Disruption of seasonal trends in mental health help-seeking behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted mental health globally. This study aims to explore seasonal and pandemic-related patterns in mental health utilization from various sources in Alberta, Canada. Methods: We analyzed Alberta's administrative healthcare data to investigate mental health utilization trends. The International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify mental health disorders, and we examined data by service types and demographic subgroups. Results: The pandemic disrupted the typical seasonal patterns of mental health service use in Alberta, in addition to a notable surge in the initial pandemic months (April to June). Before the pandemic, distinct seasonal patterns were observed, but significant changes occurred after its onset. Notably, children exhibited distinct utilization patterns post-pandemic onset, differentiating them from other age groups. The number of COVID-19 cases did not fully explain these variations, indicating other contributing factors. Limitations: Physician billing data, which could limit the detail in diagnoses, and the complexity of factors influencing mental health service use pose challenges to a comprehensive analysis. Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for tailored mental health strategies that consider age and sex differences and address the evolving needs during and after the pandemic. Future research should delve into the underlying causes of altered service utilization patterns and assess intervention effectiveness, ensuring strategies are responsive and equitable.

Keywords

• Seasonal pattern
• Mental health care utilization
• COVID-19