Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health (SCMH)

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Have you been invited to participate in this survey via email or mail? To log in to the survey, complete the following steps.

Step 1: Visit the electronic questionnaire portal and select Start my survey.

Step 2: Enter your secure access code (you will find this code in the invitation letter or email you previously received from Statistics Canada).

Step 3: Complete the survey.

Are you missing your secure access code, or do you need help?

Phone:

1-877-949-9492
(TTY: 1-800-363-7629)
Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Eastern time

If you use an operator-assisted relay service, you can call us during regular business hours. You do not need to authorize the operator to contact us.

Email:

infostats@statcan.gc.ca

 

The purpose of the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health is to collect data to assess the impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health and well-being of Canadians. Given that the pandemic has significantly altered our daily lives, it is necessary to gather information on its effects on mental health and coping skills.

This voluntary survey includes topics on behaviours and symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide risk, pressure on parents, substance use, household and intimate partner violence, as well as general mental health.

The data will be used by the Public Health Agency of Canada and may be used by other government organizations to inform the delivery of services and support to Canadians, during and after the pandemic.

Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes and your email address may be used to contact you for participation in other surveys. Information from partially completed or unsaved questionnaires may also be retained and used.

Collection period:
From February 23rd to May 31st, 2023
Collection methods:
Electronic questionnaire and telephone interview
Survey participation:
Voluntary

  • Block Information Confidentiality

    Confidentiality

    Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

  • Block Information on Data sharing agreements and record linkage

    Data sharing agreements and record linkage

    Data sharing agreements

    To avoid duplication of surveys, Statistics Canada may enter into agreements to share the data from this survey, including postal code, with provincial and territorial ministries of health, the Institut de la statistique du Québec, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Institut de la statistique du Québec and provincial ministries of health may make the data available to local health authorities. Only organizations that have agreed to keep your information confidential and use it only for statistical purposes will receive the data.

    Record linkage

    To enhance the data from this survey and reduce response burden, Statistics Canada may combine the information you provide with data from other surveys or administrative sources.

  • Block Information on Topics covered in the survey

    Topics covered in the survey

    The survey asks questions about

    • general mental health
    • symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • suicide risk
    • pressure on parents
    • substance use
    • household and intimate partner violence.

  • Block Information on Published data

    Published data

    Statistics Canada publishes the results of its surveys in many formats. To find all the documents related to this survey, follow the links below and type the name of the survey in the search engine located at the left of your screen to filter the results.

    Data: You will find tables, profiles of a community or region, thematic maps, public use microdata files, and data visualization tools.

    Analysis: You will have direct access to Stats in brief (e.g., releases from The Daily, fact sheets), articles and reports, and journals and periodicals.

  • Block Information on Survey-specific questions

    Survey-specific questions

    How will the information collected in this survey be used?

    The Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, the Institut de la statistique du Québec and provincial and territorial ministries of health will use this information when making funding decisions, and developing priorities and new policies, services and programs.

    • Researchers will have more information on Canadians' mental health to monitor, analyze and measure those factors affecting mental health and to report on them.
    • Local health authorities, community groups and social agencies might use this information to determine how to best allocate resources to improve the mental health of the people living in their community.
    • The media might use this information to raise awareness about mental health, and to report on trends in the health status of Canadians.

    Why is participation important?

    Your participation in this survey is voluntary; however, your participation ensures survey results are complete and representative of the entire population.

    Mental health is an important part of everyone's life. For the results to be representative, it is important that we have data from a broad spectrum of the Canadian population, including those in good and poor mental health. Your answers will also help local mental health agencies or professionals to improve and develop mental health programs tailored to your local population.

    Why are you spending money on this survey when you could be putting it into health care?

    Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to contain it, the extent of the impacts on mental health and other aspects of life within households is largely unknown. A timely assessment of the mental health and well-being of Canadians will help inform government decision-making to support all Canadians and their families during this pandemic.

    In addition, federal and provincial governments spend billions of dollars on health care. It is important that decisions about health priorities are well informed so that your tax money can be spent in the most effective way, especially during this pandemic.

    How long will it take to complete this survey?

    It takes, on average, about 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire. The length varies depending on each respondent's answers.

    How will you safeguard the confidentiality of my information?

    As with all Statistics Canada surveys, any information provided will remain confidential pursuant to the Statistics Act.

    Statistics Canada takes the privacy of Canadians very seriously. Published data can never identify you or your household.

    To find out more about the measures in place to safeguard the confidentiality of your information, visit Statistics Canada's Trust Centre.

    When will the results be available?

    Results will be released in The Daily, Statistics Canada's official release bulletin at the end of 2023.

  • Block Information on Other information

    Other information

    In the current context of COVID-19, many people are trying to adjust to the new norms, such as returning to work or day-to-day life. During this time, many people may not feel that they are in control of things, and it is normal to feel concerned, sad, stressed, confused, scared or worried.

    Should you need any support, please contact any of the following resources:

    • Canada Suicide Prevention Service
      A national network of existing distress, crisis and suicide prevention line services
      Crisis Services Canada
      Telephone: 1-833-456-4566
    • APPELLE (Quebec Residents)
      Help line for those thinking about suicide or are worried about a loved one
      Telephone: 1-866-277-3553
    • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
      A wide range of clinical care services for mental illness and addictions
      CAMH
      Telephone: 1-800-463-2338
    • Wellness Together Canada
      Mental health and substance use support, resources, and counselling with a mental health professional
      Wellness Together Canada
      Adults: Text WELLNESS to 741741
      Front Line Workers: Text FRONTLINE to 741741
    • Kids Help Phone
      Available to young Canadians between 5 to 29 years old who are seeking 24-hour confidential and anonymous care with professional counsellors
      Kids Help Phone
      Telephone: 1-800-668-6868
      Text CONNECT to 686868
      Online chat: Kids Help Phone - Live Chat
    • Hope for Wellness Help Line
      Counselling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada
      Hope for Wellness Help Line
      Telephone: 1-855-242-3310
      Online chat: Hope for Wellness Chat
    • Trans LifeLine
      A trans-led organization connecting trans people to the community, support, and resources they need
      Trans Lifeline
      Telephone: 1-877-330-6366
    • Strongest Families Institute
      Providing services to children and families seeking help for mental health and other issues impacting health and well-being
      Strongest Families Institute
      Telephone: 1-866-470-7111
    • Canadian Mental Health Association (National)
      Provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses and support recovery and resilience
      Canadian Mental Health Association
      Telephone: 1-866-277-3553 (In Quebec)
      Telephone: 1-833-456-4566
    • Government of Canada
      List of mental health services for support
      Mental health support: Get help
      Links for family violence resources and services in your area Family Violence Resources
  • For more information about this survey
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