Positive mental health is “the capacity of each and all of us to feel, think, act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity”
These resources provide information to help you plan programs that promote mental health and wellness. For more information, please visit the Best Practices section for interventions related to mental health and wellness.
Subtopics
Mental Health Promotion
“Mental health promotion involves actions to create living conditions and environments that support mental health and allow people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. These include a range of actions to increase the chances of more people experiencing better mental health.”
Data
A first step to planning a program or policy change is to understand the issue of mental health.
Canadian Mental Health Data
- Mental health and well-being – Resources, Information on mental well-being including: self-esteem, stress, depression and mental disorders. Statistics Canada.
- Child and youth mental health in Canada – Infographic, Canadian Institute for Health Information (2016).
- Informing the future: Mental health indicators for Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2015).
- Measuring positive mental health in Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada (2014).
- Eating disorders among girls and women in Canada, House of Commons (2014).
- Overview of mental health data in Canada: Background, needs, and gaps, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2014).
- Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada: Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Statistics Canada (2014).
- Pregnancy and Women’s Mental Health in Canada Fact Sheet Public Health Agency of Canada (2014).
- Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health (CCHS), Statistics Canada (2013).
- Perceived mental health by age group and sex, Statistics Canada (2014).
- Perceived life stress, Statistics Canada (2011).
Aboriginal
- First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework (PDF document), Health Canada (2015).
- Current issues in mental health in Canada: The mental health of First Nations and Inuit communities (PDF document), Library of Parliament (2014).
- 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS), Statistics Canada (2013).
- First Nations and Inuit mental health and addiction-Cluster evaluation 2005/06-2009/10, Health Canada (2012).
- Challenging hidden assumptions: Colonial norms as determinants of Aboriginal mental health, National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (2012).
- The physical and mental health of Inuit children of teenage mothers (PDF document), Statistics Canada (2012).
Economic Data
- Return in investment – Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention (PDF document), Canadian Institute for Health Information (2011).
Provincial/Territorial Data
- Perceived mental health by province/territory, Statistics Canada (2014).
Atlantic
- Mental health in Atlantic Canada: A snapshot (PDF document), Public Health Agency of Canada (2012).
Quebec
- Surveillance of mental disorders in Québec: Prevalence, mortality and service utilization profile (PDF document), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (2013).
- Santéscope: Evolution for Québec: Psychosocial or mental health status, Institut national de santé publique du Québec (2009).
International Data
Europe
- Eurobarometers: Mental health, European Commission of Public Health (2011).
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
- How’s life? 2015: Measuring well-being (2015).
- Mental Health and Work (2015).
- Sick on the job?: Myths and realities about mental health and work (2012).
- Making mental health count – The social and economic costs of neglecting mental health care (2014).
United States
- Mental illness surveillance among adults in the United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011).
- Mental illness surveillance among children – United States, (2005-2011), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
World Health Organisation
- Mental health atlas 2011.
- Mental health and well-being at the workplace – protection and inclusion in challenging times (2010).
Economic Data
- Current issues in mental health in Canada: The economic impact of mental illness (PDF document), Library of Parliament (2013).
- Return on investment: Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention, Canadian Institute for Health Information (2011).
- The cost of mental health and substance abuse services in Canada (PDF document), Institute of Health Economics (2010).
International Economic Data
- Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention: The economic case (PDF document), Department of Health, London, United Kingdom (2011).
Government Strategies (Frameworks, Action Plans, etc)
Canadian Strategies
- The Mental Health Commission of Canada: Strategic Plan 2017-2022 (PDF document), Mental Health Commission of Canada (2016).
- The mental health strategy for Canada: A youth perspective (PDF document), Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Youth Council (2015).
- Mental health, Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Framework for healthy public policies favouring mental health, National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy (2014).
- Changing directions, changing lives, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2012).
- Mental health strategy, Correctional Services of Canada (2012).
- Recognizing and exploring positive mental health: Policy dialogue: Synthesis and analysis (PDF document), Canadian Institute for Health Information (2011).
- Evergreen: A child and youth mental health framework for Canada (PDF document), Report from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (2010).
- Mentally healthy communities, A collection of papers. Canadian Institute for Health Information (2008).
Aboriginal
- First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework (PDF document), Health Canada (2015).
- First Nations and Inuit mental health and addiction-cluster evaluation 2005/06-2009/10: Management response and action plan 2012/2013, Health Canada (2012).
- Mentally healthy communities: Aboriginal perspectives, Canadian Institute for Health Information (2009).
Provincial/Territorial Strategies
Alberta
- Creating connections: Alberta’s addiction and mental health action plan 2011–2016 (PDF document), Alberta Health.
- Positive futures-optimizing mental health for Alberta’s children & youth: A framework for action (2006-2016) (PDF document), Government of Alberta.
