In Sickness and in Wealth: Mental Health, Income Levels, and COVID-19

Abstract

Globally, COVID-19 has brought upon many challenges to mental health. Social distancing and isolation have led people to experience greater anxiety and negative affect, and financial distress has increased due to economic changes. Demographic features may differentiate the severity of distress individuals face. Using data from The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the present study examined measures of psychological distress across a Canadian sample, identifying differences in age, sex, and income levels. Trends over time were observed. Lower-income Canadians reported higher distress. Women may be at greater risk than men, as well as younger compared to older Canadians. Psychological distress has remained relatively stable throughout the pandemic, although COVID-19 financial worry has lessened as people are not as worried about their finances. The findings of this study are informative of socioeconomic, sex, and age differences in mental health throughout the pandemic in a Canadian sample.