With the cost of living becoming a burden for many, a new survey by the Behavioral Sciences department at Yorkville University, shows financial stress to be extremely concerning for the mental health of Canadians.
Of the 1800 surveyed, 84 per cent believe financial pressure to be greatly impacting people’s mental health.
Eighty-three per cent have seen the number of clients increase who want to talk about the emotional impacts of financial stress.
To help serve clients better, 88 per cent of practicing respondents have adopted a hybrid or fully virtual model.
There is also a sense of empowerment within the mental health community to make a difference for clients.
“There’s no denying that increasing financial pressures are harming the mental health of Canadians,” said Dr. Krista Schultz, Associate Dean of Student Experience on the Behavioural Sciences team at Yorkville University, which provides Canada’s leading online counsellor education graduate program. “Our opinion poll shows that Canadians — regardless of age — are stressed and struggling with the economic realities they are facing, with relationship issues ranking as the second most pressing concern. However, our MACP community is dedicated to helping clients develop resilience, coping strategies, and emotional regulation techniques.”
