Myths and Realities of Mental Illness

This presentation will address possible misconceptions and increase knowledge regarding various mental illnesses.

FACTS:

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

• Twenty percent of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness during their lifetime.

• Mental illnesses affect 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 illnesses can be treated effectively.

• Mental illnesses are costly to the individual, the family, the health care system and the community.

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

• Eighty-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 not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.

Source: A Report on Mental Illness in Canada, October 2002