National integrated framework for enhancing mental health literacy in Canada

This project was initiated to research the mental health literacy of Canadians, to compare it with findings from other jurisdictions, to share the findings with key partners and in partnership, to develop an integrated strategy to improve mental health literacy in Canada. [...] The Mental Health Literacy project was initiated to research the mental health literacy of Canadians, to compare it with findings from other jurisdictions, to share the findings with key partners and in partnership, to develop an integrated strategy to improve mental health literacy in Canada. [...] The National Framework was shaped by the contributions of stakeholders who attended the CAMIMH National MHL Symposium in Ottawa in February 2008 to review and discuss key findings of the MHL project and to provide input on the development of a national strategy to improve mental health literacy in Canada. [...] The knowledge domains reviewed include understanding of prevalence and perceived causes, capacity to recognize mental health problems, attitudes about interventions and recovery, conceptions of mental illness, stigmatizing attitudes and perceptions of dangerousness, beliefs about protecting and promoting mental health, and perceived linkages between mental and physical health. [...] CAMIMH July 2008 3 National Integrated Framework for Enhancing Mental Health Literacy in Canada Key Findings Understanding of Prevalence and Recognition of Mental Disorders Canadians appear to have reasonably good mental health literacy with respect to the prevalence of mental disorders, awareness of warning signs, and ability to identify a mental disorder as such.