Depression is a condition that may cause loss of appetite, a loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from others, and less energy. It can impact people of all ages and can be mild to very serious.
Tips & Links
A new diagnosis, health changes and the possible loss of a lifestyle plan can lead to grief and depression. Learn about the signs of depression and strategies to cope with your feelings.
Learn About
- Learn about the causes and feelings of depression from Help.Starts.Here.gov.bc.ca.
- Think about ways to decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation from Healthlink BC.
- If you are feeling mentally or emotionally unwell, contact your physician or nurse practitioner for an assessment.
- Learn about the roles of a clinical counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist, and the types of guidance and support they can offer.
- Learn how to reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression from Healthlink BC.
- Visit the Government of BC mental health website for information and resources at HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca.
Thing To Do
- Learn about your diagnosis or health condition to help you feel more in control as this can help reduce feelings of anxiety or helplessness. But try not to overwhelm yourself with too much information at once. Take breaks and focus on reliable sources.
- Practice mindfulness to help you stay in the present moment, which can be useful when you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or fear about the future.
- Use deep breathing techniques as they can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of stress or panic.
- Define and protect your personal boundaries and privacy and confidentiality. Know what you want to share, when, and with whom.
- Consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy to help relieve stress and physical discomfort.
- Consider trying yoga, chair yoga, pilates or tai Chi to learn relaxation and breathing techniques. Many classes are available online at no charge.
- Explore ways to share your feelings and needs with others you trust.
- Look into condition-specific support groups, online or in person, to meet with others who are going through similar experiences.
- Practice self-compassion by giving yourself time and space to deal with the potential changes in your health and lifestyle plans.
Find Help & Support
- Check out the list of virtual mental services including how to get immediate help, free or low-cost counselling, workplace supports, and targeted services for youth, students, seniors, and indigenous people from the Government of BC.
- Call BC211, a free, confidential helpline that can connect you to a wide range of mental health resources and services available in your area.
- Check out HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca from the Government of BC for a comprehensive list of walk-in clinics and resources.
- Find a clinical counsellor, psychologist, or art therapist who can provide counselling or therapy listed by Counselling BC.
- Explore the list of emotional health and counselling services provided by Pathways/Doctors of BC.
- For youth 12 -24 years of age – find support for your emotional health at the Foundry.
- Check to see if you have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) at your workplace which offers confidential counselling services.
- For students, ask if your university or college offers free, confidential one-on-one sessions for students in crisis.
- Thinking about death or suicide is a serious symptom of depression or extreme anxiety. If you or someone you care about talks about feeling helpless or is showing warning signs of suicide, find help right away. Call the BC Crisis Line at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or call 911.
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