Businesses impacted by lockdowns struggle with mental health
It's been a tough two years financially for many employees and business owners impacted by lockdowns and pandemic restrictions, but many say it's also been a struggle mentally.
"We've lost three people to suicide in the past two years," said server Caroline Duffy.
As a server at Donaleigh's Irish Public House, Duffy says she knows the toll pandemic restrictions have taken on mental health.
"There is a lot of grief, a lot of exhaustion, a lot of worry when it comes to caring for others and making sure everyone is feeling ok mentally and emotionally," said Duffy.
It's a feeling backed by the uncertainty of layoffs with the closure of indoor dining, something Duffy has experienced five times since the start of the pandemic, as she finds herself waiting to get back to work once again.
"The word that I would use to describe it is just a complete exhaustion, feeling really defeated like you can't get ahead, and you're constantly behind," Duffy said.
It's a sentiment shared by others across the city as restaurant owners like Kent Smith of Michael & Marion's say it's getter harder and harder to stay positive.
"On the days where I come to work, and I'm not having a great day, I try and hide, I don't want my bad attitude to negatively impact anyone's experience here," said Smith. "I think the end needs to happen soon. We have all been through enough."
In a statement, the city said it's "aware that business owners are struggling not only with their own mental health, but are also having to assist their staff through issues that they may be experiencing."
It added they are in early conversations with partners about potential supports that could be offered.
It's something Blueberry Moon by the Bay has started offering with its mental health huddle once a week.
"Part of people's mental wellness is connecting and getting to chat with others, and that's been an important missing piece, and that's what we are trying to do here," said employee Maddy Garvey.
Fundraising efforts are underway through #SpeakUpForLee, in honour of one of the servers who lost her battle with mental illness.
Donaleigh's is also selling patches donning the hashtag, with proceeds going to mental health organizations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.