It was wonderful to warm up the participants with bhangra moves in “Positive Steps to Mental Health” walk, organized by Mental Health Association of Yukon (MHAY) this morning! The walk kicked off Mental Illness Awareness Week events in Whitehorse, which are also being organized all over Canada.

It was also uplifting to see so many people in Whitehorse coming together and talking loudly about mental health.

Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem. ~ Canadian Mental Health Association

(Photo credit: Whitehorse Star photo by: VINCE FEDOROFF)

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⇒ Fast Facts about Mental Illness, According to The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) website:-

Who is affected?

• Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.
• In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.
• Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.
• Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.
• About 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder (or “manic depression”).

How common is it?

• By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.
• Schizophrenia affects 1% of the Canadian population.
• 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.
• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age.
• The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women.

By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness. ~ Canadian Mental Health Association

In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. ~ Canadian Mental Health Association