10 Mental Health Statistics in Canada

As a developed country, Canada is known for its strong healthcare system and efforts to prioritize mental health. However, mental health issues are still prevalent among Canadians and require attention and support. Here are 10 mental health statistics from Canada that highlight the recent state of mental health in the country:

1.     1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lifetime (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2021). This means that mental health issues affect a significant portion of the population and should not be dismissed or ignored.

2.     In 2019, 20% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder (Statistics Canada, 2020). This shows that mood and anxiety disorders are common among Canadians and require appropriate treatment and support.

3.     In 2019, the prevalence of self-reported mental illness was higher among females than males (Statistics Canada, 2020). This indicates that women may be more likely to experience mental health issues and require support in managing them.

4.     In 2018, the rate of hospitalization due to mental illness was highest among Indigenous people (Statistics Canada, 2019). This suggests that Indigenous communities may face unique challenges when it comes to mental health and require targeted support.

5.     In 2018, the rate of suicide among Indigenous youth was five times higher than that of non-Indigenous youth (Statistics Canada, 2019). This highlights the need for support and prevention efforts for Indigenous youth, who may be particularly vulnerable to mental health issues.

6.     In 2019, 15% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (Statistics Canada, 2020). This suggests that Canadians may be exposed to traumatic events and require support in managing the aftermath.

7.     In 2019, the prevalence of self-reported mental illness was higher among Canadians with lower levels of education and income (Statistics Canada, 2020). This indicates that socio-economic factors may impact mental health and should be considered when providing support.

8.     In 2019, Canadians with a mental illness were less likely to be employed than those without a mental illness (Statistics Canada, 2020). This shows that mental health issues can have an impact on individuals' ability to work and may require accommodations and support in the workplace.

9.     In 2019, 11% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported having suicidal thoughts in the past year (Statistics Canada, 2020). This highlights the importance of addressing and preventing suicide, which can have devastating effects on individuals and their communities.

10.  In 2019, the rate of self-reported mental illness was highest among Canadians aged 18-24 (Statistics Canada, 2020). This suggests that young adults may be particularly at risk for mental health issues and require support during this critical stage of life.

Overall, these statistics highlight the need for continued efforts to support and improve mental health among Canadians. This can include initiatives such as increasing access to mental health services, addressing stigma, and providing support for those who are vulnerable to mental health issues. By addressing these issues, we can work towards improving the mental health of all Canadians.