Depression in Canada

Effects of high depression-related stress on health and personal life

• Health effects

  • Persistent low mood, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating
  • Physical symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping), appetite changes, headaches, and muscle tension
  • Higher risk for chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular risk, metabolic changes) and weakened immune function
  • Increased risk of substance misuse; in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek urgent help if these occur)

• Personal life effects

  • Strained relationships due to withdrawal, poor communication, or irritability
  • Social withdrawal and reduced interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Parenting or romantic life may feel more challenging due to reduced energy and patience

• Work and daily functioning

  • Lower motivation, concentration, and productivity; more errors or missed deadlines
  • Increased absenteeism or presenteeism; weaker engagement with colleagues
  • Difficulty managing daily tasks (finances, errands) and disrupted routines

• When to seek help

  • If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks or worsen, or you have thoughts of harming yourself
  • Contact a healthcare provider or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP); in Canada, you can reach local mental health services (e.g., CMHA or Wellness Together Canada) for online support
  • If in immediate danger, contact emergency services (911)

• Quick coping steps

  • Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or colleague
  • Maintain a simple daily routine and prioritize sleep hygiene
  • Engage in short physical activity and limit alcohol
  • Try brief grounding or mindful breathing (2–5 minutes)

• Canada-focused resources

  • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and provincial branches
  • Wellness Together Canada (online tools and coaching)
  • Your provincial crisis lines and local healthcare providers

• Workplace supports (brief)

  • Use your Employer Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support; discuss workload and flexible options with HR or a supervisor
  • Consider digital mental health resources offered at work (e.g., group sessions, assessments)

• October note (optional)

  • October can provide digital group sessions, assessments, and content to support employees’ mental health in the workplace, if appropriate.

Effects of a high depression burden on the economy (Canada context)

• Economic burden: In Canada, mood disorders including depression are estimated to cost tens of billions annually (roughly $40–60B), with lost productivity (absenteeism and presenteeism) a large share and health/social services costs the remainder.

• GDP growth and productivity: Depression-related productivity losses reduce output per worker and can slow overall GDP growth over time.

• Labor market dynamics: Higher absenteeism and presenteeism, increased disability claims and turnover, longer recruitment and training cycles, and potential skill shortages in some sectors.

• Health care and social costs: Increased demand for mental health services, medications, and social supports; higher costs for employer benefits and public health systems.

• Public finances and inequality: Greater public spending on health and social programs; potential tax revenue impacts; disproportionate effects on lower-income and marginalized groups, widening earnings gaps.

• Mitigation and ROI: Workplace mental health investments (screening, early treatment, supportive policies) can reduce costs; digital group sessions and assessments (e.g., October) can scale support for employees.

Actions a country can take to lower Depression-related stress (Canada-focused)

• Improve access to mental health care

  • Increase public funding and reduce wait times; integrate mental health services into primary care; expand tele-mental health, especially in rural/remote areas.

• Strengthen workplace mental health

  • Mandate manager training in mental health awareness; require accessible employee assistance programs; encourage flexible work policies; subsidize evidence-based digital platforms (e.g., October) for employee support.

• Prioritize prevention and early intervention

  • National mental health literacy campaigns; school/workplace-based mental health programs; voluntary screening with informed consent; fund early intervention services.

• Address social determinants

  • Expand affordable housing, income supports, childcare, nutrition programs; reduce poverty; ensure rural/remote access to services; targeted supports for marginalized groups.

• Invest in digital health and data

  • Support scalable digital tools and telehealth; privacy-protective data collection on population mental health; fund research and program evaluation; share best practices.

• Normalize mental health and reduce stigma across the organization.
• Manage workload and clarify roles to prevent chronic stress and burnout.
• Improve access to mental health resources (EAPs, counselling, digital programs).
• Provide flexible work options and supportive leave to support work-life balance.
• Train managers to recognize signs of depression and respond with confidential, supportive referrals, and consider adding October for digital group sessions, assessments, and psychoeducational content to support employees.