According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in any given year – and by the time Canadians turn 40, half will have or have had a mental illness.
Case in point: In a 2024 survey conducted for Bell Let’s Talk Day, which encourages Canadians to be more open about their mental health, 1 in 4 adults reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or PTSD.
And even if you aren’t experiencing a serious mental illness, we all experience stressors – busy work and family lives, loneliness, money worries, physical health challenges – that can impact our mental health and wellness.
Why is mental health important?
Just like any other part of your body, when you are mentally healthy you are more able to cope – and even thrive – with the things that life throws at you, building resilience, and be a contributing part of a community that you’re connected to.
As the World Health Organization puts it: “ It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.”
What are some common mental health concerns facing Canadians?
While there are certain mental illnesses that can impact your mental health, there are also some common stressors or situations that can impact your mental wellness as well.
These could include:
Burnout
Characterized by feeling overwhelmed and emotionally exhausting, burnout is a mental health issue with a growing impact.
Self-doubt and imposter syndrome
Feeling like you’re not good enough or not up to the task can have a profound effect on our professional and social lives.
Stress
Whether it’s financial, social or emotional, poorly managed stress in your personal life or at work can have a negative impact.
Starting a new job
Starting a new job can be an exciting time. It can also come with apprehension, fear and stress.
Career planning
Asking yourself questions about your work history can determine what might help you enjoy work in the future.
Work Life Balance
Stress can be better managed when we learn how to manage workload and work−life balance.
Setting Healthy Boundaries At Work
Setting healthy boundaries helps support mental well-being.
Difficult conversations
A difficult conversation usually means one or both parties experience strong emotions, like anger, fear or frustration.
Giving and receiving feedback
If you can give criticism in a clear way that effectively corrects problems or mistakes, it’ll be helpful for you. Unfortunately, some of us are more likely to offer hurtful or confusing criticism.
Loneliness
Directly linked to overall health, life and work satisfaction outcomes, a lack of social connection can impact mental wellness.
Change
Transitional periods can be tricky to cope with and can take a toll on mental wellness.
How can Canadians look after their mental health?
A mental health professional can provide you with tailored advice and treatment that’s right for your specific needs.
For more general tips and strategies, Workplace Strategies For Mental Health is a great resource for evidence-based suggestions.