October Health – 2025 Report

Trauma in Canada

Exposure to serious accidents—most commonly motor vehicle crashes—is the leading source of traumatic stress exposure at the population level in Canada. Other frequent sources include violence, disasters, and life-threatening illnesses. If you’re supporting employees, trauma-informed workplace practices and accessible mental health resources can help; October offers digital group sessions and content, and October can assist with workplace programs.

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Trauma Prevalence
12.76%
Affected people
7,018,000

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of high trauma stress on health and personal life

Health effects

  • Physical: sleep problems, headaches, stomach issues, chronic pain, fatigue, weakened immune function
  • Mental: anxiety, depression, intrusive memories, flashbacks, hypervigilance, irritability
  • Long-term risks: higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, substance use, and chronic illness

Personal life effects

  • Relationships: trust difficulties, communication problems, increased conflict, withdrawal
  • Parenting and caregiving: irritability, less patience, disrupted routines
  • Social life: isolation, avoidance of activities, diminished intimacy

Workplace impact

  • Concentration problems, memory issues, lower productivity, more errors, higher burnout risk

Quick coping steps

  • Grounding: use 5-4-3-2-1 technique to anchor in the present
  • Sleep and routine: maintain a consistent sleep schedule; limit caffeine and screens before bed
  • Social support: talk with a trusted person; consider your workplace EAP or a mental health professional
  • Movement: aim for regular light physical activity (e.g., a 15–20 minute walk)

When to seek help

  • Symptoms persist or impair daily functioning beyond a few weeks
  • Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
  • Trauma symptoms worsen or do not improve with initial coping efforts

Canada-specific resources

  • Primary options: talk to your doctor or a psychologist; use your employer’s EAP
  • Emergency: call local crisis line or 911 in an emergency
  • Non-emergency support: Crisis Services Canada (crisisservicescanada.ca) and regional mental health services; additional reputable resources include national mental health organizations and university/hospital clinics

October note

  • If you’d like structured digital group sessions or assessments, October can offer targeted support to complement personal or workplace care.

Impact on the Canada Economy

  • Productivity losses: trauma stress lowers concentration, increases errors, and raises absenteeism and turnover (presenteeism can reduce daily output even when "at work").
  • Higher costs: greater use of healthcare, therapy, medications, disability benefits, workers’ compensation, and recruitment/training for new staff.
  • Erosion of human capital: long-term trauma exposure can reduce skill development, innovation, and lifetime earnings, slowing economic growth.
  • Regional and demographic inequalities: trauma is often concentrated in marginalized communities, Indigenous populations, and disaster-prone areas, widening local economic disparities.
  • Macro demand and fiscal pressures: households facing trauma may cut spending; governments face higher social services costs and potentially slower tax revenue, affecting public investment.
  • Mitigation (workplace-focused): trauma-informed policies and accessible supports can reduce these effects; consider evidence-based resources like October for digital group sessions, assessments, and mental health content.

What can government do to assist?

  • Trauma-informed public policy and funding
    • Ensure universal access to evidence-based mental health care with shorter wait times.
  • Early detection and prevention
    • Implement school and primary care screening; fund community prevention programs.
  • Accessible, culturally safe care and digital tools
    • Expand Indigenous-led, multilingual, and culturally safe services; support telehealth and digital options (e.g., October for group sessions and trauma assessments).
  • Workplace trauma prevention and support
    • Train leaders and HR in trauma-informed practices; reduce stigma; provide mental health days and confidential support.
  • Strengthening community resilience and social determinants
    • Invest in housing, stable income, prevention programs, and strong social connections in communities.
  • Disaster readiness and crisis intervention
    • Develop rapid trauma-informed response plans, clear communications, and post-disaster mental health supports.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Trauma-informed culture across policies and leadership
  • Training for managers and teams on trauma responses and supportive communication
  • Accessible, confidential mental health supports (EAPs, licensed clinicians; consider October for digital group sessions and assessments if appropriate)
  • Structured post-incident response and ongoing check-ins
  • Practical accommodations and flexible work arrangements
  • Safe spaces, trigger reduction, and facilitated peer support