St. Albert & Sturgeon Primary Care Network
Depression
If you have been diagnosed with depression, this handout will provide you with information to help you understand and manage your illness. It is designed to help you take an active role, as a partner with your physician, in treating your depression.
What is Depression?
First of all, you need to know that depression can affect anyone. Up to 15% of adults will, at some time during their life, suffer from depression. You may be depressed if you have any of the following symptoms nearly every day, all day, for two weeks or longer:
- No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- A low mood that lasts longer than is normal for you
- Feeling anxious, worthless or guilty
- Feeling numb or empty emotionally, perhaps even to the point of not being able to cry
- Feeling slowed down, tired all the time, or conversely, feeling restless and unable to sit still
- Change in appetite, leading to weight gain or loss
- Problems sleeping especially in the early morning, or wanting to sleep all the time
- Trouble thinking, remembering, focusing on what you’re doing, or making everyday decisions
- Thinking about death or suicide
What Causes Depression?
The cause of depression is not fully known. A number of factors may be involved, such as chemical imbalances in the brain or family history. Sometimes depression can be linked to stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce or job loss. Certain medicines, overuse of drugs and alcohol, and chronic diseases can also lead to depression. Depression isn’t caused by personal weakness, lack of willpower, or a "bad attitude".
Whatever the cause, it is important to know that depression can be successfully treated. There is hope for recovery. However, many depressed people find it difficult both to seek help and to take care of themselves. Finding a family physician you can confide in is a critical first step to recovery. Taking an active role in dealing with your depression is also essential. Learning self-management skills that will help you cope with depression can lead to faster recovery and reduce the chances of it reoccurring.
How is Depression Treated?
Once your physician has assessed the severity of your illness, treatment may involve medicine, psychotherapy and self-management. Any one of these treatments used alone or in combination, may give you the best results.
Antidepressant Medication
Medications for depression are called antidepressants. Antidepressants are an effective and widely used treatment. It may take some time to find the medication that works best for you. You may notice some effects of antidepressants within the first week, but you probably won’t see the full effects for 6 - 8 weeks.
Some people experience mild side effects at the start of treatment, but these may go away over time or with adjustments to your medication. Like all medications, however there may be uncommon, but more serious side effects. Talk to your physician if you find side effects hard to cope with or experience any agitation, worsening of depression, or increase in suicidal thoughts.
Antidepressants are not addictive; however, you should never stop taking antidepressants suddenly without consulting your physician. Doing so may cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as flu-like sensations, insomnia, nausea, balance problems and agitation.
Psychotherapy
Certain types of psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Problem Solving Therapy (PST) can be used as effective as antidepressants. Many Mental Health professionals provide these types of therapy. The focus of psychotherapy may be on your thoughts and beliefs or on your relationships. It may also help you look at your behaviour, how it's affecting you and what you can do differently. Sessions are usually taken individually or in a group about once a week for 8 to 12 weeks.
Note: Psychotherapy Services provided by private therapist are not covered under Alberta Health Care but may be covered by extended health benefits or an employee assistance program through work. Some psychotherapy services covered under your Alberta health care coverage are offered at Capital Health Mental Health clinics and outpatient clinics.
Self Management: Taking an Active Role in Your Treatment
There are many things that you can do to help yourself get though your depression and reduce the risk of relapse. Self-management does not mean dealing with illness alone. It means being an active partner with your physician or other health care provider, communicating honestly and effectively, and being well-informed on treatment options. Most importantly, it means following through on the treatment or action plan that you and your physician decide upon - and that usually includes behavioural and lifestyle changes.
Adapted from: BC Health Services Depression Treatment Guidelines – A Guide for Patients
Brief Assessment and Referral
- University of Alberta - Psychiatric Treatment Clinic(780) 407-6150
- Psychiatric Assessment and limited short-term follow-up
- Appointments usually within 1 - 3 days
- Clients call at 8:30 am and request intake worker to schedule an appointment
Individual Talk Therapy & Psychiatry: Ages 18 - 65 years
- St. Albert Mental Health Clinic - 30 Sir Winston Churchill Ave.(780) 459-2820
- Assessment and treatment available
- Therapists offer CBT, interpersonal, and supportive therapy
- Psychiatry consultation available if enrolled with therapist
- Open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday
- Call for intake appointment - wait times vary
- Morinville Mental Health Clinic - Provincial Court Building(780) 939-1200
- Assessment and treatment available
- Therapists offer CBT, interpersonal and supportive therapy
- Psychiatry consultation available if enrolled with therapist
- Open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday
- Call for intake appointment - wait times vary
- Edmonton Mental Health Clinic - 9942 - 108 St.(780) 427-4444
- Same services as St. Albert and Morinville Clinics
Individual Talk Therapy - Insurance, Self-Pay or Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Assistance Programs
- May be available through your employee benefits program (not extended health insurance)
- Usually covers about 6-10 sessions with counsellor
- Completely confidential and not disclosed to your employer
- Check with benefits department
- Private Psychologist - Alberta Psychologist Association(780) 428-8255 (TALK)
- May be covered by extended health benefits
- Will refer to psychologist close to your home/office with specialty of your request
- Website
- Clinical Social Worker - Alberta College of Social Work(780) 421-1167
- May be covered by extended health benefits
- Will refer to social worker close to your home/office
Crisis and Phone Support
- Distress Line(780) 482-4357 (HELP)
- 24 hour phone support
- Capital Health Mobile Crisis Line(780) 482-0222
- 24 hour crisis intervention service (phone or mobile)
Edmonton Counselling Agencies with Sliding Scale Fees
- Catholic Social Services - 8815 - 99 St.(780) 432-1137
- The Family Centre - 20-9912 - 106 St.(780) 424-5580
- Jewish Family Services - 202-10339 - 124 St.(780) 424-6346
- Cornerstone Counselling Centre - 11111 Jasper Ave.; 8R(780) 482-6215
- Hope Foundation - 11032 - 89 Ave.(780) 492-1222
- Creating Solutions - 9690 - 182 St.(780) 414-0609
- Pastoral Counselling Centre - 11111 Jasper Ave.; 6R(780) 482-8998
- Centre for Family & Health Psychology - 9940 - 106 St.(780) 421-1747
- The Support Network - 301-11456 Jasper Ave.(780) 482-0198
Other Treatment Resources
- Sexual Assault Centre(780) 423-4102
Crisis Line (780) 423-4121- For victims of sexual assault or abuse
- St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF)(780) 460-2195
- For anyone in an abusive relationship
- Individual/group/couples counselling available
- Helpful Books Available at Local Bookstores
- The Depression Map by Randy Paterson
- Mind over Mood Workbook by David Burns
- The Depression Workbook by Mary Copeland
- Free Online Self-Care Guides