Mental health programs available but more funding needed as pandemic despair grows

If you are feeling even more stress and anxiety by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone.

A new survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association, in partnership with UBC researchers, says the rising case numbers and deaths have caused alarming levels of despair, suicidal thoughts and hopelessness in residents of British Columbia.

Most people in B.C. (69 per cent) indicate they’re worried about the second wave of the virus, with 55 per cent concerned about a loved one or family member dying, and only 22 per cent feeling hopeful. As winter approaches, 42 per cent of British Columbians say their mental health has deteriorated since March. A third of British Columbians (36 per cent) are worried about finances.

“Cold weather, uncertainty, eroded social networks and restrictions on holiday gatherings are hitting at a time when people are already anxious, hopeless and fearful that things are going to get worse,” CMHA’s National CEO, Margaret Eaton said. “I am afraid that many people are in such despair that they can’t see past it.”

Of great concern is the sharp increase in suicides this fall, with one in 10 Canadians (10 per cent) experiencing recent thoughts or feelings of suicide. Those figures are up from six per cent in the spring and 2.5 per cent throughout pre-pandemic 2016.

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“We are seeing a direct relationship between social stressors and declining mental health,” lead researcher Emily Jenkins, a professor of nursing at UBC who studies mental health and substance use, said. “As the pandemic wears on and cases and related restrictions rise, a good proportion of our population is suffering. 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.”

Unfortunately, few British Columbians are getting mental health services and supports they need, while many are relying on a combination of healthy and unhealthy strategies to cope.

Nearly 13 per cent have indicated they have increased their use of substances as a way to cope. Sixteen per cent of B.C. residents have increased their alcohol use, while many have also increased their use of other substances, including cannabis (six per cent) and prescription medication (three per cent).

The pandemic keeps underlining that mental health is not an individual responsibility, and that policy-level interventions are required. Even before the pandemic, the mental health care system in Canada was not meeting people’s needs due to long waitlists, access issues, inequity and underfunding.

“The North Okanagan has incredible community-based mental health services that take the pressure off hospitals and acute care, which have been hit hard by COVID-19. These non-profits and programs are chronically underfunded though, and governments need to fund services in the community to ensure that people get help before it’s an emergency. Prevention and early intervention are critical and possible thanks to our community service providers,” said Julia Payson, Executive Director of CMHA Vernon.

The survey was dispatched by Maru/Matchbox from September 14 to 21, 2020 to a representative sample of 3,027 people ages 18 and up living in Canada. British Columbia’s sample was 445.

To access a complete summary of the findings, click here.

The Crisis Line is available 24/7, 365 days a year at 1-888-353-2273. To find out more about Bounce Back, a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry visit bouncebackbc.ca.