It has been a tumultuous time for Canadians amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis that has been exacerbated by the tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump.
New data from Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) suggests that nearly half (42 per cent) of Canadians are experiencing heightened anxiety, citing the Trump tariffs as one of the main triggers.
According to the report, in 2024, there was a declining trend in the number of Canadians reporting negative mental health impacts due to economic conditions.
However, the beginning of 2025 marked a sharp spike, with 42 per cent reporting the economic downturn is “negatively affecting” their mental health and 39 per cent of Canadians worried that they won’t be able to pay their bills.
“Our data confirms that today’s political and economic climate is fueling widespread stress and anxiety,” said Akela Peoples, CEO of MHRC. “Failing to address the mental health toll of this instability could have long-term consequences for all of us as a country.”
The rising cost of living is the main source of anxiety (52 per cent), followed by political tensions and uncertainty with the U.S. (38 per cent), personal challenges (27 per cent) and global events (25 per cent).
In the past month, nearly half of Canadians reported increased anxiety, with concerns highest among lower-income households and women.
The report found that anxiety is highest in Ontario and British Columbia.
In times like this, people may turn to therapy to cope, but there could be financial barriers that prevent this.
Canadian-owned non-profit health and benefits company GreenShield has partnered with MHRC to help break down these barriers. It’s offering two months of free therapy to Canadians looking to address their mental health.
“Time and again, we’ve seen the deep connection between economic uncertainty and declines in mental well-being,” said Zahid Salman, president and CEO of GreenShield, in a statement.
“Mental health is not just an individual issue – it’s a national one. Ensuring Canadians have access to support during tough times strengthens the entire country.”
The offer includes two sessions with a licensed therapist and an unlimited subscription to digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with no membership or commitment required.
If you have found yourself feeling more anxious lately, you can access GreenShield’s free mental health offer from March 28 until May 28, 2025, through GreenShield’s website.
