National poll on Canadian mental health:
22 studies in an ongoing series
MHRC’s national polling is part of a multi-year effort to track the mental health challenges of COVID-19 and beyond. The goal of MHRC’s polling is to capture Canadians’ reported perception of their level of anxiety and depression, and to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health through the pandemic and beyond.
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.
Our latest report reveals new insights on eating disorders, social media stress, and the existing need for mental health literacy.
This poll explores emerging areas such as eating disorders, the impact of social media, and Canadians’ awareness of their own mental health:
New Insights on Eating Disorders: Our latest poll introduces a focus on eating disorders, revealing that nearly 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%).
Social Media Stress: 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.
Acknowledging the Need for Mental Health Literacy: Only 32% of Canadians feel very confident in recognizing signs of poor mental health in themselves. There remains an existing need to improve mental health literacy and reduce self-stigma, with 54% expressing only moderate confidence and 8% admitting to having little confidence.
Our latest data shows that negative daily impacts of mental health symptoms are at a near record high, and access to support is on the rise.
The findings reveal significant insights into mental health indicators and emerging trends:
Negative Impacts of Mental Health Symptoms at Near Record-High: More than one in four (28%) of Canadians report that their mental health symptoms affect their daily functioning, marking the highest percentage recorded since the middle of the pandemic. 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%).
High-Risk Problem Gambling in Canada: 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.
Upward Trend in Accessing Mental Health Support: More Canadians have accessed mental health support in the past year (16%), indicating a 5% increase since the summer of 2022.
High Levels of Resilience: Almost seven-in-ten Canadians express confidence in their ability to bounce back from challenges (68%), marking the highest percentage recorded since the inception of this polling series. While younger Canadians are less optimistic, resilience levels have increased across all age groups.
Poll 19 unveils an increase in negative mental health indicators among Canadians, alongside new insights.
The findings delve into mental health indicators as well as previously unexplored topics:
Results of this poll demonstrate the worst self-rated mental health indicators since the end of the pandemic, with more than one in ten Canadians reporting high self-rated anxiety or depression. We noted a significant increase in depression driven by higher rates in Alberta and Ontario.
Questions about screen time reveal a significant correlation between a high amount of personal screen time and negative mental health indicators. While the negative impact of daily news on mental health is slightly better than during the pandemic, the impact of social media has worsened.
More than one in four Canadians (27%) currently live with chronic pain, with the majority reporting that it has a daily, debilitating impact on their lives. Further insights explore the intersection of chronic pain and opioid use.
Canadians brace for holiday financial strain: Concerns rise over managing seasonal expenses.
The findings underscore a prevalent concern gripping many families as the holiday season approaches, revealing heightened anxiety surrounding financial matters, as well as the following major findings:
Nearly one in four Canadians (23%) navigate ongoing struggles with food and housing security, heightening anxiety over meeting rent or mortgage obligations.
Financial concerns continue to be a predominant factor of mental health with two in five Canadians (41%) indicating the economic downturn has negatively impacted their mental health.
Canadians report record high access to mental health care (15%) – these are the highest levels since moving into the COVID-19 pandemic “recovery period”.
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s seventeenth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians through COVID-19 and Beyond: Poll 18” by clicking the link below!
Poll 17 indicates that financial stressors are having an alarming impact on the mental health of struggling Canadians.
The data demonstrates that financial concerns remain a major factor in negative mental health among Canadians, as well as the following major findings:
39% of respondents feel economic issues are impacting their mental health.
Suicide ideation among Canadians experiencing financial challenges is alarmingly high with 41% reporting having thought about suicide in the last year.
The impacts of inflation are affecting Canadians with 24% reporting having gone into debt as a result.
Housing and food insecurity remains high with 23% of Canadians concerned about their ability to make rent or mortgage payments, and 37% struggling to feed themselves or their families.
29% of Canadians cite an inability to pay as the reason for not accessing mental health care despite needing it (an increase of 11% from our previous polls).
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s seventeenth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians through COVID-19 and Beyond: Poll 17” by clicking the link below!
The release of Poll 16 presents findings that indicate a stagnation in the mental health of Canadians.
The data demonstrates that mental health indicators continue to flatline when compared to the last few polling reports. Levels of high anxiety (11%) and depression (9%) have remained constant, and feelings of burnout (23%) have not changed since early 2022. This indicates that the stagnant mental health improvements flagged in the previous poll are ongoing.
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s sixteenth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians through COVID-19 and Beyond: Poll 16” by clicking the link below!
Results from Poll 15 demonstrate a possible “new normal” for the mental health of Canadians
The data demonstrates that mental health indicators remain flat (or have gotten slightly worse) after a long period of improvement. Levels of high anxiety (10%) and depression (8%) have remained constant, and not coping well with stress (14%) have not changed since our last data collection in November 2022. Future polls will validate whether this is indicative of a new normal for Canadians, or the result of transitional changes, such as a seasonal impacts or the current economic state.
