Resources for people with depression
Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health (VCH) and Substance Use Services
VCH has a central intake line for services available for patients. Information about all services available can be found here
Here to Help
The Here to Help website is developed by a coalition of of seven leading mental health and addictions non-profit agencies. The sites has a number of information sheets on depression.
Bounce Back
Bounce Back is an evidence-based program, available at no cost to patients, designed to help adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood, or stress, with or without anxiety. Bounce Back offers two forms of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) help.
The first is a self-help DVD titled Living Life to the Full. It provides clear tips and strategies to manage your mood. The 45-minute DVD covers a number of the most useful CBT skills that people can learn to get more enjoyment out of life. The DVD is appropriate for those who aren’t ready for a more structured intervention like individual therapy. You can obtain a DVD from your physician at our office.
The second is a telephone-delivered service. Bounce Back employs community coaches who offer guided self-help over the phone to support people with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety. The coaches support patients who are working through an effective, short-term mood improvement program. Their role is to teach new skills, help patients stay motivated, answer questions and monitor patients’ progress. The program is based on a series of structured workbooks that provide clear information and exercises to help people alter the way they think and act in order to bring about positive changes in how they feel. We are happy to make referrals to this program.
The Antidepressant Skills Workbook
The Antidepressant Skills Workbook (ASW) (Dr. Dan Bilsker, RPsych, Dr. Randy Paterson, RPsych) is a self-care manual is based on the experience of the authors and on scientific research about which strategies work best in managing depression. It provides an overview of depression, explains how it can be effectively managed according to the best available research, and gives a step-by-step guide to changing patterns that trigger depression. Y0u can download a copy here
There is also a guide for teens dealing with depression you can download here.
Mood Disorders Association of BC
Suicide
If you are feeling suicidal, please contact your family physician immediately. Our receptionists will always fit our patients in right away if you tell them that it is urgent (Please make sure to let the receptionist know that you require an urgent same day appointment) Our physicians are also available after hours for emergencies such as this-you can reach us by calling the main office phone line. You can also go to your closest emergency department.
SAFER (Suicide Attempt Follow-up, Education and Research)
Safer works to reduce suicide risk among those in crisis, to assist family and friends who care about them, and to promote healing among those bereaved by suicide. You can find more about the organization here.
Here to Help factsheet on suicide
Healthlink factsheet