Mental Health

Mental health disability refers to a significant pattern of alterations in thinking, behaviour or emotions that may affect a person’s ability to work or function socially. It’s important to note that a mental health disability does not always affect a person’s job performance. Common disabilities include depression, seasonal affective disorder, and panic attacks. Many conditions are treatable with medication.

A person with a mental health disability may experience reduced stamina, ability to handle stress and/or a lack of concentration, but may find it difficult to express this or even identify the disability. While Health Canada estimates that one in five (20%) of all Canadians will experience a mental illness in his or her lifetime, less than five per cent of the population is seriously limited because of a disability.

Reference: Health Canada. A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada. Ottawa, Canada 2002.