Feelings of sadness, low mood and loss of interest can happen to anyone and for many different reasons, you are not alone. These feelings can last a brief period or continue for longer periods impacting our daily function such as work, relationships, or school. Have a look at the video below which provides a description.
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There are many ways we can help ourselves today to begin to overcome the cycle of depression and helplessness, consider one of the following:

  • Start to develop a daily routine that includes periods of activity, eating and rest with regular times to wake and go to sleep
  • Make a plan to meet up with a supportive friend
  • Reduce the use of substances such as cannabis and alcohol which can both be depressants
  • Have a look at our sleep hygiene document to ensure you are optimizing your sleep

For more detailed information on self-management strategies for depression see the documents below:

Depression Worksheet-My Behavioural Antidepressants

Depression Packet

Many organizations have developed free programs online that use evidenced based information to address the core symptoms of depression.  Please look at the following sites:

  1. Free skills workbook that provides information based on experience and research to introduce participants to strategies that can address depression: https://www.sfu.ca/carmha/publications/antidepressant-skills-workbook.html
  2. Free module-based program on depression: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Depression
  3. Mood gym is like an interactive self-help book which helps you to learn and practice skills which can help to prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety: https://moodgym.com.au/

Halton region has resources and groups that you can work with to address depression, see the links below. There are several programs through the outpatient mental health program at Joseph Brant that can be accessed through referral from your primary care provider.

  1. Bounce Back Ontario is a free evidenced based program to assist individuals 15+ who are experiencing depression or anxiety. This is delivered through online coaching and videos; you can self-refer, or your practitioner can refer you:  https://bouncebackontario.ca/
  2. CMHA Halton has single session counselling, peer support and workshops/ programs to address mood. You can find more information on the following website or by calling their intake line: https://halton.cmha.ca/
  3. Connex Ontario
  4. Thrive counselling offers single session counselling, counselling and group programs: https://thrivecounselling.org/
  5. Looking to find your own therapist? Psychology today is a website to help you find a therapist in your area that meets your needs: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca

There are several apps that can help you to monitor your mood, provide suggestions and help to keep track of your progress: