For Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin promotes social connection to protect mental health in these difficult times

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ontarians feel anxious and crave real connection, but say they’re doing “fine”

For Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin promotes social connection to protect mental health in these difficult times

Brampton, Ontario: May 4, 2020 – Most Ontarians rely on shortcuts to describe their emotional state—even during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to new data released today by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in partnership with Maru/Matchbox, 77 per cent of those asked “how are you?” rely on “I’m fine, thanks” to express how they’re doing, despite the fact that Ontarians are feeling more negative emotions than positive ones these days (66% negative vs. 34% positive). The data were released to mark Canada’s 69^th annual Mental Health Week, which runs May 4-10, 2020.

Despite a pandemic-driven growth in video-conferencing and social media usage, Canadians are feeling more isolated than ever (up 8 points from 39% to 47% in less than one month) and crave real, meaningful connections. In fact, two-thirds of Ontarians (70%) report they would like to experience more meaningful social interactions in their daily life.

“Most Canadians want more social connection, yet they’re reluctant to have the kind of honest, open conversations that build the connection they crave,” says Margaret Eaton, national CEO of CMHA. “In our society, it’s a cultural norm to ask people how they’re doing, but not to expect, nor provide, a truthful answer. This Mental Health Week, it’s time to get real about how we feel. It’s clear we need each other more than ever.”

Prior to the global pandemic, loneliness was already a major public health concern. People with weak or few social connections are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, anti-social behaviour and suicide.[1] And a lack of strong relationships has the same negative impact on life expectancy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.[2]

Due to physical distancing measures, people are isolated in their homes, missing out on family events and in-person activities and it appears they’re feeling it. Almost half of Ontarians are feeling anxious (49%), and only eight per cent are feeling happy. As we face social distancing measures, it’s important to note that people don’t need to be close to feel close.

“Reaching out to friends, family and support networks virtually through phone, text or other forms of technology fills us up and reminds us that we are all in this together.  It doesn’t just feel good to connect—it’s actually good for everyone’s mental health,” says David Smith, CEO, CMHA Peel Dufferin.

Strong social networks lead to better self-esteem, coping mechanisms and a sense of well-being, and reduce depression and distress by providing emotional support, companionship and opportunities for meaningful social engagement.[3]

At CMHA Peel Dufferin, we will be sharing daily Mental Health Tips, Mental Health Twitter Challenges, Mental Wellness Videos and will be interacting on Instagram Live for Mental Health Week.

The focus of this year’s Mental Health Week is to promote social connection and the role it plays in good mental health. To get involved, you can:

• Learn more about your mental health and how to feel close even when we can’t be at mentalhealthweek.ca/yourmentalhealth
• Share your support on social media by downloading a toolkit at mentalhealthweek.ca/toolkit and using hashtags #GetReal #MentalHealthWeek and #TogetherApart
• Donate to support CMHA mental health programs and services at https://cmhapeeldufferin.ca/get-involved/donate-now/
• If you or someone you love is struggling, please contact CMHA Peel Dufferin to find out about virtual and phone-based support services there to help you. For Services at 905-451-2123 or 1-877-451-2123 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday). For Crisis at the 24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin line at 905-278-9036 or 1-888-811-2222 (Caledon & Dufferin) (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Mental Health Week was introduced by CMHA in 1951 and has since become a Canadian tradition. To learn more, please visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca

About the Data

CMHA partnered with Maru/Matchbox to conduct an online survey among a total of 1,507 Canadian adults on April 15, 2020. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of +/- 2.5%, nineteen times out of twenty. The sample was weighted to reflect the Canadian adult population according to the most recent Census data. Additional data was taken from Maru’s ongoing, near-daily FEEL, BEHAVE, THINK COVID-19 tracking study. For more information, please go to www.marureports.com/coronavirus

About the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin

Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin Branch offers services to those 16+ experiencing an addictions or mental health crisis, seniors with dementia, those navigating the court systems, people who are homeless or facing imminent homelessness and family and caregivers.  www.cmhapeeldufferin.ca

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For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2940247/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3890922/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3455910/pdf/11524_2006_Article_44.pdf