Mood Disorders

Definition 

Population aged 12 and over who reported that they have been diagnosed by a health professional as having a mood disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, mania or dysthymia. 

Why This Matters 

Mood disorders are an indicator of mental health – a major component of Winnipeggers’ well-being. The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” (2011). In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the estimated “substantial increase in depressive and anxiety disorders as a result[,]” (World Health Organization, 2022, p. 42) it is increasingly important to keep track of diagnoses to ensure adequate mental health services are available. Knowing the number of people diagnosed with mood disorders in the community can help ensure effective and sufficient services are provided to manage the disorder. With an assessment from the World Health Organization demonstrating that service utilization by persons with depression and bipolar disorders was extremely limited in most countries (World Health Organization, 2018), having the ability to compare diagnosis number with utilization levels is a crucial first step in effectively supporting those with mood disorders. 

In the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, government is called to work with [Indigenous] peoples to “close the gaps between [Indigenous] and non-[Indigenous] communities in a number of health indicators,” including mental health (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015). 

Mood disorders, and mental illness more broadly, have effects on many aspects of well-being, including: 

(1) Employment: the unemployment rate of people with serious mental illnesses is in the range of 70% to 90% (CMHA 2013). 

(2) Safety: people with mental illnesses are more than twice as likely to be victims of crime (Mood Disorders Society of Canada 2009). 

(3) Physical health: mental and physical health are intimately linked. The social determinants of health, for instance, affect not just physical health, but also mental health. According to the CMHA (2013b), “(1) poor mental health is a risk factor for chronic physical conditions; (2) people with serious mental health conditions are at high risk of experiencing chronic physical conditions; and (3) people with chronic physical conditions are at risk of developing poor mental health”. 

(4) The economy: according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, “the economic burden of mental illness in Canada is estimated at $51 billion per year” (CAMH 2013). 

Measurement and Limitations 

Population aged 12 and over who reported that they have been diagnosed by a health professional as having a mood disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, mania or dysthymia. This data is collected via Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 

Data for the CCHS are collected yearly from a sample of approximately 65,000 respondents. The Canadian Health Indicators are tabulated by sex and age group in two main tables. The table 13-10-0096-01 presents the most up-to-date population health estimates for the ten provinces and is updated yearly. The table 13-10-0113-01 presents estimates from two-year combined data and features breakdown by all provinces and territories as well as by health regions. These estimates are less current than annual estimates, but have higher precision given the larger sample (less variability). Users should refer to the annual data table 13-10-0096-01 as the primary source for the most current estimates from the survey as well as to obtain data from previous years (where available). However, where data quality flags indicate suppression (F) or higher variability (E), the two-year data table 13-10-0113-01 should be used. Health regions are administrative areas defined by provincial ministries of health according to provincial legislation. The health regions presented in this table are based on boundaries and names in effect as of 2015. For complete Canadian coverage, each northern territory represents a health region. 

Due to changes in content and methodology, this table now replaces Statistics Canada’s table 13-10-0452-01, which provides data for 2007-2014. As a result of the changes, users should use caution when comparing data from 2007-2014 and 2015 to present. 

Data Source 

Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0113-01  Health characteristics, two-year period estimates 

Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0452-01  Health indicators, two-year period estimates 

Data is updated on Peg as it becomes available from the data providers. 

References 

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). (2013a). Employment. Available at: http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/find-help/employment/ 

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). (2013b). Connection between mental and physical health. Available at: http://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/connection-between-mental-and-physical-health/ 

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). (2013). Mental Illness and Addiction Statistics. Available at: http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/about_camh/newsroom/for_reporters/Pages/addictionmentalhealthstatistics.aspx 

Mood Disorders Society of Canada. (2009). Quick Facts: Mental illness and addiction in Canada. 3rd Edition. Available at: http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/documents/Media%20Room/Quick%20Facts%203rd%20Edition%20Referenced%20Plain%20Text.pdf 

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Calls to Action. Winnipeg: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2091412-trc-calls-to-action.html 

World Health Organization. (2018). Mental Health Atlas 2017. Geneva. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241514019 

World Health Organization. (2022). World Mental Health Report: transforming mental health for all. Geneva. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240049338 

World Health Organization (2011). Mental health: a state of well-being. Available at: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/