Mental Health - End The Stigma

The group of illnesses that contributes to more than the global burden of disease than all cancers combined: Mental disorders

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year

Mental illness is a serious disturbance in thoughts, feelings and perceptions that is severe enough to affect day to day functioning

4th leading cause of disability and premature death in the world: Depression

8% of Canadians will experience a major depression in their lifetime

The year it is predicted that depression will become the second leading cause of disability in the world (next to heart disease): 2020

Number of people worldwide with mental or neurological disorders: 450 million

1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime

2% of the world’s population is affected by serious mental illness

Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.

20% of Canadians personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

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

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

Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.