Substances such as cannabis and alcohol are getting used more often as Canadians worn down by COVID-19 are trying to cope with a self-reported increase in mental health issues.

Findings from Field Trip Health Ltd.’s first annual “State of Mind” survey show that about one in four respondents self-rate their current mental health as only fair or poor, while the lion’s share of those polled — 83 per cent — are reporting one or more symptoms of depression.

Based on figures from YouGov Plc, responses were received from 2,015 people during the survey in late April. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Canadian adults (18 and older).

In the last two weeks before the survey, 56 per cent of Canadians reported feeling down, depressed or hopeless, 59 per cent said they felt little interest or pleasure in doing things and 72 per cent noted they felt tired or had little energy, reports Field Trip Health, a company that develops and delivers psychedelic therapies.

To cope, 50 per cent of respondents increased how much cannabis they used and 44 per cent upped alcohol consumption. It is unsurprising that drugs and vices represented “a key source of respite for many,” notes Field Trip Health.

Substances weren’t the only means of coping. Screen time is up for 72 per cent of respondents, gambling has increased for 53 per cent, pornography is being used more by 40 per cent, overeating is up for 70 per cent and a quarter say prescription medication use has risen.

On the last point, younger Canadians seem most affected, with 41 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds reporting increased prescription medication use.

Younger people and women were also having a tougher go of things with mental health in general. / PHOTO BY RO VESALAINEN / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Younger people and women were also having a tougher go of things with mental health in general. Specifically, 30 per cent of women describe their current mental health as either fair or poor compared to 20 per cent of men.

For those aged 18 to 24, 34 per cent of respondents report experiencing the most negative feelings. That compares to 32 per cent for respondents between the ages of 35 and 49, and 12 per cent for people aged 65 and older.

The strain that COVID-19 is having on “our mental and emotional well-being is shining a light on areas where we can improve, specifically options for mental health care,” says Ronan Levy, co-founder and executive chairman of Field Trip.

One bright spot, though, is that almost four in 10 respondents reported they are likely to seek professional help in the future to help support their mental health. Even though 76 per cent of those polled have never tried psychedelics, 20 per cent of respondents reported they would be open to trying such therapies with professional support.

“My hope is that all Canadians, including politicians and regulators, will continue to educate themselves and their peers on all of the options available to them, including the incredible promise of psychedelic-assisted therapies,” Levy says.