Shocking Report on the Mental Health of Torontonians Released!

The warning signs have always been there, but our reactions have often been mixed at best. Phrases like “Oh, don’t worry. You’ll come out of it soon” or “Stop thinking about it. It’ll go away” reflect a dismissive attitude. Then, of course, there’s the stigma attached to the ailment, which keeps us from consulting those closest to us and seeking their guidance. We tend to take mental health lightly, ignoring the signs until it’s too late. The reality is that we do not prioritize mental health in the same way we do physical health. And unfortunately, our medical system doesn’t help with this either.

The CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) highlighted this issue in its first-of-its-kind Report in 2024, and the findings are eye-opening.

11 Key Takeaways from the Report:

1.       No province or territory in Canada is spending enough on mental health because they are not obligated to.
2.       Provinces and territories are spending an average of only 6.3% of their overall health budgets on mental health, while the recommended amount is 12%. This shortfall leaves Canada lagging behind many peer countries, including France at 15%, Germany at 11%, and the UK and Sweden at 9%.
3.       Ontario’s allocation for mental health in its 2024-25 budget is a mere 5.9%.
4.       An alarming 38% of Indigenous Peoples indicated that their mental health was a concern.
5.       Millions of Canadians who need mental health support cannot access it.
6.       Even when individuals do receive help, it often serves as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution. For instance, a patient with suicidal thoughts reported only receiving a conversation about why not to commit suicide, without any effort to address the root of the issue or provide long-term care.
7.       Fifty-seven % (57%) of young people aged 18-24 who exhibited early signs of mental illness cited cost as a barrier to accessing mental health services.
8.       Only 50% of individuals with mental health disabilities are employed, and many who are not rely on income supports that keep them in poverty.
9.       On January 19, 2026, a new report published on a Toronto news portal described the situation in Toronto as “unprecedented and crazy.” It stated that:
10. Between 2015 and 2022, the percentage of Torontonians describing their mental health as “very good” or “excellent” fell from 73% to 52%.
11. Mental health issues are not declining evenly across the population, with young people bearing the brunt. One of their primary concerns is their future and financial insecurity.

– The top five causes of anxiety most cited in Toronto are:

1. Work situation – 19%
2. Financial situation – 16%
3. Time pressures – 16%
4. Personal health issues – 7%
5. Family health issues – 7%

Additionally, “loneliness” has emerged as a significant stressor affecting various groups, including seniors, young adults, and immigrants, especially in large urban centers.

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope as society is becoming increasingly aware of this issue and is ready to initiate change. This signals hope for the future, Insha’Allah.

*****