British Columbia
- A path forward: BC First Nations and Aboriginal people’s mental wellness and substance use-10 Year plan (PDF document), Tripartite First Nations Health Plan (2013).
- Healthy minds, healthy people: A ten-year plan to address mental health and substance use in British Columbia (PDF document), Government of BC. (2010).
Manitoba
New Brunswick
- The action plan for mental health in New Brunswick 2011-18, Government of New Brunswick.
Northwest Territories
- Pathways to wellness: An updated action plan for addictions and mental health Government of Northwest Territories (2014).
- A shared path towards wellness: Mental health and addictions action plan 2012-2015, Northwest Territories Health and Social Services.
Nova Scotia
- Together we can: The plan to improve mental health and addictions care for Nova Scotians, Government of Nova Scotia (2012).
- Our peace of mind: Mental health promotion, prevention and advocacy strategy and framework for Nova Scotia (PDF document), Government of Nova Scotia (2011).
Nunavut
- Contextual study of mental health services in Nunavit (PDF document), includes Mental Health action plan, and prevention/promotion services. Institut nationale de santé publique du Québec (2008).
Ontario
- Connecting the dots: How Ontario Public Health Units are Addressing Child and Youth Mental Health (PDF document), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario), and Toronto Public Health (2013).
- Open minds, healthy minds: Ontario’s comprehensive mental health and addictions strategy (2011).
Quebec
- Science advisory report on effective interventions in mental health promotion and mental health disorder prevention (PDF document), Institut national de santé publique (2008).
Saskatchewan
- Working together for change: A 10-year mental health and addictions plan for Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan (2014).
International Strategies
Australia
- The Sydney Declaration, The result of an international collaboration; outlines opportunities for collaboration to support and drive changes for mental health in particular for issues related to Indigenous peoples, seclusion and restraint, workplace, etc. National Mental Health Commission, Australia (2013).
- Roadmap for national mental health reform 2012-2022, Department of Health and Ageing.
- KidsMatter: Australian early childhood framework, National initiative that focuses on children’s mental health and wellbeing by reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors in early childhood education and care services. Kidsmatter (2012).
- Fourth national mental health plan: an agenda for collaborative government action in mental health 2009-2014 Department of Health (2009).
Europe
- EU-Compass for action on mental health and well being, fields included are: policies and good practices, reports/studies/projects, policy documents/stakeholder statements. European Commission of Public Health.
- European pact for mental health and well-being (PDF document), European Commission of Public Health (2008).
New Zealand
Scotland
United Kingdom
United States
World Health Organisation
Guidance
Canadian Guidance
- National standard of Canada for psychological health and safety in the workplace, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2013).
- Psychological health and safety in the workplace – Prevention, promotion, and guidance to staged implementation, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2013).
- Guidelines for comprehensive mental health services for older adults in Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2013).
- Psychological health and safety: An action guide for employers, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2012).
Aboriginal
- First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework – Summary report, Health Canada (2015).
Provincial/Territorial Guidance
British Columbia
- Model core program paper: Mental health promotion and mental disorders prevention, Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport (2009).
New Brunswick
- On the right track: Guide to mental fitness and resilience (PDF document), Government of New Brunswick (2014).
- CAR approach: Guide to improve mental fitness and resilience in the workplace (PDF document), Government of New Brunswick (2013).
Ontario
International Guidance
Australia
- Resource Kit – New Family Mental Health Support Services Activity under the Targeted Community Care (Mental Health) Program (PDF document), Australian Government (2013).
- The roadmap for national mental health reform 2012-2022 (PDF document), Council of Australian Governments (2012).
- Building the foundations for mental health and well-being: Review of Australian and international mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention policy (PDF document), Department of Health and Human Services (2009).
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
- How’s life? 2013, measuring well-being, OECD Better life initiative (2013).
Scotland
- Physical activity and mental health: The role of physical activity in promoting mental wellbeing and preventing mental health problems: An evidence briefing, NHS Health Scotland (2008).
United Kingdom
National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence
Systematic Reviews of the Research
Selected reviews from HealthEvidence.org:
Children and Youth
- Youth empowerment programs for improving self-efficacy and self-esteem of adolescents, (2011).
- Psychological and/or educational interventions for the prevention of depression in children and adolescents, (2011).
- A meta-analytic review of depression prevention programs for children and adolescents: Factors that predict magnitude of intervention effects, (2009).
Adults
- Dietary supplements for preventing postnatal depression, (2013).
- Effectiveness of organizational interventions for the prevention of workplace stress, (2009).
Search more systematic reviews.
