Many Canadians struggling with mental health and refusing to get treatment

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Published March 10, 2021 at 1:08 am

depression

As the pandemic approaches a full year, many Canadians are struggling with mental illness attributed to feelings of isolation.

A recent survey from Sunlife Financial found that the majority of Canadians—60 per cent—are struggling with their mental health, and more than half—54 per cent—have not sought treatment.

According to the findings, the most common affliction is anxiety, followed by stress, depression, and addiction.

Additionally, women and young Canadians (those between the ages of 18 and 34) are experiencing the greatest impact of mental illness—74 per cent of young Canadians and 62 per cent of women admitted to struggling with their mental health.

Further, those between the ages of 18 and 23 were 16 per cent more likely to struggle with addiction, which was more than double the national average of seven per cent.

When asked why they refused to seek treatment, the most common deterrent was affordability—25 per cent said this was their biggest hurdle—and 23 per cent said they felt too embarrassed.

“Our nation is dealing with a mental health crisis. Whether it’s a loved one, a colleague, or yourself, mental health impacts us all,” Chris Denys, senior vice-president of Possibilities for Lumino Health, said in a news release. “We must work together to tackle this emergency. From employers to individuals, we can all play a role in building a more resilient Canada.”

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