More Support Information

The following documents and links, developed by MDSC partners and fellow organizations, will add to your library of information.

52 Ways to Beat Depression Naturally.

A book by Canadian author and registered psychological associate Nicole McCance via Indigo River Publishing, 2013, offers 52 ways to beat depression naturally. The content draws from Eastern and Western philosophies and explores relaxation techniques, nutritional and exercise strategies, sleep therapy and other means for addressing depression. The tips are meant to be concise, easy to understand, and accessible for readers. Nicole has great confidence in the proven benefits of each of the techniques. “Just try one, and you will feel the difference,” she says. Having spent more than a decade specializing in the treatment of depression, Nicole has empathy for readers who are suffering. “You can be happy,” she says. “It starts with just one step in the right direction.” Read more… (Book, Trailer Video).

Seasonal Affective Disorder.
“Out like a light: SAD and the winter blues”. To raise awareness of SAD, First Choice Holidays brought together statistics from sources such as SADA, SAD.org.uk, Bupa and the Mood Disorders Society of Canada to create the infographic: Out Like a Light. It contains a collection of facts that can help you recognise and treat SAD. Read more… (Infographic).

Child & Youth Mental Health Toolkit
Provides the epidemiology, symptoms and identification of some common mental health conditions as well as examples of some recommended treatments. Link to Shared-Care. Read more… (Website).

Canadian Medical Association website
Where Canadians can go online to share their views on health care. Read more… (News Release).

Tree of Life Interactive Web Tool
An interactive web tool that can be used by individuals and groups to facilitate discussion and identification of community needs was created in cooperation with The Honouring Life Network (HLN), a project of the National Aboriginal Health Organization, and is offered in English, French and Inuktitut audio. Read more… (Press Release).

Mood Memos Depression Prevention Study
Mood memos is a University of Melbourne study exploring a method of preventing depression through the internet. The study is targeted to people experiencing some depression symptoms who are not yet too severe, with the aim of averting depression or relapse. The Mood Memos study will trial the effectiveness of an email-based mental health promotion for depression symptoms. Emails are delivered every few days for 6 weeks, bringing expert coping advice and information about depression directly to email inboxes. Read more… (PDF English).

Is Gambling a Problem for Young Canadians?
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, along with six provincial organizations (including the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre), have released the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory—the first survey designed specifically to help assess the prevalence and risks associated with teenage gambling. The questions found in the Inventory will help researchers and governments identify risky and problematic gambling behaviours in teens aged 13–17. Read more… (News Release {PDF English, French}, Backgrounder {PDF English, French}, Survey Instrument, Phase 3 Report).

A Self Help Guide for Coping with Depression
The Antidepressant Skills Workbook gives 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. Read more… (Workbook).

BC Mood Disorder Tool Kit and Resources
The BC Here to Help website provides rich resources on many aspects of understanding, treating and living successfully with mental illness and addictions. Read more… (Toolkits, Fact Sheets, Brochures, Journals).

Check Up from the Neck Up
One in five people will experience a mood disorder in their lifetime, and less than one half will seek treatment. Take care of your mental health. Get your checkup today! Read more…(Website).

Disability Health Credit
The disability tax credit (DTC) provides tax relief to individuals who, due to the effects of a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment, are markedly restricted in their ability to perform a basic activity of daily living as certified by a qualified medical practitioner, or would be markedly restricted were it not for extensive therapy to sustain a vital function. Individuals are markedly restricted if, even with therapy or the use of appropriate devices and medication, they are blind or unable to perform a basic activity of daily living, or if they require an inordinate amount of time to perform the activity, all or substantially all of the time. […]

Healing Tips
There is no quick fix or magic bullet that brings healing and wholeness when confronting the challenge of living with a mood disorder. Each of us is unique, bringing our own personal history, set of needs, values and vision, challenges and resources. Each person’s road to healing will be as unique as they are! […]

Sanctuary Mental Health Society – Peer Support for Christians
Provides resources that meaningfully engage the topics of faith and mental health. Content is developed in collaboration with theologians, mental health professionals, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges. These resources prepare communities of faith around the world to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support mental health, and promote mental wellbeing. Read more…(Website).

MDSC’s Recommended Reading List
An important first step in gaining control of your illness, or in understanding and supporting a loved one, is to learn all you can about mood disorders and their treatment. Being informed about mood disorders allows you to be an active participant in your treatment and make informed decisions regarding your care in partnership with your health care provider. […]

Reader Recommended Reading List
The following books have been suggested by visitors to the MDSC website which they have found valuable in managing their mood disorder. We extend a special thanks to Reg T. for his support in developing this list. […]

The Expert Guidelines Consensus Series
The following reports reflect the expert opinions of leaders in researching and treating mental illness:

Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Anxiety Disorders

Guides for Patients & Families