A new poll from Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) shows that self-rated levels of anxiety and depression have remained above pre-pandemic levels.
As part of MHRC’s ongoing research to provide insight on the mental health of Canadians, the recent poll results show that 11 per cent of Canadians indicate high levels of anxiety and nine per cent indicate high levels of depression. Pre-pandemic results showed seven per cent of respondents indicating high levels of anxiety and six per cent of respondents indicating high levels of depression.
Other highlights from the survey:
- Groups that are more likely to indicate high levels of anxiety and depression include: younger Canadians, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized groups, and those facing financial challenges.
- High levels of anxiety and depression were indicated for those who have gone into debt or experienced food insecurity (35 per cent).
- Mental health diagnoses have increased considerably since the pandemic. This is highest among young Canadians (18 to 34 years old) and racialized groups.
- There is a strong correlation between Canadians experiencing burnout and possible dependency on alcohol and/or cannabis. Nearly half of those who are indicating signs of these dependencies (alcohol, 45 per cent; cannabis, 42 per cent) report feeling burnt out most of the time.
- Housing is a major concern for respondents – 20 per cent of respondents indicated a concern about paying for their housing, a five per cent increase from the prior poll conducted in January.
Despite these concerning trends, there were positive indicators to come from the survey:
- 82 per cent of Canadians are feeling somewhat happy or interested in life. Canadians over 55 are more likely to feel this way than others.
- The majority of survey respondents feel confident that they know where to access mental health support. However, access remains a barrier for Canadians who feel they need support, with 32 per cent of that group indicating they do not know where to access mental health support.
The study was conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights with an online sample of 3,494 adult Canadians between April 21 and May 3, 2023. This is the 16th poll released from MHRC for their study monitoring the mental health of Canadians.
A link to the poll results can be found here: Results of MHRC Poll 16 — Mental Health Research Canada