Mental health poll shows pandemic taking a toll

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A recent poll in Ontario proves what many already know - the COVID-19 pandemic is having an effect on mental health. Results from the poll, conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario division, indicate that the negative mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is currently at an all time high. The CMHA reports that only one third of poll participants consider their mental health to be “very good” or “excellent,” a significant decrease from the 52 per cent that was reported in the first survey of this type, conducted last May. In addition, CMHA reports that almost 80 per cent of Ontarians now believe that there will be a serious mental health crisis post-pandemic, up from 66 per cent. CMHA Ontario CEO Camille Quenneville said they started the surveys a year ago when they began to worry about the effect the pandemic would have on mental health. “While we were concerned after our first round of results last spring, the second round in the summer provided some hopeful results. Now, the results of this latest poll show that people are having more trouble coping with the effects of the pandemic. The need for more supports has never been more clear.” This isn’t the only survey showing concerning results. In December, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reported its own findings of significant decline in mental health. The results showed that while anxiety levels fluctuate, seeming to mirror lockdowns and restrictions, levels of depression and loneliness remained rather stable over the course of six surveys, which began in May of 2020. The CAMH survey also found that many people are turning to substance use and abuse to cope, reporting that about one quarter of participants admitted to binge drinking in the previous week, a result which CAMH psychiatrist Dr. David Gratzer says is “less than ideal and could haunt people. After all, alcohol is addictive.” In anticipation of another possible lockdown, and in the shadow of what is said to be a third wave from variant viruses, health officials and government leaders say that when making further safety protocols, they are taking into account the mental health of the community and that they are aware that tightening restrictions increases stress levels. At a recent press briefing, Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen De Villa, noted the importance of considering mental health when updating guidelines and restrictions. “Employment is one of the key determinants of physical and mental health,” she said, “and my concern is, even at it’s mildest, the stress of living in this state of suspended animation is a burden” The CMHA is urging the Ontario government to put forth more measures to prioritize mental health support, as it is anticipated to be in high demand in the coming months. “As service providers, it’s very alarming to think about what we’ll need to do to support the population,” said Quenneville. “The service demands will be very significant.” The full findings of both the CMHA and CAMH surveys can be found online on their respective websites. Justyne Edgell, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Uxbridge Cosmos

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Thanks for sharing. People need something to divert their attention.