COVID-19: Mental-health issues soaring among young Canadians, report says

A major Canadian insurer says new data shows young people are struggling mightily with their mental health as COVID-19 wears on.

Sun Life reports that claims for mental-health drugs “skyrocketed among young Canadians” between 2019 and 2021. For those 30-and-under, claims were up 24 per cent, while claims rose by 13 per cent among 30- to 39-year-olds.

“It is no surprise the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of Canadians,” says Sun Life in a summary of the report.

In total, 16 per cent of Sun Life drug claims in 2021 were for treatment of mental disorders. There was also a 51 per cent increase in mental-health paramedical claims — that is, claims for services by professionals outside the public health system — among those under age 35.

The trends are noted in Sun Life’s Designed for Health report, which looks at trends in disability claims among its members, who number in the millions across Canada.

The report comes on the same day that the Mood Disorders Society of Canada launched a campaign to get more federal support for mental-health services, noting people in crisis shouldn’t have to wait hours in emergency rooms awaiting care.

Sun Life says that while the statistics might seem alarming, it could be a sign that awareness and discussion about mental-health issues is encouraging people to look past the stigma and seek help.

“Having open and supportive conversations around mental health is a critical first step,” says Sam Mikail, director of mental-health solutions for Sun Life. “Research shows the severity and duration of mental disorders are reduced the sooner people access care.”

Mikail says every mental-health treatment program is different, and may require working with a family doctor, a psychologist or an employee assistance program through work.

The report shows mental-health disorders continue to be the main driver of disability claims in Canada, accounting for over half of all claims for those under age 44. Overall, the proportion of Canadians reporting a diagnosis of anxiety or depression has risen 30 per cent over the course of the pandemic.

“The need for mental-health support is huge and continues to grow,” says Sun Life’s senior vice-president for group benefits, Marie-Chantal Côté. “We’ve launched several innovative solutions to help employers support employees with their mental health.

“From new programs and partnerships to digital tools and resources, we are committed to tackling the mental-health crisis head on.”

Among the offerings are mental-health coaches through CloudMD, tool kits for employers and a virtual stress management and well-being program. The company, which also provides international financial services, wealth and asset management, says it has committed $3.7 million to youth mental-health initiatives in Canada.

To read the full Designed for Health report, open the PDF here.

jruttle@postmedia.com

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