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s fifteenth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians through COVID-19 and Beyond: Poll 15” by clicking the link below!
While the mental health impacts of COVID-19 are improving, new challenges present negative mental health factors for Canadians
Indicators around anxiety and depression are slowly improving, as is demonstrated in Mental Health Research Canada’s (MHRC) Poll 14. However new challenges, such as inflation and food insecurity, are negatively impacting the mental health of Canadians. The data was collected in MHRC’s fourteenth poll from October 21 - November 1, 2022.
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s fourteenth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians through COVID-19 and Beyond: Poll 14” by clicking the link below!
As we move into the pandemic’s recovery period, MHRC is shifting its focus from mental health as it relates to COVID-19, to a more current and ongoing approach.
Indicators around anxiety and depression are improving considerably, as is demonstrated in Mental Health Research Canada’s (MHRC) Poll 13. Since Canada has begun to move into the post-pandemic recovery period, current high self-rated levels of anxiety are nearly halved (21% to 11%) and high self-rated depression decreased by one third (from 14% to 9%) from levels seen during COVID-19. The data was collected in MHRC’s thirteenth poll from July 13 – 22, 2022.
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s thirteenth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians through COVID-19 and Beyond: Poll 13” by clicking the link below!
Our twelfth poll captures a period when daily news updates of COVID-19 had become less frequent, and pandemic related public health measure had eased considerably or ended across all provinces.
The mental health of Canadians slowly continues to improve. The percentage of Canadians experiencing high levels of self-rated anxiety has dropped from 24% in December 2021 to 21% in April 2022. These are the lowest levels seen in the self-rated scale and clinical screeners in depression and anxiety since April 2021. Fewer Canadians are experiencing disruptions caused by mental health challenges. Recovery to mental health levels seen prior to the pandemic remain a distant hope.
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s twelfth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians” by clicking the link below!
Our eleventh poll represents a period where the impacts of the Omicron variant had begun to diminish, and the majority of eligible Canadians had received their COVID-19 vaccine booster.
This collection captured a period where Omicron cases were doubling every two to three days, but no lockdowns were yet in place. Despite this oncoming wave of a new variant, self-reported anxiety and depression remained stable, there was little to no movement in negative mental health indicators related to fear of catching COVID-19, and Canadians’ overall concern about COVID-19 increased only marginally from 66% to 70%.
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s eleventh poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians” by clicking the link below!
(Data for Poll 11 collected February 15 to 22, 2022)
Our tenth poll captured a period when the Omicron variant first began its spread across Canada. It is also the first where children ages 5 to 11 were eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.
More than 3,700 Canadians participated in the tenth national survey conducted by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). during which time Omicron cases were on the rise, nearly doubling every 2-3 days, but when enhanced COVID-19 restrictions had not yet been implemented in most provinces. Despite the arrival of a new variant, self-reported anxiety and depression remained stable, fear of contracting the virus saw little increase, and Canadians' overall concern about COVID-19 increased only slightly, from 66% to 70%.
Learn more about the key findings of MHRC’s tenth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians” by clicking the link below!
(Data for Poll 10 collected December 13th to 22nd, 2021)
Our ninth poll examined how the implementation of proof of vaccination impacted Canadians’ mental health; levels of anxiety and hopefulness; and access to support.
Here are some of the key findings of MHRC’s ninth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians”. The poll captures Canadians’ perceptions of their levels of anxiety and depression through the pandemic in order to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health.
Conducted October 22nd-November 3rd, 2021, Poll 9 finds 47% of Canadians responding say the proof of vaccination mandate has had a positive effect on their mental health, and that overall anxiety levels are decreasing.
(Data for Poll 9 collected October 22nd to November 3rd, 2021.)
Our eighth poll is the first where the majority of respondents (84%) were double vaccinated and recorded a distinct disparity in reported mental health between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.
Unvaccinated people indicate significantly more symptoms of mental distress, as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to vaccinated people. Concern about virus-related restrictions was indicated by a significantly higher (28%) proportion of people who haven’t taken the vaccine compared to those who have (12%). 75% of vaccinated individuals indicated concern about the continuing potential threat of COVID-19, compared to 38% of unvaccinated people.
These are some of the key findings of MHRC’s eighth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians.” The poll captures Canadians’ perceptions of their levels of anxiety and depression through the pandemic in order to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health.
(Data for Poll 8 collected August 17th to 21st, 2021.)
For frontline workers, the prevalence of diagnosis of a mental health issue is up significantly from 30% to 40% since Poll 6. Our previous research indicates that the profession diagnosed most frequently is registered nurses.
