A recent Leger survey commissioned by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) reveals that stress related to the pandemic is having a greater impact on young people living in Canada than on other age groups. Key findings from the survey include:
- 45% of young people reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.
- About 40% of young people who use alcohol, cannabis or both reported increased use.
- School, personal mental health concerns, finances and social isolation were the top four pandemic-related stressors for youth.
- Access to formal treatment services, whether virtual or in-person, is lagging behind the need for services.
CCSA has created a new infographic to illustrate these findings. It includes tips to help young people living in Canada manage stress and substance use during the pandemic.
Existing resources and supports include: