How has COVID-19 impacted Canadians’ mental health?
The Conference Board of Canada and the Mental Health Commission of Canada have partnered to explore the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.
Between April 27 and May 15, 2020, we conducted a mental
health pulse-check and received responses from
We looked at the pro-social, at-risk, and help-seeking coping strategies they used.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
What we found
of respondents reported that since the onset of COVID-19, their mental health concerns worsened.
1,804 Canadians.
84%
The biggest mental health concerns were:
• family well-being
• one’s future
• isolation/loneliness
• anxiousness/fear
Q: How concerned were you for the well-being and wellness of your family before the pandemic?
(percentage of respondents; n = 1,804)
Note: Totals may not add to 100 due to rounding.
Source: The Conference Board of Canada.
Concerns for family—then and now
Q: How concerned are you for the well-being and wellness of your family now, during the pandemic?
(percentage of respondents; n = 1,804)
Note: Totals may not add to 100 due to rounding.
Source: The Conference Board of Canada.
Financial health influences overall health. Respondents who had secure employment and higher income reported lower levels of mental health concerns than their unemployed and lower-income counterparts.
Risky behaviours
Those with higher mental health concerns were more likely to reach for at-risk strategies
(average mental health concern score on a scale of 15–150, by number of at-risk strategies used)
Source: The Conference Board of Canada.
Connecting with family and friends through technology, walking/jogging, and exercise were the top pro-social coping strategies used.
Time with a pet was the strategy that produced the greatest perceived benefit.
Unfortunately, those with the highest levels of mental health concerns reported using coping strategies that they perceived to be the least effective—such as alcohol, food, and drugs.
When respondents sought help, the top three strategies were:
1. talking to a therapist/counsellor/psychologist,
2. telemedicine, and
3. online physical health trainers.
Source: The Conference Board of Canada.
Your mental health experience matters
Those with the
lowest levels of mental health concerns reported using coping strategies that they perceived to be highly beneficial.
What can employers do?
to help their employees with rising mental health
Focusing on providing meaningful work, supporting the whole employee (family, work, and social lives), and adopting proven mental health assessment tools.
Understanding the role of the workplace in building overall mental health.
Exploring the strategies employees are using to cope and knowing the pros and cons of these strategies to encourage healthier choices.
Promoting the use of psychological services and employee assistance programs—and defining success criteria and metrics.
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Employers will need concrete plans
concerns, including:
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The spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created uncertainty in all global markets. We’re doing our best to provide timely updates, but information can fall out of date quickly. Visit conferenceboard.ca for our latest insights. The Conference Board of Canada reserves the right to adjust content as necessary.
For a closer look at our survey results, including more rankings and response breakdowns, download our presentation here:
Note: This file is for reference purposes only.
Download the presentation
More findings
Mindfulness was the only coping strategy to have a positive impact across all
15 concern areas.
What we measured
5
Social connections matter. Employers need to help reduce stigma, isolation, and loneliness—especially with more people working remotely than ever.
• Financial health
We surveyed 15 mental health concerns:
• Employment situation
• Physical health
• Domestic violence
• Alcohol/drug use
• Anxiousness/fear
• Anger management
• Isolation/loneliness
• Low moods/depression
• Finding a spouse
• Maintaining a relationship
• Fulfilling parenting roles
• Wellness of family
• My future
• Overall mental well-being
Between April 27 and May 15, 2020, we conducted a mental health pulse-check and received responses from
We looked at the pro-social, at-risk, and help-seeking coping strategies they used.
Back to top
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Financial health
Get moving
The pet advantage
Bad strategies
Reaching out
