Mental Illness Awareness Week

Today marks the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Why is this important? Because:

• In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

• Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.

• By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.

• Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds.

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

• Mental illnesses can be treated effectively.

These facts were obtained from the Canadian Mental Health Association website. Read more facts here: https://cmha.ca/fast-facts-about-mental-illness The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is a non-profit organization that provides mental health education to the public. This year, they are running a

Faces of Mental Illness Campaign

which features an interactive map of Canada, and the opportunity to share your story. To find out more, visit https://www.camimh.ca/ Let's work towards ending the stigma of mental illness. Photo credit: Me! This meme was created through Canva. Like this post? Consider subscribing!