Mary Walsh honoured as mental health advocate, says more money needs to be spent

Newfoundland and Labrador actor and comedian Mary Walsh says she's "chuffed" to be honoured for her work as a mental health advocate, but added there's much work to be done.  

Each year, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) recognizes Canadians who have made outstanding contributions in the field of mental health. 

"It is really wonderful to receive this award, and I am so happy that the people who nominated me did it — but there are so many people I know who are champions every day," she said, during CBC Radio's On the Go.

"I'd also like to say that a lot of the work I do in championing mental health is also championing addiction. We spend the least money of any G20 country on mental health and addiction. One out of five Canadians suffers from a mental health issue."

If that was 60 per cent of young people with leukemia, people would be out in the streets — it just wouldn't be acceptable.- Actor and comedian Mary Walsh

Walsh said in addition to research, money needs to be spent. She said the policies are in place but the services aren't.

"We have good policies, all across the country. They can cite you, chapter and verse — but you try to get in to get some help. And all these things like the Bell Let's Talk day, which is fabulous, except it encourages more people to look for services that simply aren't there."

Walsh said staff who work within the industry are overworked, handling "ten times the amount of people they should be able to handle."

Youth who are suffering

Walsh said there are many youth currently suffering with mental health issues in Canada, and 60 per cent of those diagnosed will never receive any assistance.

"If that was 60 per cent of young people with leukemia, people would be out in the streets — it just wouldn't be acceptable. The thing is, it's penny-wise and pound foolish. As Dr. [Nazir] Ladha often says, if we interceded in the beginning then we could have good outcomes," she said.

"But as things go longer and longer, people need to be institutionalized. What it finally comes down to —  because we've all been schooled in it —  is the economics. We end up spending an enormous amount of money ... instead of five cents today, we spend $500,000 in ten years."

In May 2014, Walsh was set to receive the honour from the Alliance, but couldn't attend the gala due to illness. Fellow actor and comedian Rick Mercer accepted the award on Walsh's behalf at the Champions of Mental Health Gala in Ottawa, Ont.  

Walsh is now well and was presented with her award on Thursday by Florence Budden, CAMIMH's campaign chair, in the CBC St. John's Studio during On the Go.