Mental Health

Half of Canadians report a worsening of their mental health

Apr 30, 2020 | 12:37 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The local branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association have experienced an increase of self-referrals for their BounceBack program.

According to Executive Director Maureen Davis, northerners are already supplemented to an increased risk of their mental wellbeing due to the rural environment, curtailments at various mills throughout the region, flooding, and the entering into wildfire season.

“And then you put COVID on top of that. People just don’t know what’s coming next,” explained Davis. “There’s been a number of huge financial hits to the area.”

In a report published by the Angus Reid Institute, a non-profit foundation committed to independent research, 50 per cent of Canadians report a worsening of their mental health, with one-in-ten (10 per cent overall) saying it has worsened “a lot”.

Davis says they’re not surprised given the circumstances Canadians are facing, urging residents to seek help sooner rather than later if they’re experiencing any mental difficulties.

When the Angus Reid Institute asked Canadians to describe how they have been feeling in recent weeks, those polled (1,912 Canadians) stated they’re worried, (44 per cent), anxious (41 per cent) and bored (30 per cent), although fully one-third (34 per cent) also say they are “grateful”.

As a way to cope with alterations in persons’ mental health, Davis recommends they look into programs such as BounceBack or Living Life to the Fullest. She also urges residents to find balance.

“If you find yourself Netflixing for 12 hours a day, stop. Try to get some balance. reach out to some people you haven’t connected with before. Yell across the fence to a neighbour. Do something to reach out and connect, and help as best you can. The more we reach out and help others, the more it helps us.”

If you’re experiencing mental health issues and simply need someone to talk to, call 310-6789 (no area code). This number will connect you to your local BC crisis line without a wait or busy signal, 24 hours a day.