Where to begin?

Do any of you wonder how bad the healthcare system needs to get before we begin to hear what is being done to address it?

When I turn on the news, every single storyline is doom and gloom with no end in sight about it improving anytime soon.

What does this mean for us moving forward?

There are so many people working in this industry who are exhausted. They continue to face more added pressures and are stretched way too thin.

One way or another everyone is touched by healthcare. The levels of concern continue to be raised as the frustration grows. How can we as residents help to make it better? How do we force answers to push for results that will allow better access for everyone?

How did we get here? How are we not better prepared? What are the long-term solutions that will address it and prevent it from collapsing?

We see it continue to decline and as it reaches closer to a breaking point. Or are we already there?

If we are not there, then we may need to stop reporting in such a way that instills fear.

While covid did a number on all of us, I think it just opened our eyes about so many things including our own mental health. If you didn't experience any mental health conditions before the pandemic - I am sure in some way, it was felt during it or following it.

When it comes to mental health, anyone else feel like once things reopened we didn't address it. It seems as though we went back to normal living like no major life altering experience ever happened. Just expected to erase a very difficult time that may have had a lasting impact on overall mental wellness.

Did we provide a space for those who were suffering and ask them what supports they needed to process all they experienced?

Are we avoiding reality by not addressing the mental hangover like it does not exist for many?

It is not like the world has been one bit easy following the pandemic. We endured, and continue to witness a lot of heavy shit.

There is a difference in our world now and while it may have been shifting prior to the pandemic, it's hard to deny that the divide continues to grow bigger.

Is it just me, or are we experiencing more fearful times and less compassionate ones. Have we lost our ability to tolerate people who may act and think differently than us?

Is it accepting to allow people to have their differences without being mean, having a biased opinion, cancelling them, bullying / harassing them or silencing them?

I could go on and on but I think you get my point.

We continue to hear about behaviours and situations that we never thought we would and it is very disheartening.

We care about our fellow Canadians and want equality for all, right?

Are we moving backwards instead of forwards? Somedays it can feel that way.

Shouldn't we use our voice and position to help those who are less fortunate and in need of support so no one is left behind. Hell, shouldn't we be doing that for everyone!

Does that exist still?

What changed?

While we see challenges locally, nationally and globally - who is going to be the first one to step up to the plate with some kind of plan of action?

What has to change for us to have a reliable healthcare system that work's in today's world.

Why aren't we asking for better when we dedicate so much of time, effort and money to live and work here? Do we get to be part of the solution? How can we participate and help to move it in the right direction?

It appears like the world is changing way faster than we can keep up.

As I come back to the mental health topic again, I am reminded that health is health - mental health included.

But is mental health still treated like the poor cousin? Shouldn't it be treated with the same level of respect as physical health?

While we encourage more people talk about their mental health to normalize it - what is there for those who do open up about their struggles? Is there adequate support in place for them to rely on? Is it available long term? Is there still a lot of stigma attached?

Are we truly understanding about mental health in our communities?

If you look around at healthcare, classrooms and workplaces - the talk is there but are the supports and resources in place to accommodate those growing needs? Are there enough? Or are there too many layers to jump through before someone can access them? And don't forget all the biased opinions still being spread out there.

Without supports, how do those who are fully able to operate and contribute in society once they have them - feel comfortable coming forward? Will they be met with push back? Is their fear of shaming or alienation from others if they find out about them? Is a lack of awareness and understanding causing misconceptions about mental health conditions? How many continue to suffer in silence because of the fear of rejection?

While the younger generations seem to be growing up in a world that it is more accepting to talk about mental health - are schools, colleges and workplaces really equipped and accepting to support it?

The one size fits all approach does not apply anymore. People should receive the proper supports when they need them without any shame or being seen as less valuable.

I worry about all those suffering and in need of supports but don't know where to turn. Some are not able to seek the care they need because it is too hard or complicated to access. Or the outcome if they share it with others at work or school? Is their a valid fear of rejection that prevents them from opening up and seeking the support they need?

There is so much here to talk about including those trying to navigate without a family doctor. If you still have one, take comfort in that because once you don't - it is a very scary and lonely road to travel trying to access the right supports when you need them.

There are so many great people out there working tirelessly to help others. They are caring, compassionate and supportive. They are the light we need to remind us there is still so much good in this world. We need to hear more about the good stories and less about the negative ones. We need more hope that we can help drive change for a better tomorrow.

I am not sure where I am going with all of this but I just wanted to talk about it. Maybe I have it wrong but it has been consuming my thoughts.

How do you feel? Are you concerned? Do you have some insight to share that can help me understand better?

Signed a concerned and friend, Islander and Canadian

Jules xo