FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS:
-Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.
-20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
-Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures.
-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.
-Schizophrenia affects 1% of the Canadian population.
Canadian Mental Health Association
What is stigma?
-Stigma refers to the negative qualities and understandings that are comes to people with mental problems.
-Stigma is often connected with discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes. Stigma leads to discrimination because of the negative reaction to mental illness.
-Stigma can be blocking someone from getting a job, finding a place to live, etc.
Together we can erase the stigma that comes with mental illnesses.