Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Continues to Affect Mental Health
Timmins, Ontario - Results of the two mental health surveys conducted by the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) report that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively affect mental health. Results highlight that the mental health of almost twenty-five percent (25%) of respondents or about one in every four respondents deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PHU conducted two telephone surveys with community members across its’ region. The first survey was completed in Winter 2020 with a follow-up survey in Spring 2022. The purpose of the surveys was to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health to inform future programming.
Chantal Riopel, Manager of Foundational Standards/Chief Nursing Officer for the PHU states, “Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices for a long and healthy life.” Ms. Riopel added, “These survey results highlight the need to address the mental health of our communities now more than ever.” Results of the survey also emphasized that those who are experiencing mental health illness are most at risk from the increased stressors from the ongoing pandemic.
Furthermore, social factors such as employment, education and access to food and housing play important roles in mental health. Survey results noted that, although there was some improvement between the two surveys, the ongoing pandemic continues to affect where people work learn and live.
The two survey reports will be sent to community partners with the goal of supporting decision-making and providing insight on community mental health needs. Both reports are also available on the PHU website.
The Porcupine Health Unit is located in Northeastern Ontario, serving the entire Cochrane District and Hornepayne, in Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, Ontario, with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.