Uncertainty fuelling Canadians’ stress amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Uncertainty fuelling Canadians' stress amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
Uncertainty of when the pandemic will end is one of the biggest factors fuelling Canadians' stress amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been impacting the lives of Canadians for the better half of a year after taking hold back in March.

As the virus enters its second wave, many Canadians are asking themselves when are things going to return to normal?

This question – and the lack of a definitive answer – is a major source of stress for many Canadians, according to a new survey from Leger.

In data released by the market research firm on Tuesday, Leger suggests that Canadians’ biggest sources of stress related to COVID-19 is the uncertainty of when the pandemic will end and how bad it will get.

The research firm also suggests that social isolation and being unable to see friends and family are the second biggest source of stress, while a close third is people worrying about their family’s health and safety.

Geographically, people in B.C. appear to be the ones wondering the most when the COVID-19 pandemic will end across Canada, according to Leger’s data.

COVID-19 pandemic

Leger’s latest poll emphasizes that 24 per cent of Canadians and 16 per cent of Americans are reporting that their mental health and stress levels are currently worse compared to during the first wave of the pandemic back in March.

Meanwhile, Leger’s data also shows that over one-quarter (27 per cent) of Canadians think that we are in the worst period of the COVID-19 pandemic now. This proportion has been trending upward for the past three weeks.

Leger - Worst part of the COVID-19 pandemic (Oct. 20)

Along with the stressors listed above, worries about finances also continue to be a concern for many Canadians.

Only seven per cent of people across the country say they aren’t stressed at all right now. This compares to the 14 per cent of Americans that are also reporting they are not currently experiencing any stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This web survey was conducted by Leger from October 16-18.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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