It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental
illness or disorder - the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.
20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their
lifetime.
1 to 3% of Canadians have a developmental disability.
Of 80,000 individuals with a developmental disability in Ontario, 24,000
have a dual diagnosis.
It is estimated that 77% of adults with a developmental disability also
live in poverty.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 14 times more likely to attempt suicide
than heterosexual youth.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth experience substance abuse problems 3
to 5 times higher than heterosexual youth.
Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a
family member, friend or colleague.
Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels,
and cultures.
It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental
illness or disorder - the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.
Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time
in their lives.
Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild
to severe impairment.
Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among
25-44 year olds.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from
adolescence to middle age.
The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among
women.
Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression
or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.
Mental illnesses can be treated effectively.