Even before COVID-19, significant numbers of Canadians were affected by mental health issues and addiction.

A new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information has just been released. The data pre-dates the COVID-19 pandemic.

It reveals one in three unpaid caregivers in Canada were distressed, experiencing feelings of distress, anger or depression, and or were unable to continue in their caring activities.

The report also suggests one in nine long term care residents potentially could have been cared for at home.

Among the other key findings, 25,000 Canadians were hospitalized or died after intentionally harming themselves. Hospitalization rates were highest among girls and young women between the ages of 10 and 24, while death rates were highest among men aged 45 and older.

Listen for comprehensive analysis on this important issue with a panel of experts on Zoomer Radio’s Fight Back with Libby Znaimer after Thursday’s noon news.