Cycle 2: Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the COVID-19 pandemic
Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada
February to May 2021
Data from the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental HealthFootnote 1
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental disorder that can happen after exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events, such as actual or threatened death, natural disasters, or violence.
Symptoms of PTSD include recurring and distressing memories, avoiding reminders of the event(s), and disturbed sleep.Footnote 2
A diagnosis of PTSD requires a trained and licensed clinician. The Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health used a symptom-based screening tool to identify individuals with moderate to severe symptoms of PTSD (i.e., those who would screen positive for PTSD).Footnote 3
The COVID-19 pandemic and PTSD
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted individuals, families, and communities in many ways.
Stressors from the pandemic may increase the number of Canadians experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Those who already had PTSD may experience more severe symptoms.
Symptoms of PTSD in Canadians 18 and over
63% of Canadians have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
7% of Canadians screened positive for PTSD.Footnote 3 This prevalence was
- higher among women (9%) than men (6%)
- highest among those aged 18-34 (16% of women and 7% of men)
- lowest among those 65 and over (2%)
- higher among frontline workersFootnote 4 (11%) than other Canadians (7%)
Impacts of COVID-19
Compared to those who did not screen positive for PTSD, those who screened positive were 2 to 3.5 times more likely to report being impacted by the pandemic in terms of:
- physical health problems
- death of a family member, friend, or colleague
- difficulty meeting financial obligations/essential needs
- challenges in personal relationships with household members
Mental health-related issues
Compared to those who did not screen positive for PTSD, those who screened positive were:
- 6-7 times more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depressionFootnote 5 in the past 2 weeks
- 4 times more likely to report thoughts of suicide in their lifetime
- 3.5 times more likely to report increased cannabis use since the beginning of the pandemic
- 2 times more likely to report daily cannabis use in the past month
- 2 times more likely to report increased alcohol use since the beginning of the pandemic
- 1.5 times more likely to report heavy drinkingFootnote 6 in the past month
The Government of Canada recognizes the tremendous impact that PTSD has on individuals, families, communities, and workplaces. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs mental health support, visit Wellness Together Canada for a wide range of resources.
Related links
- Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Federal framework on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Mental Illness during the Pandemic: Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Mental health support: Get help
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Awareness resources
- PTSD Coach Canada
- Wellness Together Canada
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