A recent study revealed that approximately 20% of individuals aged 15 and above in Manitoba sought healthcare services for anxiety symptoms within a year. Concurrently, around 16% sought care for depression, although experts suggest these figures may be lower than the actual prevalence.
Conducted by researchers from the University of Manitoba in collaboration with the provincial government’s Department of Housing, Addictions, and Homelessness, the study utilized anonymized administrative health data to analyze prevalent mental health and substance abuse disorders based on doctor visits, hospitalizations, and drug dispensations among over 1.17 million Manitobans aged 15 and older.
The research, derived from data spanning 2022-23, highlighted anxiety and depression as the most common mental health disorders affecting Manitobans across the province’s regional health authorities during the specified period. Lindsey Dahl, the lead epidemiologist, emphasized the report’s significance in providing policymakers insights into the prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders in Manitoba and the corresponding healthcare utilization patterns.
Dahl noted that the identified percentages align with trends observed in other jurisdictions, indicating consistency in the prevalence of these disorders. Notably, the data pinpointed alcohol and prescription opioid use disorders as the most prevalent substance abuse issues among Manitobans included in the analysis.
The study also revealed that mental health and substance use disorder rates were notably elevated within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Prairie Mountain Health regions, encompassing the province’s major urban centers.
Despite these findings, experts believe the data likely underestimates the actual prevalence, as it relies on individuals seeking formal healthcare services. Many individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders may not access traditional healthcare facilities, potentially leading to an underrepresentation of the true prevalence.
Alex Pedersen, the provincial program coordinator at the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba, echoed concerns regarding the underreporting of anxiety and depression cases due to lingering societal stigma. Furthermore, Scott McFadyen, the organization’s executive director, highlighted the increasing pressures faced by individuals today, contributing to heightened anxiety levels across various demographics.
While the study sheds light on the prevailing mental health challenges in Manitoba, it also underscores the imperative for greater destigmatization and accessibility of mental health support services. Pedersen emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health care, urging individuals to seek assistance when needed to foster overall well-being.
