What started out as a two week lockdown has lasted nearly two years. In this time, we’ve experienced major shifts to our daily routines, changes to social lives and interactions, and even transitions in how and where we work. After all these adjustments, how are Canadians doing?

TELUS Health surveyed 3,000 Canadians every month from April 2020 to October 2021 to create a Mental Health Index. Below are some insights from this index:

• Almost 25% of employed Canadians reported a decline in their mental health since the start of the pandemic.
• Workplace relationships have continued to deteriorate – a 4% increase in negative peer relationships and 2% increase in negative manager relationships since the start of the pandemic.
• Parents are 50% more likely than non-parents to be in crisis or have concerns about their ability to cope.
• In April 2020, 54% of respondents felt an increase in mental stress. By October 2021, 19% of that group reported even higher stress levels and 74% reported the same level of stress.
• In terms of physical health, nearly 1 in 5 Canadians have seen a decline in their physical health since the start of the pandemic. This group’s mental health score was 15 points below the national average.

These numbers may not be surprising, as many of us are likely represented above in one way or another. So how can we make the best of a situation that, probably and unfortunately, won’t be going away anytime soon?

An influx of support

One positive thing to come out of the pandemic is the overwhelming amount of help and resources surrounding mental health.

Through your GroupHEALTH plan, you have access to TELSU Health’s online network of 24/7 short-term counselling, resources on hundreds of support topics, and even fitness programs. Click here to learn more.

The Government of Canada also provides free counselling and mental health resources for those in need. Click here to learn more.

Especially now, let’s remember to lean on each other for support and take care of ourselves. We’re all in this together.