Canadians reported some of the highest-ever levels of depression and anxiety, even prior to the holiday-season COVID-19 restrictions, according to the charity group Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC).
We’ve heard that women are particularly hard-hit by the pandemic, but these numbers show that one in every five people has been diagnosed with depression, while another one in five people received an anxiety disorder diagnosis. This comes at a time when Canadians aren’t receiving the same level of mental health support as before the pandemic; they are less likely to speak with either doctors or mental health professions since the pandemic began.
These numbers are on the rise and the highest since MHRC started tracking them, rising 4 per cent since the start of the pandemic. The numbers were highest in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and lowest in Quebec.
Related: 8 ways to practice self-care during the pandemic.
MHRC gleaned the results from a poll of 2,761 adult Canadians conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights, which places the poll’s accuracy within 2.2 percentage points. The poll was taken between December 10 and December 18, 2020.
The study also did glean a silver lining, reporting that 65 per cent of respondents reported that “they remain highly resilient to changes like COVID-19.”
See also: 20 best foods to eat to keep you thriving while indoors.
If you are in need of mental health support, Wellness Together Canada is a good place to start. For immediate crisis support, text WELLNESS to 741741.
