October Health – 2025 Report

Chronic illness in Canada

Financial strain from living with or caring for someone with a chronic illness is the leading cause of chronic illness–related stress at the population level in Canada. This includes medical costs not fully covered, prescription expenses, and income loss or reduced work hours due to illness, with caregiving responsibilities adding to the burden. Employers can help by offering strong benefits, flexible work options, paid sick leave, and access to mental health resources (e.g., October’s digital group sessions) to support employees coping with chronic illness stress.

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Chronic illness Prevalence
4.25%
Affected people
2,337,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of high chronic illness stress on health and personal life

  • Health effects

    • Physical: fatigue, pain sensitivity, sleep disruption, and potential worsening of illness symptoms.
    • Mental: increased anxiety, depression, irritability, and cognitive fog.

  • Personal life effects

    • Relationships: more tension with loved ones; caregiver strain.
    • Daily life: reduced energy for activities; disrupted routines and plans.
    • Finances: medical costs and potential impact on income or work flexibility.

  • Workplace impacts

    • Attendance and performance challenges; need for accommodations; potential misunderstandings or stigma.

  • Coping strategies (brief)

    • Coordinate medical care and follow-ups; pace activities with planned rest.
    • Prioritize sleep hygiene and nutrition; use energy management.
    • Leverage social support and set clear boundaries about work and responsibilities.
    • Seek mental health support (therapy, groups); consider digital group sessions (e.g., October) for coping with chronic illness stress.

  • When to seek help

    • Persistent or worsening depressive/anxiety symptoms; thoughts of self-harm; significant functional impairment.

  • Canadian resources and supports

    • Talk to your healthcare provider; use your provincial health line (811 where available) for local resources.
    • Mental health organizations: CMHA Canada, CAMH.
    • Digital/Group support: October offers structured sessions and content for chronic illness stress management.

Impact on the Canada Economy

  • Labor participation and productivity: High chronic illness stress reduces days worked, performance, and overall productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism.

  • Healthcare and social costs: Increased demand for medical care, medications, disability benefits, and caregiver support, raising public and private expenditure.

  • Macro growth and competitiveness: Slower GDP growth and higher operating costs for businesses, which can dampen investment and innovation.

  • Equity and regional disparities: Greater burden on lower-income households and residents of rural/remote areas with limited access to care and support.

  • Mental health spillover: Chronic illness stress often coexists with anxiety or depression, amplifying productivity losses and caregiver strain.

  • Workplace and policy responses: Implement flexible work arrangements, paid sick leave, reasonable accommodations, and robust mental health supports. Use digital tools (e.g., October for group sessions and assessments) to support employees managing chronic illness and caregiver stress.

What can government do to assist?

How a country can lower chronic illness stress (Canada-focused)

  • Universal paid sick days and flexible work policies to reduce workplace stress for people with chronic illnesses; ensure reasonable accommodations at work.
  • Expand affordable medications and disability supports (pharmacare) to lessen financial stress and treatment delays.
  • Integrate mental health care with chronic disease management: routine distress screening, care coordination, and multidisciplinary teams in primary care.
  • Strengthen caregiver support and social determinants: caregiver leave, respite services, and programs addressing housing, income, and food security.
  • Invest in digital health and accessible mental health resources: expand telehealth and online programs; consider funding or partnerships with platforms like October for group sessions and self-guided content.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Flexible work arrangements and workload management: offer remote/hybrid options, flexible hours, and adjusted or reduced workloads to accommodate fluctuating symptoms and medical appointments.
  • Confidential accommodations process: implement a clear, private process for requesting adjustments (medical documentation, individualized accommodation plan, regular reviews).
  • Health benefits and mental health support: ensure extended health coverage includes chronic illness needs, access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and paid time for medical appointments or flare-ups.
  • Manager training and supportive culture: train leaders to recognize stress and fatigue, reduce stigma, have regular check-ins, and set realistic performance expectations during illness.
  • Workplace environment and energy management: provide ergonomic assessments, necessary assistive devices, quiet/rest spaces, and structured breaks to manage energy levels.
  • Digital support options (Panda): offer October’s digital group sessions, assessments, and content to support coping, resilience, and illness management, with opt-in and privacy safeguards.