We’re collectively just under two years into the global COVID-19 pandemic, and studies show that Canadians’ mental health is continuing to suffer.
A new study from the Angus Reid Institute shows that one-in-three Canadians, 36 per cent, say they’re struggling with their mental health – an increase from about 25 per cent in November, prior to the emergence of the Omicron variant.
About seven per cent of Canadians say they’re ‘barely getting by’, over double the amount found in October of 2020, and two-thirds of those with mental illness, addictions and alcoholism say it has gotten worse during the pandemic.
Just under half of Canadians, 47 per cent, say alcohol abuse is a problem among their social circles, while three-in-ten say the same for drug abuse. Statistics from Statistics Canada show that overdoses and alcohol-related deaths have risen since 2020.
Other findings show that three-in-ten people say they or someone in their household had an appointment with a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist in the last year, while another 30 per cent say they’ve received a prescription to treat a mental health issue in the last 12 months.
“We know that throughout the pandemic, people have faced challenges with their mental health,” responded Kenora MP Eric Melillo, in an interview with Q104, KenoraOnline and DrydenNow.
“I think every family across the country has been touched by this in some way. I think that’s why we need to have a greater emphasis on finding ways to support Canadians.”
Melillo says the federal Conservatives have put forward proposals to increase mental healthcare transfers to more provinces, to create a national three-digit suicide prevention hotline, and to find ways for employers to offer more mental health benefits and coverage.
Leader Erin O’Toole has said their proposed six per cent increase to the Canada Health Transfer System for the next 10 years would provide another $60 billion into provincial Medicare to help boost mental health supports.
If elected, O’Toole also promised $1 billion in new funding over five years for First Nations, Metis and Inuit mental health and drug treatment programs. He’s proposed land-based treatment programs and culturally appropriate childcare.
The Conservatives say they would also offer a 25 per cent tax credit for three years to offset any of the employers’ costs to add mental health coverage to their employee benefit plans.
Last year, MPs voted unanimously in favour of a motion calling for a national three-digit suicide hotline that would consolidate all existing suicide crisis numbers in Canada. It still hasn't been created.
The COVID-19 pandemic began in March of 2020.