Survey finds one in 10 had mental or substance abuse problems in 2012: StatsCan

OTTAWA – A Statistics Canada survey says a 2012 survey suggests that about 10 per cent of Canadians reported symptoms consistent with at least one of six mental or substance use disorders in the previous 12 months.

It says the six disorders measured by the survey were: major depressive episode, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and abuse of or dependence on alcohol, cannabis or other drugs.

The national population health survey found that symptoms consistent with a mood disorder were cited by 5.4 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and older, with a major depressive episode being the most common problem.

About 4.4 per cent of those over 15 met the criteria for a substance use disorder in the previous 12 months, with alcohol being the most common problem.

The agency also says that in 2012, 17 per cent of Canadians over 15, or about 4.9 million people, perceived themselves as having had a need for mental health care in the previous 12 months.

Of these, two-thirds said their needs were met, 12 per cent said they didn’t get help and 21 per cent said they received some care, but perceived a need for more.