Mental Illness
“Mental illnesses are characterized by alterations in thinking; mood or behaviour associated with significant distress and impaired functioning. They result from complex interactions of biological, psychosocial, economic and genetic factors. Mental illnesses can affect individuals of any age; however, they often appear by adolescence or early adulthood. There are many different types of mental illnesses, and they can range from single, short-lived episodes to chronic disorders.”
Public Health Agency of Canada
“Mental health promotion initiatives that increase personal protective factors, such as resiliency and self-esteem, can help mitigate mental illness and improve quality of life among those living with a mental illness.”
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Data
Canadian Data
- Report from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System: Mood and anxiety disorders in Canada, 2016, Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Report from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System: Mental illness in Canada, 2015, Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Mood and anxiety in Canada: Fast facts from the 2014 Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada (2015).
- Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada: Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Statistics Canada (2014).
- Overview of Mental Health Data in Canada Background, Needs, and Gaps (PDF document), Mental Health Commission of Canada (2014).
- Mental and substance use disorders in Canada, Statistics Canada (2013).
- Perceived need for mental health care in Canada: Results from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental Health, Statistics Canada (2013).
- Human Face of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada (2006).
Canadian Economic Data
- Current issues in mental health in Canada: The economic impact of mental illness (PDF document), Library of Parliament (2013).
- Return on investment: Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention, Canadian Institute for Health Information (2011).
- Economic Burden of Illness in Canada (EBIC) online tool, Public Health Agency of Canada.
Provincial/Territorial Data
Ontario
- Opening eyes, opening minds: The Ontario burden of mental illness and addictions report (PDF document), Public Health Ontario & Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (2012).
Quebec
- Surveillance of personality disorders in Québec: Prevalence, mortality and service utilization profile (PDF document), Institut national de sante publique du Quebec (2015).
- Surveillance of mental disorders in Quebec : Prevalence, mortality and service utilisation profile, Institut national de sante publique du Quebec (2014).
International Data
United States
- Mental illness surveillance among adults in the United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011).
- Mental illness surveillance among children – United States, (2005-2011), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
World Health Organisation
- Mental disorders fact sheet, (2014).
International Economic Data
- Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention: The economic case (PDF document), Department of Health, London, United Kingdom (2011).
Government Strategies (Frameworks, Action Plans, etc)
Canadian Strategies
- Changing directions, changing lives: The mental health strategy for Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2012).
International Strategies
United States
- Public health action plan to integrate mental health promotion and mental illness prevention with chronic disease prevention, 2011–2015 (PDF document), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Guidance
Canada
- Screening for Depression, Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (2013).
Provincial/Territorial Guidance
British Columbia
- Model core program paper: Mental health promotion and mental disorders prevention, Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport (2009).
Quebec
- Science advisory report on effective interventions in mental health promotion and mental health disorder prevention (PDF document), Institut national de santé publique (2008).
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is an important public health issue. It is a tragedy that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Despite the complexities related to suicide, there is hope. Suicide can be prevented. Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach that brings together all levels of government in collaboration with researchers, communities, and families.
Data
Canadian Data
- Chronic disease infobase Data Cubes, interactive database. Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Informing the future: Mental health indicators for Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2015).
- Current issues in Mental Health in Canada: Child and youth mental health, Parliament of Canada (2014).
- Current issues in mental health in Canada: The mental health of First Nations and Inuit Communities, Parliament of Canada (2014).
- A three year review of Federal inmate suicides (2011-2014) (PDF document), The Correctional Investigator Canada (2014).
- Suicide in the Canadian Armed Forces 1995-2012, National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (2013).
- Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health, 2012, Statistics Canada (2013).
- Suicide rates: An overview (PDF document), Statistics Canada (2012).
- Suicide rates: An overview, Statistics Canada (2012).
Economic Data
- The cost of Injury in Canada (PDF document), Parachute and Conference Board of Canada (2015).
Provincial/Territorial Data
Alberta
- Health trends Alberta: Parasuicide among youth in Alberta (PDF document), Alberta Health (2015).
British Columbia
New Brunswick
- Health indicators: Mental health in New Brunswick (PDF document), Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (2011).
Nova Scotia
- Suicide and attempted suicide in Nova Scotia 1995-2004 (PDF document), Department of Health Promotion and Protection (2009).
Nunavut
- Learning from lives that have been lived: Nunavut suicide follow-back study 2005-2010, Government of Nunavut, Douglas Mental Health University Institute and McGill University (2013).
Quebec
- La mortalité par suicide au Québec : 1981 à 2012 mise à jour 2015 (French only). Suicide mortality is reported at 13.3 deaths per 100,000 for the years 1981- 2012; one of the three highest in the country. Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec.
International Data
Australia
- Mental health and suicide data, Department of Health.
- Suicides, Australia (2010), Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012).
New Zealand
- Suicide facts: Deaths and intentional self-harm hospitalisations 2012, Ministry of Health (2015).
