Data Blog
You’re reading our Data Blogs, a great way of getting quick facts, and the latest data, on different public health topics.
Mental Health Awareness Week (May 2-8)Published: ()
Positive mental health is the capacity of people to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance the ability to enjoy life and deal with challenges. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity.
Positive mental health can be measured through: self-rated mental health, happiness, satisfaction with life, psychological well-being and social well-being.
8 in 10
8 in 10 Canadian adults aged 18 years and older say they are happy and satisfied with their life “every day” or “almost every day.” [PMHSIF, 2016]
Young + Old
Approximately 87% of seniors aged 65 years and older say that they are satisfied with their life “every day” or “almost every day,” compared with 79% of youth (18 to 24 years old). [PMHSIF - Data Tool, 2016]
Positive mental health is influenced by individual behaviours and experiences, such as physical activity, and is supported by strong social support and strong ties to the community.
1/2
Just over half (54%) of Canadian adults aged 18 years and older are active or moderately active during their leisure time. [PMHSIF, 2016]
7 in 10
7 in 10 Canadians aged 18 years and older who have strong social support have high psychological well-being. [Measuring Positive Mental Health in Canada: Social Support, 2016]
2/3
Almost two-thirds (64%) of Canadians aged 18 years and older said they were members of, or participated in at least one recreational or professional organization, group associations or club. [PMHSIF, 2016]
1 in 5
1 in 5 Canadians with a mental health problem say they are affected by negative opinions or unfair treatment due to their mental health problem. [PMHSIF, 2016]