COVID-19 and Suicide: Prevention is Possible

This fact sheet was published in 2021. The data may be out of date.

The impacts of the pandemic are more pronounced among marginalized groups (i.e., Indigenous people, people with disabilities, racialized groups, people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+), those with a pre-existing mental health condition, younger people, women, parents with children under 18, and those with high levels of exposure to COVID-19 (i.e., front-line and health-care workers).

What they are saying

Self-reported mental health and well-being

• Over 38% say their mental health has declined due to COVID-19.
•  in 5 are reporting moderate-to-severe anxiety.

Loneliness and worry

• 1 in 5 say they have been feeling lonely
• People are most worried about the financial impact of COVID-19 and either becoming ill or experiencing the death of a loved one from COVID-19.

Substance use

• Almost 1 in 5 report they are drinking more alcohol.
• 14% of those between 18 and 34 have increased their consumption of cannabis.

Intentional self-harm and suicidal thoughts

• 4% have tried to harm themselves.
• 10% have had suicidal thoughts.

This document presents highlights from our COVID-19 and Suicide: Potential Implications and Opportunities to Influence Trends in Canada Policy Brief.