In a world where 13% of the population grapples with mental illness and nearly 8 million lives are lost each year due to these challenges, accessibility and affordability have posed significant barriers to mental health support for many individuals [1]. The situation is worse for people living in Canada, as the average patient appointment wait time to receive care from a mental health specialist in 2022 is 26 days [2]. Despite this digital age, certain communities, such as Indigenous youth of Canada, face unique challenges. They tragically experience suicide rates six times higher than their non-Indigenous counterparts, underscoring the importance of tailored mental health support for these vulnerable populations [3]. However, a potential solution is emerging, driven by the accelerated adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. EaseCARE Medical, a subsidiary of the innovative CareGroup, is transforming mental healthcare in Canada. Through seamless integration of advanced MedTech with a diverse range of mental health professionals, EaseCARE is committed to delivering high-quality, affordable support for all residents of Canada. “Empathy serves as our guiding principle at EaseCARE. Beyond providing a mere service, EaseCARE Medical is dedicated to crafting a compassionate and understanding environment for those in need. The company has assisted over 10,000 individuals in navigating their mental health challenges,” emphasizes Ray Yue, CEO of CareGroup. The community has also shown a favorable response to the growing preference for E-health. The notable trend is the growing, particularly among Millennials, with 74% favoring this approach [4]. Furthermore, the pandemic has led to a significant increase, with 46% of individuals now turning to telehealth services [5], saving an average of 101 minutes compared to traditional clinic visits [6]. EaseCARE has curated a diverse network of licensed Canadian mental health professionals, spanning counselors, physicians, psychiatrists, and therapists. This comprehensive spectrum of expertise enables EaseCARE to address a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, encompassing anxiety, depression, grief, and loss, focusing on individualized support.The platform ensures a seamless connection between seekers and professionals, prioritizing safety, integrity, and data security at every step.
EaseCARE empowers patients to conveniently schedule online appointments and consult experts from their homes, ensuring inclusivity with phone consultations for those without internet access. Getting started with EaseCARE is easy. A patient can sign up on EaseCARE website, share their problem along with medical history, and EaseCARE will match you with the right specialist after a thorough assessment. This marks the beginning of a patient’s journey towards better mental well-being. Operating within Canada, EaseCARE adheres to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and complies with the United States’ Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to safeguard patient data and privacy.
About The Care Group The Care Group, a Canadian MedTech and mental health company with decades of experience, offers innovative solutions, shaping the future of virtual health through telehealth. For those in need of help, please contact:
Follow EaseCARE on social media: Facebook: easecare.ca Instagram: easecare.ca
References: [1] Mortality in Mental Disorders and Global Disease Burden Implications (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) [2] Average Patient Appointment Time Is 26 Days In 2022 (patientengagementhit.com) [3] Suicide among First Nations people, Métis and Inuit (2011-2016): Findings from the 2011 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (statcan.gc.ca) [4] The rise of digital natives: How millennials and Gen Z are transforming healthcare (aviahealth.com) [5] Telehealth: A quarter-trillion-dollar-post-COVID-19 reality? (mckinsey.com) [6] Employee healthcare visits consume 101 minutes, including commuting, waiting, and receiving treatment (anovaworks.com)
EaseCARE Medical Ray Yue +1 587-323-8646 www.easecare.ca
The Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH), chaired by Mr Wong Yan-lung, SC, held an urgent meeting this evening (June 9) to explore ways to address mental health issues in a more integral, safe and comprehensive approach and to make recommendations to the Government in the light of the tragic incident on June 2. The Acting Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, also attended the meeting and announced ten enhanced support measures proposed by the Government after the meeting.
Mr Wong Yan-lung, SC, stressed that only an extreme minority of patients with mental illnesses are violence-prone and may injure others due to relapse. Symptoms of mental disorders can be effectively managed through treatment and intervention. Many persons in mental recovery can therefore live a healthy and fulfilling life. Attributing such tragic incidents over simply to mental disorders will only keep the society further away from truth. It will not help resolve the problem but aggravate the stigmatisation against persons with mental health needs, deterring those in need from seeking assistance.
At the meeting, the Hospital Authority (HA) briefed members on the cross-sectoral mechanism currently in place to offer treatment and social support to persons with mental health needs. Under the mechanism which has been operating smoothly, visits and timely consultations are arranged by case managers and medical social workers to keep a close watch on the rehabilitation of patients, as well as to arrange prompt admission to hospital for treatment once a relapse is noted. At this stage, there is no sign of inadequacy in follow-up or oversight on symptoms due to resource or manpower constraints.
