Depression is a disease that can be difficult to overcome, but Yorkton's Better Living Centre wants to help. The organization has announced it is hosting a Depression Recovery Program, put together by Neil Nedley, MD, in the hopes of helping people overcome their depression and anxiety.
Glenda Nischuk explains that the eight session program is a health education program, designed to educate people about the underlying causes of depression and how lifestyle changes can help improve people's lives.
"He realized there was a lot of mind-body connection going on. Instead of reaching for his prescription pad, he went through everything that came across his desk in terms of research to treat depression in a natural way."
One of the goals of the program is to reduce the stigma associated with depression, and start treating it like a disease that has an underlying cause. Nischuk says that one of the big things the program does is bring people together who have the same problem, and help them work on it rather than withdraw.
"Depression still has a stigma attached.
"I see it when people register, it's almost like there's a shame to register, or admit there's something possibly wrong. This program is so refreshing because it teaches you how your brain works, it teaches you why you are depressed. For a lot of people, depression affects their self worth, but people need to realize that it's a real illness."
The program focuses on different aspects of health, with sessions covering causes of depression, nutrition, brain function, the impact of addictions, coping with loss and attitude, as well as ways to stick with positive changes. She also says that the program comes with a support system, as people meet and help each other make those changes.
The goal is to make it a safe place, Nischuk says, and they follow the HIPAA privacy standards. She also says it's important for depressed people to have someone to talk to, and if it's an emergency they will also be able to connect people with the service they need. She says that since one of the main symptoms of depression is a tendency to withdraw, they want to give people a place to go and people to talk to.
Nischuk says that their goal is not to replace other mental health programs, but to help people implement changes in their lives in order to help improve their mental health. She says that they work with mental health services, and if someone does have a crisis or more severe mental health issues, they will connect them with the professionals who can help. She emphasizes that it's not about getting people off medication, given the impact medication can have on mental health, but that the lifestyle changes recommended can make it much easier to deal with the problem.
"If someone is bipolar or schizophrenic, they have to be on medication and this isn't a cure for those things. But, the things they learn for their lifestyle will be an asset for improving that."
She also says that it's not necessary to be depressed to take the program, because it's a program that is about overall health, and the way that it affects a person's mind. Knowledge of the program can help people support friends and family, Nischuk says, or help them live a positive lifestyle.
This program is part of an overall goal to make the Better Living Centre an education hub, and Nischuk predicts that it will be a regular program because depression is such a common illness and there is a need for help in the community.
Those interested in taking part can call 306-783-3366 or visit the Better Living Centre at 272 Broadway St. West. The first session is on September 18 at the Centre.
