Albertans say their mental health has deteriorated due to finances and job security: survey

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Albertans are significantly more likely than other Canadians to believe that their mental health has deteriorated as a result of their financial situation, according to the results of a recent survey.

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The survey, Social Determinants of Mental Health by Angus Reid on behalf of the Credit Counseling Canada, found that 53 percent of respondents in Alberta linked declining personal mental health to tight finances, well above the national rate of 40 percent.

Likewise, 47 percent of Albertans said their mental health was negatively affected by job security, far more than any other province as well as the national number.

“What we wanted to do was find out how Canadians are doing with their mental health and finances,” said Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, Interim CEO of Credit Counseling Canada. “What we found is that Albertans struggle with their money and their mental well-being. “

Yanchuk Oleksy suggested the results reflect both the long-term stress on the oil field, as well as the economic blows caused by the global pandemic.

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And it’s not just job security that is putting more pressure on Albertans. According to the survey, 32% say they are stressed about housing – which is also the highest number in the country – while 55% cite household expenses and 42% say they are household debt payments. consumption.

Additionally, 81 percent of Alberta parents are trying to protect their children from any financial or mental stress caused by the pandemic.

“We have known for years that when people experience financial difficulties, they also experience some mental stress. The two are quite related, ”said Yanchuk Oleksy.

Yanchuk Oleksy said that people have long tended to equate their financial worth with their worth as a person. This often makes it difficult for people to seek help because they feel embarrassed or ashamed, or asking for help in the wrong places.

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“Money and sanity are completely linked and sometimes when you approach one you can address the other,” said Yanchuk Oleksy.

So what is the solution?

Yanchuk Oleksy suggested speaking with a nonprofit credit counselor, saying that the first thing the counselor will tell them is that they are not alone. T Then, they will review a client’s finances and outline the options. The credit counselor can also refer them to a local mental health counselor and other resources where they live.

Credit Counseling Canada is a national, non-profit association of credit counseling agencies that helps people take care of their personal finances.

The survey was also supported by the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. It was conducted online from August 4 to 6, 2021 with a representative sample of 1,510 Canadian Angus Reid Forum members.

nmartin@postmedia.com