The mental health consequences of COVID-19 receive less attention than the epidemiology, transmission patterns, and management of the virus. Policy makers have implemented several important measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus, but have provided less consideration to the mental health effects on individuals.
Image: Engin Akyurt CC0
Do you find yourself stressed and anxious as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?
If so, you are not alone:
Researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the research technology company Delvinia conducted a national survey with over 4000 respondents ages 18 and older, that revealed that 19% of Canadians experienced moderate to severe anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 18.7% reporting that they felt depressed, and 27.2% reporting that they engaged in binge-drinking.
The results were fairly consistent between men and women, with women experiencing slightly higher percentages overall.
Anxiety levels are shown to decrease with age as the majority of respondents experiencing moderate-severe anxiety were in the 18-39 age group. The percentage of respondents that reported feeling depressed and lonely follow the same trend, with individuals in the 18-39 age group having the highest percentage, followed by the 40-59, and 60+ age groups.
38.8% of individuals who felt depressed reported feeling very worried about finances and 34% lost their jobs or are no longer working due to the pandemic.
It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic affects not only physical health, but mental health as well. The rapid direct contact transmission of COVID-19 resulted in the enforcement of lockdowns to stop the spread of the disease. Social distancing, isolation, and the closure of educational institutes, workplaces, and entertainment venues urged people to stay in their homes to stop the transmission of the virus. These restrictive measures have undoubtedly affected the mental health of individuals in Canada.
In addition, the closing of businesses due to COVID-19 has led to financial stress for business owners and employees. The worry associated with having decreased or no income leads to and may aggravate symptoms of depression.
Image: by Luis Villasmil CC0
The COVID‐19 pandemic has had and will continue to have an impact on society. It is important to understand that mitigation measures are necessary to combat the virus, all while recognizing the mental health effects. However, there are ways to better your mental health during these difficult times.
MENTAL HEALTH TIPS:
- Self-care is very important at this time. Reach out to your social supports, try to get enough sleep, eat healthy, & exercise. Do the things you would normally do to support your health but use caution and follow health and safety guidelines.
- Seek information from reliable news sources only. Limit checking in on the latest news to short, defined periods.
- Take the recommended precautions as outlined by Health Canada and other credible health agencies: continue washing your hands, covering your mouth during coughs & sneezes, etc.
- Consider reaching out to mental health resources. Or, call 8-1-1 any time of the day for help navigating the mental health system
– Sarah Ghoul
