Monitoring the mental health impact of COVID-19 on Canadians: a longitudinal study

  • Amy is a first-year PhD student at the University of Waterloo having recently transferred from her MSc in Public Health Sciences. She obtained her BHSc from Queen’s University where she worked as a research assistant, engaging in mental health research with a focus on emerging adulthood. She has also worked as a data analyst in the field of behavioural risk, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Her current research focuses on mental health and substance use, particularly trends in cannabis use related to changes in cannabis policy.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the mental health of Canadians. As of April 2022, self-rated levels of anxiety and depression were comparable to the ones observed during the worst periods of the pandemic, according to data collected by MHRC. Therefore, it is important that we continue to monitor the mental health needs and strengths of the general population in Canada.

Using MHRC’s national polling initiative on Canadian mental health, the goal of this project is to evaluate trends in the mental health of Canadians by focusing on several key areas. Mental health status across equity-deserving groups will be evaluated, including how socio-economic and behavioural factors, such as housing status, food security, and substance use, influence these trends.

The study will also explore patterns of health service utilization, comparing mental health service use based on both self-reported and objective indicators of need. Additionally, it will analyze changes in the types of mental health services accessed, and why some individuals in need of mental health services do not seek them, with particular attention to identifying any overrepresented demographics within this group. Data collection will be conducted on an ongoing basis by MHRC through online surveys every three months.

This project is co-funded in partnership with Mitacs.