Nearly half of Canadians are experiencing heightened anxiety as Canada-US trade tensions escalate and living costs rise, according to new data from GreenShield and Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC).

The survey reveals a sharp upturn in anxiety at the start of 2025, with 42% of respondents reporting negative mental health impacts from economic conditions and 39% worried about paying their bills. Almost 40% cite political tensions with the U.S. as driving their anxiety, second only to rising living costs (52%).

"Time and again, we've seen the deep connection between economic uncertainty and declines in mental well-being," said Greenshield president and CEO Zahid Salman. "This is about Canadians helping Canadians. Mental health is not just an individual issue – it's a national one."

In response, GreenShield, Canada's national non-profit health and benefits provider, is offering two months of free therapy to Canadians starting their mental health journey.

The offer includes two sessions with a licensed therapist and unlimited access to digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with no membership or commitment required.

The initiative aims to address barriers to mental health support during economically challenging times, drawing on lessons from the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic, which both saw surges in mental health challenges.

"Our data confirms that today's political and economic climate is fuelling widespread stress and anxiety," said Akela Peoples, CEO of MHRC. "Failing to address the mental health toll of this instability could have long-term consequences for all of us as a country."

As a non-profit, GreenShield has committed $75 million through its GreenShield Cares program to address healthcare needs of over one million Canadians by the end of 2025 with a focus on mental health, essential medicines, and chronic disease management.

Canadians can access the free mental health offer from March 28th until May 28th, 2025, through GreenShield's website.

Is free therapy the right step in tackling widespread anxiety? Share your thoughts below.