Mental Health Awareness Week: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Mental Health Awareness Week: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from October 4th to 10th, it’s important to remember that mental health issues affect a significant portion of Quebec’s population.
According to data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, in 2024, 15% of Quebecers aged 18 and older had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by a healthcare professional. The rate was 20% among women and 10% among men.
As for mood disorders—which include depression and bipolar disorder—10% of Quebec adults had been diagnosed with one in 2024. Here again, the gap between women and men is significant: 13% versus 7%.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec also reports that in 2024, approximately 63% of Quebec adults considered their mental health to be excellent or very good.
Among young people, the data is particularly concerning. Nearly 55% of Quebecers aged 15 to 29 scored high on the psychological distress scale, compared to 35% of those aged 30 and older.
Finally, the Quebec government estimates that about one in five people will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.
These statistics show why it remains important to talk about mental health, recognize the signs of distress, and, above all, reduce stigma. A psychological struggle isn’t always visible, but it deserves just as much attention as a physical health problem.
This awareness week is therefore an opportunity to remind ourselves of one very simple thing: listening, talking, and asking for help can make a real difference.
