CANADA – Just as Canadians are experiencing pandemic fatigue after two long years, research suggests that Canadians may also be experiencing “empathy fatigue.”
The latest survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and UBC researchers shows that feelings of empathy have eroded over the course of the pandemic, with only 13 per cent of Canadians feeling empathetic, down markedly since the onset of the pandemic (from 23%).
Empathy is the ability to understand another’s perspective and feelings.
This is the theme of Mental Health Week 2022, May 2 to 8.
“The decline in empathy that we are seeing is concerning,” says Margaret Eaton, national CEO of CMHA.
“If we are to resolve our conflicts in relationships, in society and globally, we need to understand one another, even when we don’t agree.”
The CMHA/UBC survey also reveals that 37% of Canadians are as worried about lost social connections (37%) and being separated from friends and family (39%) as they are about getting sick with COVID (39%).
CMHA/UBC data released in March 2022 shows that 37% of Canadians have experienced a decline in their mental health since the start of the pandemic.
“The deterioration of social relationships that we see in the data comes at a time when we need each other more than ever,” says Dr. Emily Jenkins, UBC professor who co-led the research.
“Empathy is essential not only for building positive and healthy relationships, but also for reducing divisions between people, and in our communities. And the good news is, it is an emotional response that can be cultivated.”
The release of these data on empathy and strained relationships couldn’t be timelier as it coincides with the 71st annual Mental Health Week.
This year’s theme is the importance of empathy.
To get involved with Mental Health Week you can:
– learn more about mental health and empathy at www.mentalhealthweek.ca;
– share your support on social media by downloading a toolkit and using hashtags #GetReal and #MentalHealthWeek;
– donate to support CMHA mental health programs and services at cmhaww.ca/get-involved/donate/;
– connect: if you or someone you love is struggling, call Here 24/7 if you live in Waterloo Wellington at 1-844-437-3247 or visit the Government of Canada’s Wellness Together portal. If you are in crisis, please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free in Canada (1-866-277-3553 in Quebec) or dial 911.
For more information on local events at CHMA for Mental Health Week visit cmhaww.ca/events/.
Demonstrate empathy in action by participating in the Shopper’s Run for Women in support of CMHA Waterloo Wellington on May 15.
Sign up at Run for Women – Waterloo before May 10 and use the promo code CMHAWATERLOO for $5 off registration, which includes a swag bag worth more than $100.
CMHA WW are also in need of event volunteers for the run. Multiple positions are available.
More information can be found at cmhaww.ca.
