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One in four working Canadians suffers from depression

Ipsos Reid poll commissioned by Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

 

Toronto (21 Nov. 2007) - A survey commissioned by the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace says one in four working Canadians suffers from depression.

A poll conducted for the company by the Ipsos Reid firm, involving 4,122 workers, found that 18% had been diagnosed with depression while another 8% believed they were suffering from undiagnosed depression.

Although the awareness and acceptance of the illness has been increasing, 64% of those surveyed said they did not let it be known in their workplace that they were affected.

The study is the largest ever conducted in Canada on the issue. It was commissioned by the centre in cooperation with the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health.

Mike Schwartz, executive director of the centre, said the results provide "revealing" insight into the way managers and employees view depression.

"This is the first research project to be commissioned by the centre, and consistent with our public service objective," he said. "We are pleased to make the results available to the public and to the Mental Health Commission of Canada."

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring that our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE

More information:

Complete details of survey from Great-West Life - pdf