Many of these facts may suprise you.
1 in 5 Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their lives.
Canadian Institute of Health Research2 in 3 people suffer in silence fearing judgment and rejection.
Mental Health Commission of CanadaA 2008 poll found that only 50% of Canadians will tell a friend that a family member has a mental illness while 72% would disclose a cancer diagnosis.
Canadian Medical AssociationMental illness is the #1 cause of workplace disability.
Government of Canada, 20061 in 3 people don't get the care they need either because they are afraid to ask for help or they don't have access to care.
Statistics Canada, 2003Mental illness represents 15% of Canada's burden of disease.
Institute of Health Economics, 2008Only 5.5% of our healthcare dollars in Canada are dedicated to mental illness.
Institute of Health Economics, 2008At any given time, almost 3 million Canadians have serious depression.
CMHAMood and anxiety disorders impact an estimated 22% of the Canadian population
CMHAMany people with anxiety disorders go undiagnosed for 10 years or more.
CMHAEvery day 500,000 Canadians are absent from work due to a form of mental illness.
Government of Canada, 2006Faces of mental illness.
Each year, as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, the Canadian Alliance of Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) nominates five Canadians who are prepared to share their personal struggle with mental illness.
We invite you to hear the stories of the 2011 MIAW "Faces". Their experiences are proof that through proper diagnosis, treatment and awareness, people with mental illnesses can live productive and fulfilling lives.
Harmony
Steeve
Jeremy
Roberta
Shana