Incidence of mental illness in Canada

People with mental illness experience changes in thinking, mood or behaviour (or some combination of them). Mental illness causes a great deal of distress and impaired functioning over an extended period of time. The symptoms of mental illness vary from mild to severe, depending on the type of mental illness, the individual, the family and the socio-economic environment.

Highlights

• Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians through illness in a family member, friend or colleague.

• One in five Canadians experiences mental illness and depends on support from families, communities, the economy and a stretched social service system.

• Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures.

• The onset of most mental illnesses occurs during adolescence and young adulthood.

• A complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors causes mental illnesses.

• Mental illness can be treated effectively.

• Mental illness is costly to the individual, the family, the health care system and the community.

• The economic cost of mental illness in Canada was estimated to be at least $7.331 billion in 1993.

• Eight-six percent of hospitalizations for mental illness in Canada occur in general hospitals.

• In 1999, 3.8% of all admissions in general hospitals (1.5 million hospital days) were due to anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, major depression, personality disorders, eating disorders and suicidal behaviour.

• The stigma attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier to diagnosis, treatment and acceptance in the community.

In the course of a lifetime, every individual experiences feelings of isolation, loneliness, emotional distress or disconnection at times. These are usually normal, short-term reactions to difficult situations, rather than symptoms of mental illness. People learn to cope with difficult feelings just as they learn to cope with difficult situations.

But in many cases, the duration and intensity of painful feelings or disorienting thought patterns may interfere seriously with everyday life. Ordinary coping skills are taxed, and people may need help in regaining balance and restoring their fullest functioning.

Mental illness can be treated. A variety of interventions, such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication, occupational therapy and social work can improve an individual’s functioning and quality of life. Since mental illnesses involve disorders of brain functioning, medication often forms an important part of treatment.

Making the correct diagnosis and tailoring effective treatment to the individual’s needs are important for an overall management plan. Treatment is more effective when individuals are active in the choice of therapy, Sometimes, alternative decision-makers may need to get involved to protect the health of the individual.

Treatment requires a variety of health and social service providers and volunteers working together to provide a comprehensive system of services. When service providers work as a team, they ensure continuity of care.

Contact me for all your professional writing and mental health advocacy needs.

Source:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/miic-mmac/chap_1-eng.php