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
Women’s Peer Support
Friends and Family Support Group
Youth Peer Support
Senior’s Tea & Tales – Winnipeg
Mixed Coffee and Chat
Mixed Bipolar
Mixed Depression & Anxiety
Wellness Peer Support Group – Westman
Soul Sisters
Brandon Men’s Activity Club
Bipolar Peer Support Group
Tea & Tales – Selkirk
Young Adult Peer Support Group
Men’s Peer Support Group
Book Club
Game Night
Lac du Bonnet – Tea & Tales
Join us every week for a confidential and safe place to talk.
This is an open group for anyone who identifies as a man,18+ living in Manitoba.
IN PERSON
Mondays
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Facilitator: Matthew C., Shawn D., and Daniel
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
6:45 pm to 7:45 pm
Facilitator: Katherine, Alexandria, Sara S. Karly M. and Melanie
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 dealing with.
Location: Our office at 100-4 Fort Street, Winnipeg.
Please note: This group is on hold until further notice.
IN PERSON
Thursdays
On Hold
Facilitator: Kennedy
Our Seniors Tea & Tales is all about coming together for an 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 100-4 Fort Street, Winnipeg.
IN PERSON
Tuesdays
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Facilitator: Pam H. & Barb F.
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
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Facilitator: Matt
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 pm - 7:30 pm
Facilitator: Marie S. & Richard
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
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Facilitator: Jezz
This is an online mixed group that focuses on wellness topics, addressing all mood disorders, diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes everyone to experience an evening of support and connection.
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays. This group meets next on April 15 & 29, 2024.
To join the group and receive the Zoom link or for more information, please contact adassist@moodmb.ca or call/text our Brandon office at (204) 721-2174.
ONLINE
Mondays
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
A community of women who care about each other and who welcome open, honest, heartfelt connections and conversations. Come join a sacred space of nonjudgmental & confidential sharing.
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays.
To join the group and receive the Zoom link or for more information, please contact adassist@moodmb.ca or call/text our Brandon office at (204) 721-2174.
ONLINE
Wednesdays
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Facilitator: Susan
This group is 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 an online meeting of local peers living with bipolar disorder, diagnosed or undiagnosed for an evening of conversation, support and connection.
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays. This group meets bi-weekly and will meet next on April 11 & 25, 2024.
To join the group and receive the Zoom link or for more information, please contact adassist@moodmb.ca or call/text our Brandon office at (204) 721-2174
ONLINE
Thursdays
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Our Seniors Tea & Tales is all about coming together for an 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: The Gordon Howard Centre, 384 Eveline St., Selkirk, MB. This group meets every Thursday.
No registration required.
IN PERSON
Every Thursday
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Facilitator: Susan
Join us every Thursday evening from 5:00 – 6:00 pm for a confidential and safe place to talk. This is an open group for 18+ living in Manitoba.
Please note: this group is on hold until further notice.
Join us every week for a confidential and safe place to talk.
This is an open group for anyone who identifies as a man,18+ living in Manitoba.
IN PERSON
Monday's
5:30 - 6:30 pm at 4 Fort Street
Facilitator: Matthew C., Shawn D., and Daniel
Operating as a partnership between MDAM and the MHERC Library, the MDAM book club meets in person in our Winnipeg office every Wednesday from 6 – 7:00 pm in the MHERC Library. The third session of the book club kicks off on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 with “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown. The book will be loaned to you through the MHERC library and is to be returned at the end. There is a small $10 fee payable at the start which helps to cover the cost of the workbook. To register, email Pam at mixedprogram@moodmb.ca.
IN PERSON
January 24, 2024
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Facilitator: Pamela H. & Sarah V. (MHERC)
✨ Dive into the magic of Friday nights at MDAM – it’s Game Night! 🎲🌙
Every Friday night, MDAM opens its doors at 6:00 pm at 100-4 Fort Street in Winnipeg for a good old-fashioned games night. 🕹️🎉
Game play kicks off at 6:30 pm, carrying the excitement through until 10:00 pm. Bring along a buddy or make some new friends as we gather to play an array of games – dice, cards, and board games galore!
But here’s the deal: At MDAM, we’re all about good vibes and creating a safe and enjoyable space for everyone. Unsportsmanlike conduct or a negative attitude won’t fly here. If such behavior is observed, we’ll kindly ask you to leave. So bring your best attitude, a zest for fun, and let’s create unforgettable moments together! 😄🌈 Join us for a night of games, giggles, and good times! 🎲🌟
Thank you to Across the Board, Victory Pints and Toad Hall Toys for their generous donation of board games. Big thank you also to our members who have donated games – Stephanie, Penny and Shawn.
**PLEASE NOTE: Game night will not take place on Friday, March 29th as our office is closed for Good Friday.**
IN PERSON
Friday Nights
Doors open 6:00 pm, Game play 6:30 - 10:00 pm
Facilitator: Pamela H.
Our Seniors Tea & Tales is all about coming together for an 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!
This is a new group in the Lac du Bonnet area that is starting up on March 4, 2024. The group will meet the second Monday of each month.
Location: The Lutheran Church of the Cross, 253 McArthur Avenue, Lac du Bonnet.
No registration required.
IN PERSON
Second Monday of the Month
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Facilitator: Bianca Tetrault