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Two-fifths (40 per cent) of Canadian employees say they feel constantly stressed out, according to Telus Health’s latest mental-health index.

The survey, which polled roughly 3,000 employees, found the average mental-health score was 63.2 in January, down slightly from December when it was 63.5. Anxiety (56.5) continued to be the lowest mental-health sub-score, followed by isolation (59), depression (61.4), work productivity (61.8), optimism (64.7) and financial risk (67.1). General psychological health (71.5) remained the most favourable mental-health measure.

The average mental-health score among workers who said they’re under constant stress was 47.2, more than 31 points lower than workers who said they aren’t feeling constant stress (78.6).

Read: Only 45% of Canadian employees satisfied with employer’s benefits plan: survey

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of workers reported feeling angrier and more distrustful of others and this group had an average mental-health score of 45.7, nearly 29 points lower than workers who said they aren’t feeling angrier (74.5).

Notably, more than a third (36 per cent) of respondents were assessed as having a high mental-health risk, a percentage that has increased by two per cent since the launch of the index in April 2020. Among these employees, 30 per cent reported diagnosed anxiety or depression.

More than half (56 per cent) of Canadians cited cost as a reason for delaying or avoiding mental-health care. Indeed, a third (33 per cent) said they’d prefer better support for their well-being over a 10 per cent increase in salary and 42 per cent of workers said their organization needs to improve their health benefits plan.

Read: Canadian workers’ mental health on the decline, driven by financial anxiety: survey