11
a
guidebook
by
CEO
Health
+
Safety
Leadership
Network
Foster Resilience and Mental Well-being
At the start of the pandemic, Mental Health Research Canada began a series of polls to
understand the mental health of Canadians. Not surprisingly, their research revealed
that anxiety and depression hit an all-time high during the pandemic. While there has
been a slight improvement since the first poll was conducted in 2020, their most recent
poll
1
revealed new factors are affecting the mental health of Canadians.
Inflation is affecting Canadians with 49% feeling that their mental health is being
negatively impacted.
Just over a third of respondents are worried about not being able to fully pay
household bills. Additionally, a third are concerned with their ability to afford to feed
themselves and their family with 3% already relying on food support programs.
A correlation was noted between those who are experiencing very high levels of
anxiety and depression and food insecurity (59% and 65%, respectively).
Symptoms of anxiety and depression can be experienced at the following levels:
Normal, Mild, Clinical, Moderate, Severe
It is not unusual for us to experience anxiety and depression in the normal to mild range.
However, if we experience anxiety or depression at a clinical level, the symptoms can
affect everyday life and productivity.
Want more information on promoting mental health and preventing mental harm?
Check out the WSPS Mental Harm Prevention Roadmap Microsite. It contains free
resources and tools, including processes for assessing current state, developing an
action plan, and monitoring progress.
1 National Poll on Canadian Mental Health, https://www.mhrc.ca/national-polling-covid
Normal Mild Clinical Moderate Severe
