Key Facts on Mental Health

From the data collected during our national polling series, below is a snapshot of key facts learned through tracking mental health.

Anxiety and Depression (Self rated, diagnoses, and screeners)

• 1 in 10 Canadians have been experiencing high levels of anxiety and/or depression. Those indicating feeling high anxiety was 7% just before the pandemic and 11% now. 1 in 4 Canadians will receive a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety.
  Poll 18, full report, page 9. Updated with data from Poll 21, full report, page 10.

Demographics

• We have noted higher negative mental health statistics for 2SLGBTQI+, younger Canadians and health care professionals. 30% of Canadians who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ have thought about suicide in the past year.

  Poll 21, full report, page 28.

• One in four (24%) working Canadians report experiencing burnout 'most of the time' or 'always'. In some professions, however, it is much higher (e.g., 38% of health care workers).
  Psychological Health and Safety in Canadian Workplaces – 2024 Update, page 20.

Access to Mental Health Care

• More than 1 in 2 people (52%) struggling with their mental health aren’t getting the help they need. This is just over half of the 17% of people who are either accessing mental health supports or feel they should be but are not accessing support (struggling).
  Poll 17, full report, page 31. Updated with data from Poll 21, full report, page 40.

• 17% of Canadians have accessed mental health services in the last year, an additional 6% believe they should but are not.
  Poll 21, full report, page 40.

• Of those who accessed mental health services, one third accessed through a provincial health system.
  Poll 14, full report, page 34.

Factors of Mental Health

• The effects of positive social relationships, social support, and higher resilience levels reflect lower reports of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt planning, as well as lower depression and anxiety ratings. Youth reporting always having positive relationships show a substantial decrease in ratings of suicidal ideation and suicide planning: 13% report suicidal ideation (down from 24%).

  Youth Mental Health: Impact of Social Relationships, page 10. 

• Food, housing, and economic stability are pivotal for mental health outcomes. Canadians experiencing concerns about food and housing insecurity are more likely to report severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. 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.           

  Mental Health Impact of Food Insecurity, Housing Insecurity and Inflation in Canada

•  Social media remains a significant source of stress for many Canadians, with 36% of users feeling stressed from comparing themselves to others, among other negative mental health impacts.

  Poll 21, full report, page 33.

Additional Screeners

• 7% of Canadians present high risk of problem gambling, with a higher rate of 15% among those aged 18-34. Those who present high-risk of problem gambling are more likely to face severe mental health issues, including 22% having planned a suicide attempt, and show higher rates of alcohol (38%) and cannabis (49%) dependency compared to non-gamblers.

  Poll 20, full report, page 26.

• More than one in four (28%) of Canadians report that their mental health symptoms affect their daily functioning. Over one-third of respondents indicate that mental health symptoms disrupt various aspects of their lives, including work/school (40%), social/leisure (33%), and family/home (36%). One-in-ten (11%) students or workers report have missed school or work because of their mental health in the past week.

  Poll 20, full report, page 16.

• One-third (30%) of Canadians report thoughts and behaviours consistent with, or at high risk of developing an eating disorder. Women (29%) are showing to be more likely than men (18%) to demonstrate these behaviours, as are young Canadians (45% of those under 35 years old) and members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities (48%)

  Poll 21, full report, page 18.

• One-in-seven Canadians show signs of being dependent on alcohol, while 9% are exhibiting harmful behaviours. One-in-ten Canadians show signs of cannabis consumption that is hazardous or disordered.

  Poll 16, full report, page 18.

• Among those suffering from chronic pain, the use of OTC medication has gone up, as well as the use of prescribed medication. 10% are depending on opioids (vs 5% in the past five years) and 25% are currently using a non-opioid medication (vs 17% in the past five years).

  Poll 18, full report, page 26.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to info@mhrc.ca for more information on any of these key facts, or to Brittany Saab at  bsaab@mhrc.cafor media requests.