Men’s Mental Health Group Raises Alarm Over ER Delays

A men’s mental health support group in Ste Anne is urgently highlighting shocking wait times in the emergency room for those in need of mental health care.

Co-founder and Ste Anne councillor Jeremy Wiens revealed a disturbing incident where a member of their group sought help at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre three weeks ago due to suicidal thoughts and hallucinations. After a grueling wait of over 24 hours in the emergency room, he was finally admitted, only to spend another day before meeting with a psychiatrist who could adjust his treatment and develop a care plan.

A Cry for Action

This was not the first time this member had turned to the emergency room for help. Wiens expressed the group’s intention to raise awareness, stating, "We’re not trying to bash the hospital; we’re just highlighting the urgent need for change."

Investing in Mental Health?

In 2024, Manitoba allocated approximately $439 million to mental health services, which constitutes about 5.6% of the total health budget. However, the average wait time to see a mental health practitioner in the province can stretch from three months to a full year, leaving many in despair.

Experts Weigh In

Marion Cooper, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, remarked on the situation: "I can’t say if that wait time is normal, but it certainly doesn’t sound unusual." She pointed out the glaring lack of mental health support, especially in rural and remote communities, leading to frustrating wait times and inadequate resources.

Limited Resources at Bethesda

According to Southern Health, the Bethesda facility lacks a psychiatrist but does have three mental health liaison nurses available—though only one is on duty in the emergency room at any given time. The organization claims that community mental health services are structured based on individual needs, but acknowledges that access to timely treatment can be a challenge.

Lobbing for Change

Wiens and his group are set to advocate for increased funding and resources for mental health access. Meanwhile, Cooper noted that the province is currently working on a new initiative to enhance mental health services in Manitoba, though details remain under wraps.

Navigating the System

As it stands, individuals seeking mental health services face a confusing landscape with no centralized access point. "People must navigate a maze to find the help they need, which can be incredibly challenging," Cooper explained.

The call for more accessible mental health care has never been more urgent, and the Ste Anne group is determined to drive this message forward, advocating for a system that truly meets the needs of those in crisis.