The Mood Disorders Society of Canada partners actively with the media to ensure accurate and comprehensive reporting of matters that are of interest to consumers, families and caregivers. Our organization believes that the media has a powerful role to play in ensuring that the consumer and family voice is heard.


The Mood Disorders Society of Canada has evolved to become one of Canada’s best-connected mental health NGOs with a demonstrated track record for forging and maintaining meaningful and sustained partnerships with the public, private and non-profit sectors throughout Canada.

The organization invites media inquiries and coverage of consumer perspectives. The point of contact is Phil Upshall, National Executive Director:

Mood Disorders Society of Canada
3-304 Stone Road West, Suite 736
Guelph, ON   N1G 4W4
Tel:  519-824-5565 Fax. 519-824-9569
E-Mail: info@mooddisorderscanada.ca

Phil Upshall’s Bio

Phil Upshall is the National Executive Director of Mood Disorders Society of Canada. He is also:

• Stakeholder Relations Advisor for the Mental Health Commission of Canada
• Immediate past National Executive Director of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH)
• Managing Director of Mental Illness Awareness Week in Canada
• On national board positions with the Canada Post Foundation on Mental Illness and Mental Health; Advisory Board to the Canada Research Chair - National Core for Neuroethics at the University of British Columbia
• Adjunct professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University
• Past member of the Institute Advisory Board of the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction
• Past member of expert panels for Stats Canada, Health Canada, CIHI, and others

Education: Commerce degree from Dalhousie University and a law degree from the University of Toronto. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1969.

New Releases 

Newest Version of our Bipolar Disorder Brochure, January 2009
(PDF English / French)

Mental Health Concerns on the Minds of Canadians, May 1, 2008
(PDF English)

Federal Budget Reduces Stigma of Mental Illness, March 19, 2007
(PDF English / French)

They got it right! Mood Disorders Society of Canada Commends the Recommendations from the Senate Report on Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction, May 9, 2006
(PDF English)

Background Information on Mood Disorders 

Quick Facts on Mental Illness and Addictions in Canada, 3rd Edition (November 2009) is an expanded version of the hugely popular second edition. It brings together, in a comprehensive, evidence-based document, important statistics relating not only to mental illnesses and addictions as they impact individuals and their families but also as they impact the healthcare system, the workplace, and the economy in general. It also provides an understanding of the relationship between mental illnesses, addictions, and physical illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  Read more... (PDF English // French)

Quick Facts (November 2009). This plain text version of the 3rd edition of Quick Facts contains all citations for the facts in the published edition - as described above.  For researchers, students - or for those who wish to access the resources for themselves and learn more about mental illness and addictions. Read more...(PDF English)