Nevertheless, the ACMH considered that the overall mental health services should be reviewed. The ACMH pointed out that the enhancement of overall mental health in the community involves not only healthcare but also support from other areas such as social welfare and education, and is highly related to the overall atmosphere of the society. As such, the society should overcome the stigma and discrimination against persons with mental disorders, continue to care for and support those with mental health needs, and to encourage them to seek help. The ACMH appealed to members of the public not to be unnecessarily fearful of persons with mental health needs, and should avoid the widespread circulation of incorrect information in relation to mental health. Otherwise, it would be difficult for the community to eliminate various misunderstanding and stereotypes of mental disorders.
Dr Libby Lee thanked members for actively expressing their views. She reiterated that the Government attaches great importance to the mental health of members of the public. Having considered the invaluable views from the ACMH, the Government proposed ten enhanced measures in a bid to offer more comprehensive support to persons in mental recovery who had a history of severe mental disorders and other persons with mental health needs.
Enhanced measures to support persons in mental recovery who had a history of severe mental disorders
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(1) The HA will enhance manpower with an aim to optimising the ratio of case manager under the Case Management Programme to patients with severe mental illness to no higher than 1:40 by the fourth quarter of this year
(2) The HA will explore the wider use of newer oral drugs or injections with fewer side effect for psychiatric patients in need to facilitate better medication compliance of patients
(3) The HA will set clearer targets for the median waiting time for new cases at psychiatric specialist outpatient clinics, with median waiting time for those triaged as Priority 1 (urgent) be kept within one week and that for Priority 2 (semi-urgent) be kept within four weeks
(4) Enhance the communication in case management between the HA and the Social Welfare Department (SWD), including exploring more frequent exchanges on cases jointly handled by the HA and the SWD, so as to provide a more holistic and continuous support with a more comprehensive assessment on medical, emotional and family conditions, etc. of the person concerned
(5) The HA will complete the review of the “Conditional Discharge” mechanism under the Mental Health Ordinance soon and will report the findings of the review to the ACMH next month. The Government will also invite the ACMH to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the “Community Treatment Order”, and make recommendations to the Government.
Enhanced measures to support other persons with mental health needs
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(1) Individual District Health Centres will explore the introduction of a pilot scheme to provide mental health assessment for members of the public in need, and collaborate with community organisations for providing follow-up, as well as early referral for high-risk cases
(2) The SWD will enhance the services of Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness to strengthen support for persons with mental health needs, including strengthening early identification of persons with mental health needs and early intervention.
(3) The SWD will explore enhancing the training of social workers in community mental health services units to improve their ability in handling complex cases
(4) The Health Bureau (HHB) will expedite the implementation of setting up a mental health support hotline within this year, so as to consolidate different mental health services and to provide immediate support and referral services for members of the public with mental health needs
(5) Strengthen the support for the mental health needs of specific groups (including low-income and ethnic minority families), so as to provide timely support as well as early identification and assistance for cases in need. The HHB is actively liaising with non-government organisations to set up a service centre to provide emotional support and counselling for ethnic minorities, which is expected to commence operation within this year. Moreover, the Government will explore the possibility of leveraging the district network and service experience of “Care Teams” to participate in assisting and supporting the relevant measures
Dr Libby Lee pointed out that the Government will work with the ACMH closely in taking forward the aforementioned measures. She added that enhancement of mental health requires the joint effort and involvement of everyone on all fronts, and is an arduous task across bureaux and across different sectors. The Government will continue to provide multi-disciplinary services to persons with mental health needs and fully integrated and coherent mental health services to members of the public through collaboration and co-operation among the HHB, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Department of Health, the SWD, the HA, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders in the community.
SAVANNAH, Ga. – May 8, 2023 – PRLog — Stress is an inevitable part of life. Whether we’re dealing with work deadlines, financial pressures, or personal relationships, stress can be triggered by a variety of factors. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. Understanding the impact of stress on your brain and body is an important step in prioritizing your mental health.
When we experience stress, our bodies enter into “fight or flight” mode, triggering the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare our bodies for physical action, increasing our heart rate and breathing rate, and redirecting blood flow to our muscles. While this response is useful in short bursts, chronic stress can lead to long-term health consequences.
One of the most significant impacts of chronic stress is on our brain health. Studies have shown that chronic stress can cause structural changes in the brain, including shrinking of the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning. Chronic stress has also been linked to an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression.
In addition to impacting our brain health, chronic stress can have a negative impact on our physical health. Stress has been linked to a range of physical health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Stress can also weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illness and infection.
While it’s impossible to eliminate all stress from our lives, there are steps we can take to manage stress and prioritize our mental health. One of the most effective strategies is to practice mindfulness, which involves focusing on the present moment and accepting our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall well-being.
Another important strategy for managing stress is to prioritize self-care. This can involve engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time outdoors. Exercise is also an effective way to reduce stress and improve both mental and physical health.
