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

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.