This report reveals that while economic strain, social media overload, and healthcare gaps challenge mental well-being, community involvement and social connections support a stronger sense of belonging.
Key findings include:
- Financial Stress and Mental Struggles: 42% of Canadians report a negative impact on their mental health due to economic conditions, the highest level recorded since MHRC began polling. Additionally, 39% of Canadians struggle to pay their bills.
- Impact of News and Social Media: Social media’s impact is at an all-time high, with 33% reporting negative effects, and young adults spending more time online than ever before. More than four in ten Canadians (43%) say watching the news negatively affects their mental health, a 7% increase from Poll 22 in December 2022.
Additional major findings from Poll 23 include:
- Community Participation and Mental Health: Canadians who participate in community groups feel a stronger sense of belonging, which is linked to improved mental health, while 62% of non-participants report feeling disconnected.