Mental Health Impact of Food Insecurity, Housing Insecurity and Inflation In Canada
ABOUT THE REPORT
The report presents data from MHRC's partnership with Pollara Strategic Insights during our national mental health polling initiative. This information was collected July 2022 – January 2024, for Polls 13 – 19 of our Canada-wide survey. This data represents 17, 131 respondents who answered questions about their mental health in an online survey.
This report aims to highlight recent trends in Canadians’ perceptions of how their mental health has been impacted by food insecurity, housing insecurity, and the current economic situation in Canada.
The latest findings from the MHRC shed light on a concerning trend: Canadians are increasingly reporting that the economic landscape is taking a toll on their mental well-being. Heightened anxieties surrounding inflation, food and housing security are exacerbating the strain on mental health for a considerable portion of the population.
Key Findings:
Food, housing, and economic stability are pivotal for mental health outcomes. Our report reveals a concerning trend: Canadians perceive the economic situation as negatively impacting their mental health, exacerbated by rising concerns about food and housing security, and inflation rates.
Certain groups are disproportionately affected by concerns regarding food and housing insecurity and economic strain. These include women, younger individuals, racialized Canadians, newcomers, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, those with lower household income, parents, individuals with mental health diagnoses, and those experiencing severe anxiety or depression.
Canadians experiencing concerns about food and housing insecurity are more likely to report severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. The association between these insecurities and suicidal ideation underscores the gravity of the situation.
Housing stability significantly impacts mental health, with renters more likely to report experiencing mental health challenges than homeowners. Concerns about potential homelessness correlate with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, inflation exacerbates these issues, further deteriorating mental health.
These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted support and resources to address the complex interplay between basic needs insecurity, economic factors, and mental health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive solutions to protect the well-being of all Canadians.