If you are in distress, you can text WELLNESS to 741741 at any time. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.

Home › Resources › COVID-19 and People Living With Serious Mental Illness Policy Brief

COVID-19 and People Living With Serious Mental Illness Policy Brief

Purpose

This brief provides an overview of issues faced by people living with serious mental illnesses (and their circles of care) during COVID-19, along with considerations for policy development as we move into the post-pandemic period. It builds on the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s (MHCC’s) preliminary scan on COVID-19 and mental health policy and draws on Canadian and international academic and policy literature, information gleaned from the media and key stakeholders, and contributions from the MHCC’s Hallway Group and Youth Council. To amplify the voices of lived experience, some quotes — both anonymous and attributed — are included throughout the document.

Download the PDF

Feedback Form

Hey, thanks for checking out this resource. After you’ve seen it, we’d love to learn a bit more about your interests and how you found us. Was the information what you looking for? Was it helpful? We’ll use any feedback you provide to further improve what we do. In appreciation, you’ll be automatically entered in a contest where you could win a cash prize or gift certificate. *

Disclaimer:

  • Completion of the form is voluntary.
  • The information collected by the Mental Health Commission of Canada will only be used for the purpose described above.
Are you willing to be contacted within 3 to 6 months for a short follow-up survey?
In case of “Yes” – please provide an email address
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

SHARE THIS PAGE

RELATED

Fact Sheet: Common Mental Health Myths and Misconceptions
What am I getting wrong about mental health? While people in Canada are talking about mental health more than ever, misconceptions in the media and elsewhere are keeping the stigma...
READ MORE

The Impact of COVID-19 on Rural and Remote Mental Health and Substance Use
Purpose This policy brief provides an overview of the developing issues and unique mental health and substance use challenges that COVID-19 poses for rural and remote communities. It builds on...
READ MORE

Amplifying Black Experiences in Cannabis and Mental Health Research – Key Takeaways
Moderated by Dr. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) hosted a virtual dialogue series to identify research priorities and explore challenges and opportunities in the areas of...
READ MORE