A survey published by Mental Health Research Canada has found that Canadians have less mental health support today than they had before COVID-19.
Out of just over 4,000 Canadians surveyed, about one third (32%) said that before COVID, they had mental health support from a healthcare professional.
Since the outbreak, less than one-fifth (17%) are accessing these supports. That’s a drop by nearly half.
Not surprisingly, the survey also found that fewer Canadians have been able to access in-person supports since COVID—the number went from 22% pre-COVID to only 4% after.
And only a few—less than 5%—were using online resources either before or after the outbreak.
The survey also found that despite the reduction in lockdown restrictions and in new COVID cases between April and August, high levels of anxiety and depression remained steady across Canada.
If you are someone you know is experiencing mental health distress, one place to call is CHIMO, a crisis phone line open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all residents of New Brunswick. The CHIMO hotline can be reached at 1-800-667-5005.
Horizon health has an Addiction and Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team which can be reached at 866-771-7760.
