Pandemic taking intense toll on mental health, study finds

The second wave of COVID-19 is causing “alarming levels” of despair, suicidal thoughts and hopelessness in Alberta as feelings of stress and anxiety increase, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The information is from a national survey, released by the CMHA in partnership with UBC researchers, conducted by Maru/ Matchbox between Sept. 14 and 21. Across Canada, 3,027 people age 18 and older were included. This included 397 Albertans.

The survey found 66 per cent of Alberta respondents worried about the second wave and 54 per cent worried about a family member or loved one dying. Only 17 per cent said they felt hopeful.

Since March, 40 per cent experienced a deterioration in their mental health. Of those with children under age 18, 48 per cent worried about finances.

“Community mental health services can take the pressure off hospitals and acute care, which have been hit hard by COVID-19, but they are chronically underfunded,” said Amanda Holloway, CMHA Wood Buffalo's executive director, in a statement. “Now more than ever, governments need to continue to fund services in the community to ensure that people get the help they need sooner.”

This fall, 10 per cent of Canadians are experiencing an increase in thoughts or feelings of suicide. This is an increase from six per cent in the spring and 2.5 per cent in 2016.

The survey showed 18 per cent of Albertan participants have consumed more alcohol, eight per cent increased cannabis use and seven per cent increased the use of prescription medication. The highest coping strategy was reported to be exercising outdoors at 55 per cent.

“As the pandemic wears on and cases and related restrictions rise, a good proportion of our population is suffering,” said Emily Jenkins, the lead researcher and a professor of nursing at UBC who studies mental health and substance use, in a statement.

“Particularly concerning are the levels of suicidal thinking and self-harm, which have increased exponentially since before the pandemic and are further magnified in certain sub-groups of the population who were already experiencing stigma, exclusion, racism and discrimination.”