Operation: THRIVE

The Cause

The impact of mental health on society is significant and it became more prevalent with the introduction of the COVID-19 virus. Research shows that there has been a marked increase in mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicide, and family violence, and mental health professionals are warning that the number of reported cases will continue to increase in the coming months.

The origins of mental health challenges are complex and include both biological and psychosocial factors (i.e., life events and circumstances). Mental health challenges have no borders, they do not discriminate based on age or gender, and the degree of impact can vary significantly from individual to individual. Sadly, despite the pervasive nature of mental health challenges, most people cannot afford therapy. Even those who have secondary health insurance plans often are limited to $500 per year for service. Since COVID-19, mental health needs have increased, but resources have decreased, as many have faced lay-offs (and loss of benefits) or pay reductions.

Our goal is for individuals to thrive and Norum Psychological Services is ready and equipped with a team of therapists that are skilled in various therapeutic approaches with a specialty in trauma therapy, including EMDR Therapy. EMDR Therapy is an evidence-based approach that promotes healing of emotional wounds (i.e., the psychosocial causes) rather than simply managing mental health symptoms (e.g., negative thinking).

Who Will it Benefit?

Research reveals that mental health challenges are pervasive. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association and Government of Canada websites:
- By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.
- Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe impairment.
- Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds, and is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age.
- People with a mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use problem compared to the general population. At least 20% of people with a mental illness have a co-occurring substance use problem.
- Police-reported family violence against children and youth increased in nearly all provinces and territories since 2017.
- Depressions are among the most common mental disorders - and the most treatable. An estimated 1 in 4 Canadians has a degree of depression serious enough to need treatment at some time in his or her life.

Norum Psychological Services is committed to providing counseling support to address the immediate social and emotional needs of individuals as they cope with the impact of COVID-19, and the on-going support required surrounding mental health. Individuals who could not otherwise afford counselling will be able to use these funds to access support and begin the journey to positive mental health.