Mental health planning in the era of a pandemic: appropriately matching mental health needs with resources across Canada through a rapid assessment of COVID-19’s impact on adults and older adults

Principal Investigator: Dr. Helen-Maria Vasiliadis

Affiliation: Université de Sherbrooke

Start Year: 2021

This timely study is a unique opportunity to assess the impact of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, obsessive compulsive disorders and evaluate health service needs for mental health/emotional problems across Canada. This evidence will inform Canada-wide and province specific strategic planning for the allocation of human and financial resources to offer quality mental health services that will meet the mental health needs of adults and older adults. Findings will specifically highlight at-risk groups to inform recommendations on tailored mental health strategies and additional resources required post-pandemic. In addition, findings will provide a comprehensive baseline portrait of mental health status and needs during the pandemic to prepare for Canada’s mental health response to future outbreaks.