Uncertainty surrounding people’s jobs, their health, relationships with family, and trouble coping with isolation have been factors playing on the mental health of Canadians ever since the pandemic began, and the mental health commission is working to make more resources available.

CEO Louise Bradley says a survey conducted between late April and early May found 84 per cent of those asked reported a significant decline in mental health since the country went into virtual lockdown in March.

Bradley confirms the commission is doing what they can to help those who need it.

For example, they have developed a crisis response training program, free of charge to essential workers, and their mental health first aid course will be available online come the fall.

Bradley admits something as complex as mental health needs a wide range of resources.

One size doesn’t fit all and people respond to these situations quite differently, she says. Some people actually enjoy working from home, while others find it very stressful.