New research shows two-thirds of Ontarians feel that the mental health impacts of COVID-19 are going to be serious and lasting

New research shows two-thirds of Ontarians feel that the mental health impacts of COVID-19 are going to be serious and lasting

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As part of Mental Health Week in May, Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) and Children's Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) released new Ipsos data looking at the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and addiction. The survey examines Ontario’s adults, children and youth experiences with addiction, mental health and mental illness in 2019 and since COVID-19 began. It is clear the demand for services is high and continues to grow during this pandemic. 

Highlights:

  • Overall, 45% of Ontarians report that their mental health has deteriorated since COVID-19 began.
  • Almost three quarters (74%) of respondents feel that Ontarians are experiencing increased mental health and addictions challenges as a result of COVID-19.
  • There is a spike in families that feel stressed to the point where they felt they could not cope or deal with things. In 2019, nearly half (48%) of adults couldn’t cope which is on par with 2018 (47%); and 28% say since the start of the pandemic they more often feel that way. Those in the GTA are impacted the most. Children and youth aren’t much better off with 34% of parents saying that their child felt they were stressed to the point that they couldn’t cope in 2019; and 24% say since the start of the pandemic they are stressed more often.
  • Six in 10 (60%) of Ontarians said they felt stressed to the point that it had an impact on how they lived their daily life in 2019 which is on par with 2018 (62%); but 44% say since the start of the pandemic they are feeling this more often. Those in the GTA are the most impacted followed by Southwest Ontario. Almost half, 46% of parents report that their child is stressed to the point where it had an impact on their daily life; yet 30% say since the start of the pandemic they are more often stressed.
 
For more information, visit: https://amho.ca/mhw-poll/