Ont. doctors' outpatient mental health, substance use visits jumped during pandemic

The study’s the first to compare the use of mental health services by physicians and the general public before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICES research shows Ont. physicians might have struggled with their mental health to a greater extent than the general population during the pandemic. It found outpatient mental health and substance use visits jumped about 23% among physicians compared to a 10% increase in the general public. Part of that may be because of healthcare changes during the pandemic. Virtual visits, for example, may be easier to fit into a physician’s schedule. While healthcare workers seem to be seeking help at greater rates, (comma) the research raised the question as to how much of the increase in visits is a result of easier access and how much is due to worsening mental health.