United Kingdom
- UK Suicides registered 2013, Office for National Statistics (2015).
United States
- National suicide statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
World Health Organisation
Government Strategies (Frameworks, Action Plans, etc)
Canadian Strategies
- Suicide and suicide prevention in the Canadian Armed Forces, National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (2015).
- Changing directions changing lives: The mental health strategy for Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2012).
- Federal framework for suicide prevention act, Government of Canada (2012).
Aboriginal Strategies
- Acting on what we know: Preventing youth suicide in First Nations, Health Canada.
- National Aboriginal youth suicide prevention strategy (NAYSPS) Program Framework, Health Canada (2013).
Provincial/Territorial Strategies
Manitoba
- Reclaiming hope: Manitoba’s youth suicide prevention strategy, Healthy Living and Seniors (2008).
New Brunswick
- The action plan for mental health in New Brunswick 2011-2018, Government of New Brunswick (2011).
Nunavut
- Nunavut Suicide prevention strategy – Action plan 2011-2014 (PDF document) (2011).
- Nunavut Suicide prevention strategy (PDF document) (2010).
Ontario
- Open minds, healthy minds: Ontario’s comprehensive mental health and addictions strategy (2011).
- Youth suicide prevention plan. Part of the Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
International Strategies
Australia
- National suicide prevention strategy, Department of Health.
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention strategy, Department of Health (2013).
New Zealand
- New Zealand suicide prevention action plan 2013-2016, Ministry of Health (2013).
United States
- Strategic direction for the prevention of suicidal behavior (PDF document), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- National strategy for suicide prevention: Goals and objectives for action, Surgeon General (2012).
World Health Organisation
Guidance
Provincial/Territorial Guidance
British Columbia
- Preventing youth suicide: A guide for practitioners (PDF document), Ministry of Children and Family Development (2015).
Manitoba
- Best practices in school-based suicide prevention: A comprehensive approach (PDF document), Government of Manitoba (2014).
- Suicide prevention: Guidelines for public awareness and education activities (PDF document), Government of Manitoba (2011).
Ontario
International Guidance
Australia
- NT Suicide prevention strategic action plan 2015-2015 (PDF document), Northern Territory Government (2015).
New Zealand
- Suicide prevention toolkit to support district health boards, Department of Health and Human Services (2015).
United Kingdom
- Guidance for developing a local suicide prevention action plan: information for public health staff in local authorities, Public Health England (2014).
United States
- Preventing Suicide: Program activities guide (PDF document), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
World Health Organisation
Systematic Reviews of the Research
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are associated with other mental illnesses and involve a serious disturbance in eating behaviour (either eating too much or too little). They are not a function of a person’s will. Over 113,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with an eating disorder (Public Health Agency of Canada Chronic Disease Infobase – CCHS Mental Health 2012).This is likely an underestimate as they often go undiagnosed and people may be reluctant to disclose their condition. In severe cases, eating disorders can cause death and they have the highest death rate of any mental illness. In particular, an estimated 5% to 20% of those who fully developed anorexia nervosa will eventually die from complications related to their illness. While the voluntary eating of smaller- or larger-than-usual portions of food is common, for some individuals this develops into a compulsion. In addition, unrealistic perceptions of body size may carry various health risks. These range from inappropriate attempts at dieting (which can lead to anorexia nervosa or bulimia) to failure to recognize and manage weight gain. Psychologically, perceiving that one’s body is outside the “normal” range or having unfavourable body image may lead to low self- esteem and self-confidence.
Public Health Agency of Canada
Data
A first step to planning a program to promote healthy eating and a positive body image is to understand the topic through data.
Canadian Data
- Eating disorders in women and girls, Land, Canadian Institute for Health Information (2015).
Provincial/Territorial Data
Ontario
- The Mental Health of Children and Youth in Ontario: A Baseline Scorecard, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (2015).
International Data
United Kingdom
- Statistics on the number of IB/SDA and Employment and Support Allowance claimants with a primary diagnosis of ‘eating disorders’, Department of Work and Pensions (2013).
- Body confidence: findings from the British Social Attitudes Survey – October 2014, Government Equities Office (2014).
Government Strategies (Frameworks, Action Plans, etc)
Canadian Strategies
- Eating Disorders among Girls and Women in Canada This Standing Committee on the Status of Women report examines eating disorders as a potentially deadly mental illness, the factors contributing to eating disorders, and the obstacles in addressing them and seeking treatment. House of Commons (2014).
- Government of Canada Response to the Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women entitled Eating Disorders among Girls and Women in Canada Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, House of Commons(2014).
Provincial/Territorial Strategies
British Columbia
- Action plan for provincial services for people with eating disorders (PDF document), Ministry of Health Services (2010).
For More Information
Canada
- National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Eating Disorders Association of Canada (EDAC)