Morneau Shepell’s Mental Health Index has shown declines in mental health and well-being in every province as COVID-19 continues its grip on parts of the country.

The survey index, which was carried out from March 27 to March 30, dropped within Alberta by (-14.3), Manitoba (-13.5) and Saskatchewan (-12.9) against the benchmark of 75. In comparison, the Maritimes (-12.4), Quebec (-12.2), British Columbia (-11.0) and Newfoundland and Labrador (-10.9) fared slightly better and Ontario (-10.7) had the smallest drop compared to the pre-2020 benchmark of 75.

Business leaders need to support their people

"Expanding our research to identify the more granular trends affecting individuals in Canada was critical to better inform our support for those in need," said Stephen Liptrap, president and CEO. "While we expect individuals to feel different levels of anxiety depending on their unique situation, one thing that remains true is that business leaders have a responsibility to support the well-being of their people. Providing targeted, informed support that specifically addresses the anxieties individuals are facing is critical, especially in challenging times."

Those who identify as female were significantly more likely to report a negative impact to their mental health as a result of the pandemic, declining 14.6 points (compared to males declining 8.8 points). This trend followed for those in younger age groups (those aged 20-29 reporting the most negative impact), individuals that have lost their job in the past six months and those in the lowest income bracket (under $30,000 per annum).

Report expands to compare level of mental stress

The report has also been expanded to compare the level of mental stress individuals have experienced as a result of COVID-19. The mental stress change score compares stress in the prior month to the current month. Comparing against a benchmark score of 50, which indicates no change from the prior month, Canada's mental stress change score increased to 74.7. Within the country, mental stress change scores increased in Newfoundland and Labrador (82.1), Alberta (77.5), Manitoba (77.4), the Maritime provinces (76.6), Saskatchewan (75.3), British Columbia (74.7), Ontario (75.5) and Quebec (72.1) – all against the benchmark score of 50.

As Canada nears its peak in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, now is the time to intervene with support programs, like internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, said Paula Allen, senior vice president of research, analytics and innovation. “This type of support can help prevent these mental health concerns from becoming a full-blown crisis."