry analyst Dan McTeague tells CP24.
-
This is what happens next after Ontario education workers vote to strike
Ontario education workers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike if negotiations with the province continue to stall but many parents and school staff may be wondering what comes next.
Montreal
-
Legault wins 2022 Quebec election with a majority government
Francois Legault has been elected for a second mandate as Quebec premier with a majority government. Within eight minutes of the polls closing across the province at 8 p.m. EST, CTV News declared Coalition Avenir Québec has secured a resounding win in the Quebec legislature.
-
The Quebec Liberal Party will retain official Opposition status
CTV News has declared the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) will retain its official Opposition status, and Party Leader Dominique Anglade has been re-elected.
-
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois re-elected, Quebec solidaire not official Opposition
Quebec solidaire spokesperson Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois was re-elected in his Gouin riding. Manon Masse was also re-elected in Sainte-Marie-Saint-Jacques.
Atlantic
-
Nine days after Fiona, P.E.I. residents without power alarmed at pace of response
Residents of Prince Edward Island said Monday they're growing exhausted, anxious and cold as thousands remained without power nine days after post-tropical storm Fiona swept through the region.
-
Many Pictou County residents losing patience after being without power for 10 days
Ten days after Fiona knocked out trees, roofs and power, much of what came down still needs to be picked up. In Nova Scotia's Pictou County, crews are running in repair lines but many residents are running out of patience.
-
'It was just heartwarming': Power crews in Cape Breton save roadside memorial following Fiona
A power crew in Cape Breton went above and beyond their duties after a memorial plaque attached to a power pole was torn down during post-tropical storm Fiona.
Winnipeg
-
Police stop attempt to expand encampment outside Manitoba legislature
Winnipeg police have stopped an attempt to enlarge an encampment on the front lawn of the Manitoba legislature.
-
Why gas is more expensive even though the price of oil has remained steady
A recent spike in gas prices has Winnipeggers feeling pain at the pumps but the latest jump comes despite the price of oil remaining relatively steady.
-
Death of Manitoba woman with severe burns ruled a homicide: Winnipeg police
WARNING: This story contains details that may be disturbing. The Winnipeg Police Service is asking the public for any information regarding the homicide of a woman who died of severe burns.
Calgary
-
Calgary shooting investigations present police with roadblocks
Police say that as the city is coming up on a record number of shootings in a single year, they are finding it more difficult to make arrests in the incidents.
-
Alleged Calgary drug dealer faces 32 new charges, arrested on 39 warrants
A 30-year-old Calgary man wanted on dozens of outstanding warrants has been arrested and now faces an additional 32 charges, following an investigation spurred by tips from the public.
-
'Lack of transparency': Critics show concerns over Hockey Canada fund
More revelations are coming out tonight about how Hockey Canada has set aside money to deal with outstanding sexual assault claims.
Edmonton
-
3 dead after fiery crash north of Edmonton
Three people are dead after a crash on Highway 654, just east of Highway 777, southwest of Westlock on Monday.
-
Police searching for suspects in pair of unprovoked downtown assaults
Police are appealing to the public for help in identifying four male suspects involved in two attacks in downtown Edmonton Sunday morning.
-
Chief had no conflict of interest on funding report, EPS argues after council debate
A decision on a new police funding formula was derailed at Edmonton City Hall Monday afternoon as some councillors tried to toss a report over concerns of a perceived conflict of interest involving police chief Dale McFee.
Vancouver
-
Time for a mega-city in Metro Vancouver? What amalgamation could look like
Every time the municipal elections roll around, the idea of whether to merge the Lower Mainland into one mega-city resurfaces, though this time the discussion is a little different.
-
Some B.C. residents booking fall boosters without invitations
A number of eager British Columbians have managed to schedule a fall booster of the COVID-19 vaccine without an invitation – though officials stress that protecting the most vulnerable remains their priority.
-
Families of deceased Indigenous women and teen girl call for systemic change in policing
The families of two women and a teenage girl, all Indigenous, who went missing and then died in the Lower Mainland have come together in an effort to raise awareness about their loved ones and push for systemic change in B.C. policing.