Prevention > Mental illness

A few facts about mental illness

Stress, distress and mental illness


In 2007, more than 1 in 4 Quebecers (26.4%) claimed that most of their days were somewhat or very stressful. Quebec had the highest percentage of all Canadian provinces, for which the average was 22.4%.

Statistics Canada (2007). Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Table 105-0501. CCHS indicator profile, by age group and sex, Canada, provinces, territories, health regions (2007 boundaries) and peer groups, annual.


In 2005, more than 1 in 3 Quebecers (36.6%) stated that they experienced high levels of stress at work. Quebec surpassed the other Canadian provinces, where the average was 29.1%.

Bordeleau, M. et Traoré, I. (2007). Santé générale, santé mentale et stress au Québec. Zoom santé, Institut de la statistique du Québec.


In Quebec, 1 in 6 people will suffer from some form of mental illness in their lifetime.

Gouvernement du Québec (2005). Plan d’action en santé mentale 2005-2010 – La force des liens.


80% of Canadians will be touched by the mental illness of a family member, a friend or a colleague.

Health Canada (2002). A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada. Ottawa, Canada.


By 2020, depression will be the second-leading cause of disability in the world, right after cardiovascular diseases.

World Health Organization (2004). The global burden of disease.




The «Mental illness Prevention» section was produced in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association and thanks to the support of