Quick facts: Mental illness & addiction in Canada [4th ed.]

There is a need in Canada to bring together, a comprehensive, evidence-based document containing important statistics relating to mental illnesses and addictions. The impact on individuals and their families, the healthcare system, the workplace, and the economy, in general, is extremely significant. There is also a need to develop a common understanding of the relationship between mental illnesses, addictions, and physical illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. We are certain that you will find this fourth edition useful and very informative.

We have added more sections and statistics and additional pages of important facts. We have written it in a style that will facilitate the uptake of the information by all members of the Canadian public. All facts provided in this handbook are evidence-based. Fully sourced citations are provided on the Mood Disorders Society of Canada website including where reference documents can be accessed. We trust that this Fourth Edition of “Quick Facts on Mental Illness & Addiction in Canada” will encourage public understanding and discussion of a subject that requires more dialogue by all. We ask that in using this document as a resource you provide credit to the MDSC.