March 19, 2026 – Pollara’s 27th wave of bi-monthly mental health tracking research for Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) reveals a significant gap between needing support and maintaining it. While many Canadians rely on healthy strategies to manage stress, nearly half (49%) of those who accessed mental health support report ending their care earlier than planned or needed.
This latest study also highlights that uncertainty and stigma remain primary deterrents to care. Nearly half of Canadians (47%) are unsure if their experiences require support, and one in three wait until their mental health seriously affects their life before seeking professional help. Furthermore, the research found that one in five Canadians (21%) report using potentially harmful coping behaviors—such as alcohol, drugs, pornography, or gambling—to manage emotional challenges.
This wave also explored the triggers for seeking care and the barriers to staying in treatment. Key findings include:
- Uncertainty Delays Support: Nearly half of Canadians (47%) say they are unsure whether what they are feeling or experiencing requires support.
- Stigma and Fear of Judgment: Fear of judgment prevents 2 in 5 Canadians (39%) from talking about their mental health with others, and nearly one in five (18%) view seeking support as a sign of weakness.
- Navigating the System: Half of Canadians who accessed support sought help on their own, while the other half were referred by a health professional or had someone else arrange the first contact.
- Premature End to Care: Among those who accessed mental health support, 49% ended their care earlier than planned or needed.
Visit the MHRC website for more information about this study and to download the full report for Population Poll 27: Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians. If you would like access to the data tables or research briefs, please visit the MHRC data hub to view and interact with the data.
