Report On Mental Illness and Addictions

For the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army, in partnership with Angus Reid Public Opinion, conducted polling research to better understand societal views surrounding poverty.

This year the research focuses on public perception towards people dealing with mental illness and/or addictions.

Canada Speaks 2012: Mental Health, Addictions and the Roots of Poverty revealed that many Canadians have been personally touched by the issue, with 80 percent reporting that they have either a friend or family member who has experienced mental illness and/or addiction.

Due to this surprisingly high number, many Canadians empathize with those who suffer from either mental illness and/or addiction and are looking to the government and social service programs to provide additional assistance to these individuals and their families.

The findings from this year’s report are promising and reveal a population that recognizes the barriers and obstacles facing Canadians that suffer from either mental illness or addiction and how it can lead to a life of poverty. Many people who seek assistance of The Salvation Army are affected by one of these issues, so we are pleased that the public is eager to do more to help. The Salvation Army is working today and everyday to restore hope and dignity to all who need our help, regardless of circumstance.

The Salvation Army is highlighting the issue of mental illness and addiction this month as part of its annual May Campaign and the ongoing Dignity Project. It is calling on Canadians to dig deep and donate, but also to continue encouraging open discussion around societal issues such as addiction and mental illness.