Cannabis Use by Ontario Teens Linked to Depression, Anxiety: McMaster Study

A new study from McMaster University claims there’s been a significant decline in the mental health of young Ontarians.

“Psychological distress among Ontario teenagers has nearly tripled in the past decade, and that frequent cannabis use — though uncommon — is increasingly tied to that distress, especially among girls,” the study, published in the journal Addiction, reads.

Researchers at the university acknowledge that the rise in mental health distress likely reflects a combination of broader pressures on the province’s youth, including:

• The COVID-19 pandemic
• Economic challenges
• Shifting social stressors

Lead author André McDonald and his team note more work needs to be done to confirm the role cannabis use plays regarding the psychological distress that young Ontarians are experiencing.

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Disability Benefits for Mental Health Disorders in Ontario

Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

For Ontarians who can’t work, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving mental health disorders — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

SEE ALSO
• Medical Conditions that Qualify for Disability in Canada
• Denied LTD? Seek Legal Advice Before Appealing the Decision
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📺 WATCH: Next Steps for Canadians After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied in Ontario? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevented you from accessing disability benefits for depression, anxiety, or another medical condition, connect with an experienced Ontario disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims across the province.

We’ve helped thousands of Ontarians, including Julie Austin and Sandra Bullock, secure the compensation they’re owed.

Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.