Our latest report reveals new insights on financial strain, self-rated anxiety and depression, access to mental health support, mental health literacy, and impacts of problem gambling.

Key findings include: 

• Rising Anxiety, Declining Support: Self-reported anxiety has risen to 13%, yet access to mental health support has dropped from 17% to 13% since our last poll. Among those who sought help, fewer report their needs were fully met (30%, down from 36%).

• Youth Mental Health at Risk: Younger Canadians (aged 18–34) are disproportionately struggling, with 24% having considered suicide in the past year, compared to the national average of 14%. This group is also twice as likely to be at high risk of problem gambling (22% vs. 10%).

• Low Mental Health Literacy: Only 37% of Canadians feel confident in recognizing signs of poor mental health in themselves. This highlights an urgent need for improved mental health literacy to help individuals seek timely support and reduce stigma.

Additional major findings from Poll 22 include:

• Concerning Gambling Behaviours: One in ten Canadians (10%) report gambling behaviours that put them at high risk of developing a gambling problem. Men (14%) and younger Canadians aged 18–34 (22%) are most likely to report these risky behaviours, with over half (54%) of high-risk gamblers engaging in online gambling.

• Financial Strain and Barriers to Care: Financial challenges are exacerbating mental health struggles, with 44% identifying cost and 36% citing long waitlists as barriers to care.