More Canadians have poor mental health. The economy is partly to blame, survey says – CTV
March 21, 2024
The double whammy of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic stressors is taking a toll on the mental health of Canadian adults, according to new data released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information on Thursday.
An international survey conducted in 10 high-income countries by The Commonwealth Fund found that 29 per cent of Canadians aged 18 and older suffered from depression, anxiety or another mental health issue in 2023.
At the same time, many Canadians weren’t seeking mental health care because of the cost, the study said.
Fewer Canadian adults – 20 per cent – reported having mental health problems back in 2016.
“That really runs on par with what we see across the country in terms of heightened levels of stress, anxiety and depression, particularly in the wake of the pandemic,” said Sarah Kennell, national director of public policy for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
