Nearly half of Canadian women are experiencing heightened anxiety due to current political and economic uncertainty, with workplace implications for employers managing mental health benefits and support programs, according to a new national report.
The 2025 Women’s Mental Health Report, developed by GreenShield in partnership with Mental Health Research Canada, found that 47 per cent of women report increased anxiety due to current pressures. The report highlights significant gaps in mental health support across different life stages and demographics.
“Women are telling us—through data and lived experience—that mental health care in Canada is falling short,” said Mandy Mail, executive vice president and head of GreenShield Cares. “There is an urgent need for inclusive, accessible mental health care that supports women through every life stage.”
Young women face higher anxiety rates
The report found that young women aged 16 to 24 report higher anxiety rates at 18 per cent compared to 14 per cent for young men in the same age group, according to GreenShield.
Women who are parents are more likely to seek mental health support at 17 per cent compared to 13 per cent for men, and are less likely to say they needed help but didn’t reach out, the report found.
Equity gaps persist across demographics
The data reveals significant disparities in mental health access among different groups. Nine per cent of women who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and eight per cent of racialized women reported needing mental health support but not accessing it — nearly double the rates of their non-2SLGBTQI+ and non-racialized peers, according to the report.
Menopause awareness lacking
More than 50 per cent of Canadian women feel unprepared for menopause, and nearly 60 per cent are unaware that symptoms like anxiety, depression and memory issues are linked to this transition, the report found.
“When we support women, we are often also supporting families and communities,” said Akela Peoples, CEO of Mental Health Research Canada. “Women are self-reporting a need for help — we must listen and respond.”
Expanded health programs launched
GreenShield’s free Women’s Mental Health program, launched in 2021, has connected more than 120,000 women with no-cost mental health resources since its inception, according to the company.
The organization also launched Canada’s first Personalized Hormonal Health Program earlier this year, which includes hormone panel testing, personalized care plans, virtual consultations and home delivery of treatments.
“As we deepen our focus on women’s mental health, it’s clear that hormonal health must be part of the conversation,” said Joe Blomeley, executive vice president of GreenShield Health.
The report was co-created with insights from community organizations including Black Mental Health Canada, Black Women’s Institute for Health, the Canadian Women’s Foundation, Menopause Foundation of Canada, YWCA Canada and SE Health.
