Photo: The BC Women's Health Foundation

New findings by the BC Women's Health Foundation (BCWHF) reveals over 40 per cent of BC women do not have access to the mental health support they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To raise awareness of the issue, the BCWHF is launched a social media campaign Tuesday called #AlsoMe to spotlight the common experience many British Columbians are having as it relates to mental health.

Research shows women's mental health has been heavily impacted during this time. In B.C., nearly four-in-ten women say their mental health has worsened since mid-March 2020. Of the women surveyed, over 40 per cent reported not having access to the mental health support they need.

Health data suggests women were prescribed medications related to anxiety, depression or sleep support 2.4 times more than men between April to December 2020.

A study by the Women's Health Research Institute shows women more commonly described feeling lonely, stressed out, and worried during all phases of the pandemic – compared to men.

There were key findings were discovered from those surveyed:

Two thirds of women who are essential workers are experiencing worry, anxiety or stress, and two in five are experiencing depression.

Women’s mental health has been heavily impacted by the pandemic: 63% of younger women (those aged 35 and under) and 37% of women aged over 35 reported feeling worry, anxiety or stress.

Indigenous women and those from a minority community are more inclined to rate their emotional health poorly (27 per cent and 35 per cent more likely respectively) since the beginning of the pandemic.

Concerns regarding finances and job security has resulted in nearly half (44 per cent) of women stating their health has been affected in some way.

To join the #AlsoMe campaign, click here.