In Crisis? Call or text 988 for 24/7 support. Learn more.

Living with Depression

Know that you are not alone and the feeling can be treated.

During difficult times, it cannot be stated enough that your mental health matters. As you deal with life’s challenges, it is understandable that your mood may start to change, sometimes for the worse.

When these moods start to last longer and affect your daily routine – your work and relationships – it may be depression. Know that you are not alone and the feeling can be treated.
It cannot be stated enough that your mental health matters.
Cloud

You Are Not Alone

Depression affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians, of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Everyone reacts differently to depression, and it should not be mistaken for just a feeling of sadness; the important thing to know is that it is treatable.

Mobile

Someone Is There For You

Don’t ever feel ashamed to seek treatment or care – the help you need is available. There are resources below that you can try, and a much larger list on our resources page.

If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be, call the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support line at 1-877-435-7170. You can also call the Canadian Suicide Prevention Service line at 1-833-456-4566. Someone will be ready to listen and speak to you.

Web Resources

For more information, we have compiled a list of resources to help you cope up with anxiety during these difficult days.

Global

I Had a Black Dog: His Name Was Depression

Artist and writer Matthew Johnstone, who himself suffered from depression, has written and illustrated this moving and uplifting insight into what it is like to have a Black Dog as a companion. To learn more about the book, click here or watch the YouTube video.

Postpartum Depression Association of Manitoba

Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects 15% of families and can happen any time within the first year after birth. If you or someone you care about needs support to manage PPD, connect with the Postpartum Depression Association of Manitoba by calling or visit their website at https://www.ppdmanitoba.ca.

Canadian Mental Health Association – Provincial Districts

CMHA provides mental health and wellness supports and programs in branches across the Province of Manitoba. To learn more about support closer to your community, visit one of the branch website links below:
CMHA – Central
CMHA – Interlake-Eastern
CMHA – Manitoba and Winnipeg
CMHA Swan Valley
CMHA – Thompson

Videos

Resources

Crisis Response Centre

For individuals 18 years and older who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Walk-in services are also provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if needed. Connections to other supports and services are also offered. 817 Bannatyne Avenue · Crisis Mobile Services (204) 940-1781

Klinic Crisis Line

204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019

National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line

Available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of residential school experience.
1-866-925-4419

Books

Mind Over Mood

By Dennis Greenberger
Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, readers learn proven, powerful, practical strategies to transform your life. Follow step-by-step plans to overcome depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, and shame. Set doable personal goals and track your progress. And practice your new skills until they become second nature. 

The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time

By: Alex Korb
Demystifies the intricate brain processes that cause depression and offers a practical and effective approach to getting better.

The Mindful Way Workbook An 8-Week Program to Free Yourself from Depression and Emotional Distress

By: John Teasdale, Mark Williams, Zindel Segal
The expert authors introduce specific mindfulness practices to try each week, plus reflection questions, tools for keeping track of progress, and helpful comments from others going through the program.

Feel Good Handbook

By: David D. Burns M.D
Provides step-by-step exercises that help you cope with depression and anxiety and developing healthier interpersonal relationships.

The Recovery Letters: Addressed to People Experiencing Depression

by Olivia Sagan
Addressed to 'Dear You', the inspirational and heartfelt letters provided hope and support to those experiencing depression and were testament that recovery was possible.

Podcasts

The Hilarious World of Depression

With John Moe
In response to the stigma often associated with depression, this podcast is a series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with this disease.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hilarious-world-of-depression/id1181589175

Feeling Good Podcast

With Dr. David Burns
Describes powerful new techniques to overcome depression and anxiety and develop greater joy and self-esteem. For therapists and the general public alike.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feeling-good-podcast-team-cbt-the-new-mood-therapy/id1171155453

The SelfWork Podcast

With Margaret Rutherford
Explains mental health treatment, and to give you the chance to consider therapy without thinking it’s weird or somehow suggests you can’t “fix” your own problems. 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-selfwork-podcast/id1166015598

The Brain Warrior’s Way

With Dr. Daniel G. Amen
Helps you win the war for your health and defeat anxiety, depression, memory loss, ADHD, addictions, disease, and obesity. Learn how you can take control of your brain and body for the rest of your life.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-brain-warriors-way-podcast/id1178337794

The Depression Files Podcast

with Al Levin
Men experience depression differently. Al Levin interviews men who have suffered from depression, educating those who may know little about mental illnesses while giving hope to those who may be suffering.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-depression-files/id1254190580

Courses


Depression Self Screening Test Offered Through Here to Help BC

Here to Help BC offers a variety of self-screening tests designed to look at symptoms that may be present in some mental illnesses.

Do You Feel Alone? You Are Not Alone.

Many others who have experienced depression have shared their personal stories.

Anti-Depressant Skills Workbook: A Self Care Guide

Using a cognitive and behavioural approach the ASW guides you to make important changes to help emerge from depression. ASW is available in multiple languages including: English, French, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, and Vietnamese.

Develop a Plan for Resilience

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health  has created a booklet to assist in building a plan for resiliency.

Build Skills, Bounce Back

BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach.

Looking For More?

Free resources to help with your anxiety available from your phone

Suicide Prevention Line

If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be, call the Suicide Prevention & Support line. Someone will be ready to listen and speak to you.

Call 1-877-435-7170 anytime.

Mindshift

Download for iOS or Android

This free app from Anxiety Canada helps users track anxiety daily. You will work through tools while applying Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches.

Download today for Apple or Android.

Text4Mood

Text Mood to 760-670-3130

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, Text4Mood sends you a daily inspirational text message to support positive mental health.

To join, text Mood to 760-670-3130.