As the world prepares to enter year three of the coronavirus pandemic, more than a third (39 per cent) of Canadians say they’re worse off now than they were last year, according to a new survey by the Angus Reid Institute.

The survey, which polled more than 5,000 Canadian adults, found their outlook for the future is more negative than positive, with a similar percentage saying they believe they’ll be in a worse position financially in a year (29 per cent) as those who think they’ll be better off (23 per cent). The same percentage (23 per cent) said they’re optimistic that their financial standing will improve in the next 12 months — an eight-point drop since 2021 — while 29 per cent said they expect it to worsen.

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When asked to cite their level of stress, respondents said they’re struggling (27 per cent), uncomfortable (25 per cent), comfortable (24 per cent) and thriving (24 per cent). A third (34 per cent) of respondents aged 35 to 54 and those most likely to have children at home fall under the struggling category. More than half (58 per cent) of male respondents aged 18 to 34 are in the top half of the index, while half (51 per cent) of female respondents aged 18 to 34 are classified as struggling or uncomfortable.

Canadians are also experiencing pandemic fatigue, as 36 per cent said they’re struggling with their mental health, according to a separate survey by Angus Reid.

The survey, which polled more than 1,500 Canadian adults, found most of the respondents said they feel fatigued (48 per cent), frustrated (40 per cent), anxious (37 per cent) and depressed (23 per cent) and just 12 per cent said they’re happy.

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As well, 35 per cent of respondents said depression and anxiety are a major problem within their social circle, while nearly half (48 per cent) said it’s an issue to which they’re exposed. Of respondents who perceive depression and anxiety as a challenge for their friends and loved ones, 66 per cent said these issues have worsened throughout the pandemic.

While only seven per cent said they’re “barely getting by” when it comes to their mental health in dealing with the pandemic, 31 per cent said they — or someone else in their household —  has had an appointment with a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist in the last year. Another 30 per cent said they’ve received a prescription to treat a mental-health issue in the last 12 months.

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