As a lifelong resident within Ontario, Canada, I am reaching out to Ontario’s Minister of Health Christine Elliot, Michael Tibollo, the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett to advocate that there must be a development of mental health support groups specific to the survivors of COVID-19. 

The CAMH made a report about this here. It is also mentioned here. It is mentioned in the media across the political spectrum. On CTV. Global News. On CBC. Toronto Sun. It was even acknowledged by Newsmax and Financial Post. Even the National Post reported that it is present in about 30% of those coming out of the ICU. And the Toronto Star mentions "PTSD, isolation, loneliness, shame, stigma, financial anxiety, feelings of distress and worthlessness" are also present.

Since my own experience with COVID-19 in March 2020, I have had to hear many people downplay the seriousness of the disease and even invalidate my own experience with it, as well as those I know who have had it. Furthermore, it is difficult to speak about my own personal experience with all of this in current support groups available due to the mental exhaustion that has come about from two years of a pandemic.

I am sure there are other survivors out there with the same experience of feelings of invalidation and being ignored and alone. 

A recent study has found that 60% of COVID survivors are more likely suffer from mental health issues than those not infected, than the overall population. 

Additionally, there are also no mental health support groups available anywhere offering a space for COVID survivors who have experienced all this, let alone within the Canadian Mental Health Association. The Waterloo-Wellington Branch has taken it into consideration if they can even do it. There are no guarantees unless there is a report in increased interest in it that ensures such support is available before they can try to do it. 

Many gaps in the mental health system have been addressed in the media, highlighting different groups who are lacking mental health support.
I believe this will be another gap in the mental health system if there is no support available that is accessible for survivors.