Our newest poll also indicates differences in age for the prevalence of reporting anxiety and depression. This is our first poll in which self-reported anxiety is down significantly since the start of the pandemic - moving from 28% to 24% of Canadians. Deeper analysis indicates that younger Canadians continue to indicate the highest anxiety and depression of all age groups; conversely, the 55+ cohort reports significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression since the last poll during the height of lockdowns. It was this older age group that drove this reduction in anxiety levels.
For the first time, Poll 7 was able to collect data from 16- and 17-year-olds, who reported the highest levels of anxiety and depression among any age group (30% anxiety, 25% depression), and the highest levels of suicidal ideation. Interestingly, this group reports a low prevalence of formal mental health diagnoses, which could indicate a diagnostic gap.
(Data for Poll 7 collected June 7th to June 13th, 2021.)
One-third of Canadians report their mental health is affecting their ability to function, with social and family life being the hardest hit
Of these Canadians still in school or in the workforce, 8% noted losing school or work days to mental health and 30% noted their productivity is significantly impaired.
These are some of the key findings of MHRC’s sixth poll in our ongoing series of polls on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians.” The poll captures Canadians’ perceptions of their levels of anxiety and depression in order to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health.
On the positive side, two-thirds (69%) of Canadians indicate a high degree of resiliency, which suggests a belief in a robust mental health recovery post-pandemic and a level of optimism.
(Data for Poll 6 collected April 20 to 28, 2021.)
Canadians report highest levels of anxiety & depression to date, with depression significantly higher than during height of COVID’s first wave
Canadians cite highest levels of anxiety (25%) and depression (17%) to date, covering both self-reported and diagnosed anxiety and depression. This means that the proportion of Canadians who have reported their level of depression as high has increased by 70% since the height of COVID’s first wave.
These are among the key findings of our fifth poll in an ongoing series of polls on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians.” Partnership with Health Canada has enabled MHRC to continue collecting data into March 2022. The poll captures Canadians’ perceptions of their levels of anxiety and depression in order to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health.
(Data for Poll 5 collected February 1 to 8, 2021.)
CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO!
We discuss the findings of our 5th national poll on mental health, including mental health indicators, resilience, vulnerable groups, coping mechanisms and more!
Canadians indicate highest levels of anxiety and depression to date – but remain optimistic in ability to recover post-pandemic
Canadians are reporting their highest levels of anxiety (23%) and depression (15%) – above the levels at the peak of COVID’s first wave. However, most are optimistic that they will recover once the pandemic is over, with 65% of Canadians indicating they remain highly resilient to challenges like COVID-19.
These are among the key findings of our fourth poll in an ongoing series on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians. The poll captures Canadians’ perceptions of their levels of anxiety and depression in order to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health. MHRC’s fifth poll will collect data in mid to late January.
(Data for Poll 4 collected December 10 to 18, 2020. )
Greatest positive impact on mental health in COVID’s second wave is spending time outside – so how will winter weather and another possible lockdown affect Canadians?
Canadians report that spending time outside (39%) is having a more positive effect on their mental health than any other activity. Young people (ages 18 to 34), healthcare workers, and those who indicated that they are not following COVID-19 guidelines are reporting high levels of anxiety and depression.
These are among the key findings of MHRC’s third poll in a series on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians.” The poll captures Canadians’ perceptions of their levels of anxiety and depression in order to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health. The fourth poll will collect data in early December.
(Data for Poll 3 collected October 22 to 28, 2020.)
No reduction in number of Canadians reporting high levels of anxiety and depression at end of first wave of pandemic
The number of Canadians expressing high levels of anxiety and depression remained steady despite the reduction in restrictions in the summer. This is among the key findings of our second study that is part of a series of national polls on “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians.”
MHRC launched the study to capture Canadians’ perceptions of their levels of anxiety and depression, and to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health. MHRC will also be doing follow-up polls to track the evolution of mental health issues during the pandemic. We will be collecting data again in mid-October to track the effects of the second wave of the pandemic.
(Data for Poll 2 collected August 21 to 31, 2020.)
Alberta, Atlantic Canada and Ontario report highest increase in anxiety and depression levels since COVID-19
Alberta, Atlantic Canada and Ontario report increased levels of anxiety and depression that are the highest in Canada, while Quebec reports the lowest increase in both anxiety and depression levels. For those Canadians recently unemployed, 57% cite the negative impact of job loss on their mental health.
These and other key findings are featured in both the Summary Report and Full Report of the study, “Mental Health in Crisis: How COVID-19 Is Impacting Canadians.”
MHRC’s study has been designed to capture Canadians’ perception of their level of anxiety and depression, and to identify and evaluate the factors that influence mental health. This inaugural poll is part of a year-long effort to track the COVID-19 mental health crisis.
(Data for Poll 1 collected April 22 to 28, 2020.)
