The survey sheds light on the economic stressors contributing to this uptick in mental health issues, with a specific focus on worries about housing, food security, and having a safe, clean place to sleep.
In Canada, 17 percent of respondents were concerned about affording their rent or mortgage, a figure slightly higher than the 10-country average of 14 percent. Concerns about food security and safe housing also surpassed the average, highlighting the role of economic factors in exacerbating mental health problems.
Sarah Kennell, from the Canadian Mental Health Association, refers to the current situation as a “syndemic,” where various crises, including the pandemic and rising living costs, intersect with mental health.
The survey also found that 15 percent of Canadians said costs prevented them from accessing mental health services, a situation more dire than the 10-country average of 11 percent, indicating the financial barriers to seeking help.
This financial obstacle is further emphasized by the fact that 29 percent of Canadians cited the inability to pay as the main reason for not accessing mental health services such as counselling, psychotherapy, or other treatments.
