A recent survey indicates that the mental health of Canadians has dropped four per cent since last year, with the COVID-19 pandemic as the main cause.
Less than half of respondents (45 per cent) indicated their mental well-being was good, according to an RBC poll surveying people who are both employed or recently laid off due to the new coronavirus.
There are several factors as to why people's mental health has dropped this year, including job loss, heightened anxiety, along with federal and provincial regulations.
Solutions are available for people and their employers in the form of employee assistance programs (EAPs), which are designed to provide support for workers.
EAPs contain many useful tools and counselling services to help people with areas such as mental health, family and financial issues, along with health and fitness coaching.
Counselling services are completely confidential and the professionals on the other end of the line are there to provide helpful information and support.
The survey found 67 per cent of respondents would consult with a mental health practitioner through video chat, web or telephone - an increase of 17 points from last year.
Regardless of your age or sex - only 58 per cent of women rank their mental health as excellent or good - EAP programs are meant help everyone succeed in both their personal and professional life.
Consult with your human resources professional to find out what EAP services are available to you. If you're a business owner interested in adding EAP services to your benefits plan, get in touch with NFP's Alecia Henderson today.