These factors represent the upstream drivers contributing to the rising number of mental health related visits in the emergency department. By recognizing and understanding these root causes, rather than focusing solely on their downstream consequences, we can begin to address the problem at its source. This perspective is essential for developing sustainable interventions and for creating meaningful, long-term change in how mental health care is accessed, delivered, and supported within our health care system.

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Fleury et al., 2024; Parkman et al., 2017; Wise-Harris et al., 2016, Penzenstadler et al., 2020, Fleury et al., 2019