The world needs CAMH to help combat the global mental health crisis
According to the World Health Organization, around 450 million people currently struggle with mental illness, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. Here at home, it affects more than 6.7 million of us. In fact, one in two Canadians have—or have had—a mental illness by the time they reach 40 years of age. Alarming statistics like these underscore the great need for community support through philanthropy.
- In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness or addiction problem.
- 70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.
- Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada
- About 4,000 Canadians per year die by suicide—an average of almost 11 suicides a day. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
- While mental illness accounts for about 10% of the burden of disease in Ontario, it receives just 7% of health care dollars. Relative to this burden, mental health care in Ontario is underfunded by about $1.5 billion
