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Mental Health Week 2022

May 2, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Only 13% of British Columbians are feeling empathetic, down markedly from two years ago 

CMHA and UBC release new data on empathy and challenged relationships

Just as British Columbians are experiencing pandemic fatigue after two long years, research suggests that they may also be experiencing “empathy fatigue.” The latest survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association National (CMHA) and UBC researchers shows that feelings of empathy have eroded over the course of the pandemic, with only 13% of British Columbians feeling empathetic, down markedly since the onset of the pandemic from 23% in March 2020.

Empathy is the ability to understand another’s perspective and feelings.

“The decline in empathy that we are seeing is concerning,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO, 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 43% of British Columbians are as worried about lost social connections and 39% are worried about being separated from friends and family.  44% remain worried they will get sick from Covid.

CMHA/UBC data released in March 2022 shows that 41% of British Columbians 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, May 2-8, 2022.This year’s theme is the importance of empathy.

Maureen Davis, Executive Director of CMHA of Northern BC notes that retaining or redeveloping empathy is critical for maintaining our own mental health as well as the health of our communities.  According to the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum, empathy is “being able to imagine yourself in the other person’s place, showing the person that they are truly heard and understood by you.” It’s different from sympathy, which means feeling pity for someone. It sounds simple, but it can take practice to demonstrate empathy on a moment’s notice.  Being able to practice empathy means we decrease our isolation and our sense of disconnection.  It is time to reconnect – practice empathy and help your own mental health!

Mental Health Week is sponsored by Major Sponsor Beneva as well as The Medicine Shoppe, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health (Canada Life) and Not Myself Today. To get involved, you can:

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For media inquiries:

Maureen Davis – Executive Director – CMHA of Northern BC – 250-564-8644 (203)  maureendavis@cmhanorthernbc.ca

Shirley Hogan – Manager of Education and Project – CMHA of Northern BC = 250- 564-8644 (211)  shirleyhogan@cmhanorthernbc.ca

 

 

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