October Health – 2025 Report

Trauma in Canada

The leading cause of trauma stress in Canada at the population level is often related to exposure to violence, including domestic violence, accidents (such as motor vehicle collisions), and childhood abuse. Additionally, natural disasters and systemic issues like discrimination or poverty also contribute significantly. For workplace contexts, exposure to traumatic events or chronic high-stress environments can be major factors. Offering trauma-focused mental health support and group sessions through platforms like October can help organizations assist employees effectively.

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Trauma Prevalence
12.69%
Affected people
6,979,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Trauma Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

    • Increased risk of chronic illnesses (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)
    • Weakened immune system leading to frequent illness
    • Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or nightmares
    • Persistent fatigue and headaches

  • Mental Health:

    • Development of anxiety, depression, or PTSD
    • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
    • Heightened emotional reactivity and mood swings
    • Increased substance use or abuse as a coping mechanism

  • Personal Life and Relationships:

    • Strained personal relationships due to irritability or withdrawal
    • Reduced ability to trust others, leading to isolation
    • Challenges in maintaining work-life balance
    • Difficulty in fulfilling daily responsibilities and social roles

Supporting employees with trauma stress through workplace mental health programs, such as those offered by October or digital group sessions from October, can provide necessary resources to manage symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effect of High Trauma Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Workforce Productivity
    Trauma stress leads to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, resulting in absenteeism, presenteeism, and lower work performance.

  2. Increased Healthcare Costs
    Higher demand for mental health and physical healthcare services increases public and private healthcare spending.

  3. Higher Employee Turnover
    Employees experiencing trauma stress are more likely to leave their jobs, leading to increased recruitment and training costs.

  4. Decreased Consumer Spending
    People suffering from trauma-related stress may reduce spending, negatively impacting businesses and economic growth.

  5. Lower Overall Economic Growth
    Cumulatively, these factors reduce productivity and innovation, slowing economic development.

Workplace Mental Health Support Tip:
Implement group digital sessions like those offered by Panda, providing mental health support and trauma coping strategies to employees, which can mitigate these economic impacts.

What can government do to assist?

  • Invest in Mental Health Services: Increase funding for accessible trauma-informed mental health care, including counseling and crisis intervention.

  • Workplace Support Programs: Encourage employers to implement employee assistance programs (EAPs) and provide training on recognizing and managing trauma symptoms.

  • Community Education: Launch public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and educate about trauma and recovery.

  • Early Intervention: Develop screening and early intervention initiatives in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.

  • Train First Responders: Equip police, paramedics, and social workers with trauma-informed care training.

  • Promote Social Support: Facilitate community-building activities to strengthen social networks that aid recovery.

  • Leverage Digital Tools: Use platforms like October for scalable group sessions and mental health assessments in workplaces.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 Strategies for Companies to Lower Trauma Stress

1. **Provide Mental Health Training:** Educate managers and employees about trauma and its signs to foster understanding and empathy.

2. **Create a Supportive Environment:** Promote open communication and psychological safety where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health.

3. **Offer Access to Professional Support:** Provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or partner with services like October for digital group sessions and assessments focused on trauma.

4. **Implement Flexible Work Arrangements:** Allow flexible hours or remote work to reduce stressors that may exacerbate trauma symptoms.

5. **Encourage Regular Breaks and Self-Care:** Support employees in taking breaks and practicing self-care to manage stress effectively.

6. **Develop Clear Policies:** Establish protocols for responding to trauma-related incidents in the workplace to ensure timely and sensitive support.

Using a platform like **Panda** can be especially helpful in delivering accessible group sessions and educational content on trauma stress reduction at scale.