Morneau Shepell released the second of its monthly Mental Health Index™ report, showing a consistent negative mental health score in the country. The findings show that COVID-19 continues to have a negative impact on mental wellbeing, despite a slowing of infections, and most provinces proceeding with a phased reopening.
The Mental Health Index™ for May showed a 12-point decline from the pre-pandemic benchmark of 75. This month’s overall score is identical to the score last month, however the sub-scores show a modest improvement in anxiety countered by a larger increase in isolation. The main factors contributing to poorer mental health in the month were anxiety (-14.0 points), depression (-13.9), work productivity (-13.5), optimism (-12.3) and isolation (-11.9). Additionally, this is the second consecutive month where Canadians report an increase in mental stress compared to the prior month. The continuing low Mental Health Index™ score, plus the continued month-over-month increase in mental stress, raises concerns regarding the potential longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadians’ mental health.
Across the country, we see some modest improvement in the Mental Health Index™ in Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Maritimes and Saskatchewan, and declines in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. British Columbia had the most significant increase in stress compared to the prior month, and Manitoba and Saskatchewan had the lowest increases.
Maintaining employment does not protect mental health if salary is reduced
Sixty-one per cent of Canadians indicated that they remained employed at the same income level. Twenty-eight per cent of Canadians indicated either a reduction in hours or salary. Meanwhile, those who maintained their income had the best mental health scores (-9.4). Those who maintained employment, but with reduced salary had the lowest scores (-15.4)
In considering industry, those in healthcare fared slightly better in terms of mental health than the population overall (-11 vs -12). While the stressors in this sector are undeniable, the support and recognition shown by the general public may be softening its impact.
