CMHA/Compas Survey finds an astounding 91% of Canadians say maintaining mental health is very important.

The Canadian Mental Health Association engaged COMPAS to undertake a national, representative survey among 500 Canadians to explore public experiences and perceptions relating to stress and depression In some instances, the report presents findings from questions that COMPAS first tracked on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association almost a decade ago.

Some key findings of fact are:

• The overwhelming majority of Canadians (91%) say that it is very important to maintain mental health.
  
  
• Three-quarters of Canadians feel really stressed at least once a month.
  
  
• Canadian depression levels have been stable over time.
  
  
• Work is a major contributor to stress, but workplace stress is not necessarily seen as a bad thing and employers are earning better grades for dealing effectively with workplace stress compared to four years ago.
  
  
• Canadians prefer to deal with stress through physical activity such as exercise or meditation rather than through talking with others.
  
  
• Canadians are increasingly uncomfortable letting others know when they are receiving treatment or counselling for depression.
  
  
• Psychologists and medical professionals such as psychiatrists and family doctors are seen as the most credible groups and the government is seen as the least credible group in terms of disseminating information about mental health issues.