A new study from the University of Manitoba finds that anxiety and depression are the two most frequently treated mental health issues in the province.
The report explored the number of residents over the age of 15 from 2022 to 2023. The report found about one in five Manitobans received treatment for anxiety and about 16 per cent, or one in six, sought treatment for depression.
“We’re seeing about 28 per cent of the population suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, which is an increase of about five per cent (compared to 20 years ago),” said Lindsey Dahl, an epidemiologist at the university’s Manitoba Health Policy Centre.
“Over the past 20 years, we have seen a steady increase in the percentage of people identified by our data.”
Researchers also looked at substance abuse disorders and found alcohol to be the most common bad habit for Manitobans seeking treatment.
The team also analyzed how health services were provided to people struggling with mental health or substance use problems.
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“There were 28,539 emergency department visits for reasons of disorder (mental health and drug use) made by 14,501 people in the province,” wrote the report.
Most Manitobans seek treatment at their local urgent care or emergency department. Except for the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, where 46 percent live locally, others are looking for help elsewhere.
About 22,000 people visited psychiatrists for help with substance abuse or mental health, the study found.
Increased access to services and a potential reduction in social stigma are considered by Dahl to be some of the possible causes of the increase in the number of people seeking medical services for mental health.
“Our report specifically addresses health services for which we have data. So, visiting doctors, emergency rooms, hospitals [and] that type of service. “In this case, we think these people are seeking treatment and need it,” he said.
Findings from the research gathered by Dahl and his team will be used to inform and support related work carried out by the province’s housing, addictions and homelessness department.
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