If you’re struggling with chronic stress or mental health issues, it’s important to seek professional help. Therapy can be an effective tool for managing stress and improving mental health. A therapist can help you develop strategies for coping with stress, identify and address underlying mental health issues, and improve overall well-being.
Understanding the impact of stress on your brain and body is an important step in prioritizing your mental health. Chronic stress can have significant long-term consequences on both mental and physical health, making it crucial to take steps to manage stress and prioritize self-care. Whether it’s through mindfulness, self-care, or professional help, there are a variety of strategies available for improving mental health and reducing the impact of stress. If you would like to learn more contact First City Counseling at 912.500.5464 or http://www.firstcitycounseling.com
Establishing a new milestone in the field of mental health on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare was launched today virtually by Sh. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, in the presence of Dr. K. Sudhakar, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education, Karnataka & Vice-President, NIMHANS.
Acknowledging the mental health crisis in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need to establish a digital mental health network that will withstand the challenges amplified by the pandemic, Government of India announced National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23. Tele-MANAS aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas. The programme includes a network of 23 tele-mental health centres of excellence, with NIMHANS being the nodal centre and International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) providing technology support. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bengaluru and National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHRSC) will provide the technical support.
The Union Government aims to open at least one Tele-MANAS Cell in each State/UT.
A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services. Service is also accessible with 1-800-91-4416. The calls would be routed to Tele-MANAS cells in the respective state and union territory.
Tele-MANAS will be organised in two tier system; Tier 1 comprises of state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists. Tier 2 will comprise of specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio visual consultation. Presently there are 5 regional coordination centres along with 51 State/UT Tele MANAS cells.
The initial rollout providing basic support and counselling through centralized Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) is being customized for use across all States and UTs. This will not only help in providing immediate mental healthcare services, but also facilitate continuum of care. Specialised care is being envisioned through the programme by linking Tele-MANAS with other services like National tele-consultation service, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres and emergency psychiatric facilities. Eventually, this will include the entire spectrum of mental wellness and illness, and integrate all systems that provide mental health care. NIMHANS has conducted training for 900 Tele MANAS counsellors from majority of States/UTs.
The mentoring institutes are as follows: AIIMS, Patna, AIIMS Raipur, CIP Ranchi, AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Kalyani, AIIMS Bhubaneshwar, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Hospital for Mental Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Inst. of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour Bambolim Goa, AIIMS, Nagpur, AIIMS, Jodhpur, KGMU Lucknow, AIIMS Rishikesh, IHBAS, Delhi, IGMS, Shimla, Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, Govt. Medical College, Srinagar, LGBRIMH, Tezpur, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, IMHANS, Kozhikode, Kerala, IMH, Chennai, IMH, Hyderabad, JIPMER and AIIMS, Mangalagiri.
States/UTs launching Tele Mental Health Programme today include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Dadra Nagar Haveli and daman and Diu, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS, Shri Vishal Chauhan, JS (MoHFW), students, faculties and other dignitaries along with the senior officials of the Ministry were present at the event.
When you think of the fall season you might think of pumpkin-spiced lattes, going back to school, holiday festivities and football Sundays. While fall brings many enjoyable experiences, according to Boston University, “10 million Americans (will) Experience seasonal affective Disorder,” also known as S.A.D. While we can not avoid seasonal depression, there might be an interesting solution to get ahead of S.A.D., which involves $0 to start and $0 for your first consultation.
On September 1, a new app will be offering over 25 specialty focus areas such as trauma, health and wellness, stress and burnout management, and more for $0 to access and $0 for your first session. With a refreshed path to getting your foot in the door with an expert in over 25 categories of mental health support, zant. will be accessible to all in need across all 50 states on the Apple Store for IOS on September 1. For those who typically struggle with S.A.D. or are feeling the pressure and anxieties that come with being back to school, they recommend giving zant. a try to get the support you need without the many roadblocks that can stand in between proper mental health support. You can pre-register for advanced access by going to www.zant.app.
According to a published report by Dr. David Avery, M.D., “There are treatments for the condition (S.A.D.), but a majority of people don’t seek help… About 60% never received treatment for depression.” Those in need who participate in the pre-registration for zant. will receive first access to the app prior to the rest of the nation and gain first access to hundreds of experts with a variety of focus areas. Additionally, zant. offers special rates to students for $25 and as low as $50 for individuals. All of those in need will be entitled to a free first session to serve as a consultation, allowing clients and providers to determine whether or not seeing one another again makes sense in the process of finding the “right fit.” Whether you are starting school or getting ready for the holidays, taking the chance to connect with someone who can help may be worth it – we all know how tough the fall season can be.
What if there was a way to ease your anxiety and stress? zant.’s mission is to serve those in need by guiding them through self-awareness and knowledge within personal experiences. And best of all, it’s free! So why wait? Pre-sign up today and be one of the first to experience zant. this fall when it launches on September 1.
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