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Mental Health and Addiction Statistics

Did you know……

  • As many Canadians suffer from major depression as from other leading chronic conditions including heart disease. Four per cent of those Canadians surveyed reported having symptoms of depression as compared to 5 per cent with heart disease. (Statistics Canada: CCHS 2003) 
  • Only 32% or one third of Canadians experiencing feelings and symptoms consistent with a surveyed mental disorder or substance dependence sought help from a health care professional. (Statistics Canada: CCHS 2003)
  • Teenagers between the ages of 15 to 24 are the least likely to use any resources for problems concerning their mental health or use of alcohol or illicit drugs. (Statistics Canada: CCHS 2003)
  • According to the World Health Organization five of the 10 leading causes of disability are related to mental disorders.
  • The overall prevalence rates for mental health disorders and substance dependencies are about the same for women as for men -- 1.4 million women or 11 per cent of the total surveyed compared to 1.2 million for men or 10 per cent of the total surveyed. (Statistics Canada: CCHS 2003) 
  • Ratio of Ontarians who experience a mental illness in their lifetime: 1 in 5. (Health Canada)
  • One out of every 10 Canadians aged 15 and over, about 2.6 million people, reported symptoms consistent with alcohol or illicit drug dependence, or one of the five mental disorders covered in the survey, at some time during the 12 months prior to the interview. (Statistics Canada: CCHS 2003)
  • The prevalence rate for substance dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs is much more common for men (4%) than for women (2%). (Statistics Canada: CCHS 2003)
  • 8% of youth between the ages of 15 to 24 reported being affected by an alcohol or illicit drug dependency. (Statistics Canada: CCHS 2003)
  • In Ontario, 3.8%, or about 340,000 adults are classified as having moderate or severe gambling problems. (2001: CCSA and Responsible Gambling Council)
  • In Ontario, 20.3 % of adults smoke cigarettes daily. (2000: CAMH Monitor)
  • 11% of Ontario adults reported using cannabis at least once during the year before. (2002: CAMH Monitor).
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