DEPRESSION • ANXIETY
WELLNESS • NAVIGATION
You have been referred by your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to be part of the depression treatment pathway shown below:
Your Doctor or NP refers you to NewPath for further evaluation.
(a medication trial may be considered)
You will be contacted by NewPath to book your appointments for group or individual sessions.
You will access services at NewPath.
A follow-up with your Doctor or NP will be scheduled after six sessions to assess progress.
(alternative options may be considered)
Treatment continues with NewPath and your Doctor or NP until you are ready to self manage.
You will be discharged from NewPath and will continue to work with your Doctor or NP.
You will use everything you have learned to self-manage your depression.
Depression
What is depression?
It is normal for you to feel sad from time to time. But this sadness doesn’t stop them from going on with their everyday activities. And it goes away on its own. Depression, on the other hand, is a sadness so severe that it interferes with everyday life.
Typical symptoms of depression are:
- Feeling sad, worried, irritable or angry
- Lack of enjoyment in life, or trouble enjoying anything
- Feeling hopeless and worthless.
- Having trouble coping with everyday activities at home, school, or work
- Problems with sleep, energy, appetite and concentration
With severe depression, a person may even hear voices, or have thoughts of harming themselves or others. Depression is more than normal sadness. A depressed person can’t ‘just snap out of it’. Studies even show actual, physical changes in a person’s brain when they have a clinical depression.
What causes depression?
Depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. It can be triggered by stressful events, like losing a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, moving to a new school, bullying, abuse, or an illness. Depression can run in families.
Depression is a serious illness. It is not your fault if you are depressed.
How is depression treated?
Depression can be treated with counselling, medicines called antidepressants, or both. If you are worried that you may have depression, the first step is to go to the doctor. Talk therapy is often used to treat depression. It is a type of counselling that focuses on conversations between the patient and the counsellor.
Antidepressants work by balancing the normal chemicals in the brain. They are not addictive or habit-forming. Antidepressants have not been shown to increase the risk of suicide. However, a few children and young adults will think about suicide more often than others and may hurt themselves. It is always important to be on the lookout for any suicidal thoughts or behaviours. If you are suicidal please go to the emergency room immediately for assessment. Click here for further information about medication.
Recommended Viewing :
Healthy living makes a difference – Be Well!
Click on any of the icons below to find more information and resources available!
10 Hours Of Sleep
Aim for 10 hours of restful sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep it affects our bodies, minds, emotions and behaviours. Such as: hyperactivity, easily hurt feelings, difficulty focusing and potentially long-term health effects.
5 Servings Of Fruits and Veggies
Veggies and fruits have vitamins, minerals and fibre that help us grow. Aim for 5 or more servings everyday to help build strong bodies and minds. Veggies and fruits give us enegry to keep us going throughout our busy days.
2 Hours Or Less of TV/Screen Time
When we are plugged in too much for our down time we aren’t making time for all the other great things around us like; playing, biking, walking, gardening. Families can: Take a break. Turn it off. Unplug & Play. Throughout the day.
1 Hour of Physical Activity/Play
Every step and movement we take or make throughout our day helps to make our mental and physical health better. Aim for 60 minutes of active play everyday. You can do it all at once or adds smaller amounts of time throughout the day.
Where can I get more information?
For more resources, videos or education please visit the Child and Youth page of the GBFHT website: www.gbfht.ca/mental-health or Be Well Community Collective www.bewellcommunity.ca.
