Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness, and you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Types of Depression
Depression in Children
Depression in Seniors
Additional Depression Resources
Symptoms
- Warning signs of depression in children:
- Sudden changes in behavior Aggressive, angry, or agitated behavior
- Increased risk-taking
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Lower self-esteem
- Gives up valued possessions and settles unfinished business
- Withdraws from friends, activities, and family
- Changes in dress or appearance
- Significant losses or family stress
Individuals may experience variations in symptoms and severity.
Risk Factors
- Depression in children is very similar to depression in adults with a few exceptions. Children may not have the vocabulary to talk about such feelings and so may express their feelings through behavior. Younger individuals with depression are more likely to show phobias, separation anxiety disorder, sleep complaints, and behavior problems. Rather than having a depressed mood, children are much more likely to have an irritable mood. Adults often will not enjoy anything when they are depressed, but there are usually some activities children and adolescents will enjoy doing no matter how depressed they get.
Treatment
Treatment must be tailored to the needs and schedule of the child and his family. Generally, with mild to moderate depression, one may first try psychotherapy and then add an antidepressant if the therapy has not produced enough improvement. If it is a severe depression, or there is serious acting out, one may start medication at the beginning of the treatment. It is important that parents find a child psychiatrist to evaluate and treat their depressed child. A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has received special training in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in children.
Symptoms
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness
- Feelings of inappropriate guilt
- Persistent sadness or anxiety
- Unexplained crying Irritability
- Withdrawal from formerly pleasurable activities and relationships
- Memory loss, confusion, disorientation
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Lack of attention to physical appearance
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Thoughts of suicide
- Overly concerned with physical problems
Individuals may experience variations in symptoms and severity.
Risk Factors
- Stress and loss
- Genetics
- Biological factors
- Medical conditions
- Low level of education
Treatment
- Counselling - Cognitive therapy, Behavioral therapy, Interpersonal therapy
- Medication
Men’s Peer Support Group
Online Mixed Peer Support Group
Postpartum Peer Support Group
Women’s Peer Support
Indigenous Talking Circle
Friends and Family Support Group
Youth Peer Support
Mixed Senior’s Tea & Tales
Mixed Coffee and Chat
Mixed Bipolar
Mixed Depression & Anxiety
Young Adult Peer Support Group
Mixed Peer Support Group – Parkland
Soul Sisters
Brandon Men’s Activity Club
Westman Men’s Exchange
Bipolar Peer Support Group
Power To Parent
This group caters to everyone who identifies as men that addresses to all mood disorders diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support and connection.
IN PERSON
Mondays
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This group caters to everyone regardless of their age or gender and addresses all mood disorders diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support and connection.
Our postpartum support group addresses issues and concerns that can come with the birth of a baby, with special emphasis on postpartum depression.
These in-person and online groups for women welcome open, honest and heartfelt connections and conversations. We aim to provide coping techniques, and support for women struggling with their mental health.
IN PERSON
Thursdays
6:45pm to 7;45pm
Facilitator: Asta Carvalho
ONLINE
Thursdays (Cancelled on April 27th)
12:00pm to 1:00pm
Facilitator: Asta
LAUNCH ONLINE MEETING
This group is specifically offered to the Indigenous community and their families. Our aim is to provide support for any diagnosed or undiagnosed mood disorders along with resources in each group.
This group offers support to friends and family to help them deal with mood disorders diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support and connection.
This online group offers a safe space for youth under 17 years of age where they can come together and chat about their own mental health and seek help for any mood disorders they might be suffering from.
Our Seniors Tea & Tales is all about coming together for afternoon tea or coffee to share experiences and discuss a variety of topics about mental health, or simply to connect with other people in a similar age group!
Location: Our office at 4 Fort Street; Winnipeg
IN PERSON
Tuesdays
1:30pm to 3:30pm
Facilitator: Pam
This in-person group is offered to all in community and their families. We provide an educational component along with resources in each group.
IN PERSON
Tuesdays
5:30pm to 6:30pm
This in-person group is for anyone who is suffering from bipolar diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support, conversations and connection.
IN PERSON
Tuesdays
6:30 to 7:30pm
This is an in-person group for anyone struggling with depression or anxiety diagnosed or undiagnosed. We welcome you to experience connection and conversation along with support and resources to help you heal.
IN PERSON
Thursdays
6:30pm to 7:30pm
This group is a safe space where youth ages 18-24 come together and chat about their own mental health and what’s going on in their lives. We will cover certain themes every week and at the end of every month we will have an outing while doing peer support. Themes can include Self-care, Support Systems, Advocacy, Transitioning and more.
ON HOLD
This is an online group that meets on Saturdays.
This is a “coffee and conversation” support group for women experiencing mood disorders, low mood, or the frustrations and concerns of Covid-19. It is a group of women helping women through sisterhood and connection. This group does not meet on statutory holidays. (No charge for this group)
To receive the link to this group or for further information, please contact westman@moodmb.ca or call / text Marian at 204-721-2174 or Susan at susans@moodmb.ca
It is a group aimed primarily at men 40+ but those younger are welcome as well. The group fosters socialization and connection amongst men in a workshop setting. This group does not meet on statutory holidays. (No charge for this group.)
To receive the link to this group or for further information, please contact Marian at westman@moodmb.ca or at 204-721-2174
IN PERSON
Wednesdays
12:30 to 2:00 pm
Facilitator: In person at the BNRC Creation Nation Maker Space in Brandon, Manitoba
Join men aged 18+ from Westman area to discuss news about your community, your interests and general connection and camaraderie.
For more information or to register for free, please email at westman@moodmb.ca or call / text 204-721-2174
An online peer support group for those living with bipolar, diagnosed or undiagnosed. Meet and connect with peers in your area on Thursday nights. This group does not meet on statutory holidays. (No charge for this group)
To receive the link to this group or for further information, please email at westman@moodmb.ca or call / text 204-721-2174
Please note: Power to Parent will be taking a hiatus until sometime in the fall season. This is owing to how busy parents are due to the summer holidays.
If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email adassist@moodmb.ca or call/text our Westman office at (204) 721-2174
We apologize for the inconvenience, and look forward to seeing you sometime in the fall!