By Sarah Bonato, Reference/Research Librarian, CAMH Library
Diagnoses of clinical depression have increased over the past few decades, with 300 million people affected worldwide. In Canada, almost 1 in 8 adults (12.6%) have reported symptoms that meet the criteria for a mood disorder at some point during their lifetime—including 11.3% for depression. Two-thirds (64%) of Canadians have said that they know someone who has experienced either depression or anxiety.
See below for select Canadian evidence-based resources on depression, both developed with input from clinicians and people with personal experience of depression.
An Evidence Informed Guide to Supporting People with Depression in the Workplace (2017)
From the Institute for Work & Health
- The guide is divided into three separation sections: workplace culture, workplace processes, and
workplace and non-workplace resources. Detailed info on how to support those with depression in the workplace, such as early intervention opportunities, mental health training for both employees and management, coordinating the return to work after leave, and Employee Assistance Programs.
This guide was also develop with input from many stakeholders, including Canadian workers, worker representatives, supervisors/managers, human resources staff and occupational health and safety (OHS) practitioners.
Access at https://www.iwh.on.ca/sites/iwh/files/iwh/tools/managing_depression_guide_2018.pdf
The Choice-D: Patient and Family Guide to Depression Treatment (2018)
From the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO) and and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT)
- The info in this guide is adapted from CANMAT 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management
of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder. A helpful source for patients and caregivers, especially since the plain language text summarizes the various treatment options for depression.
A great resource for learning about the diagnosis of depression, psychotherapy, and what types of medication to consider. Especially helpful to learn about the many different types of treatment options that are available, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Behavioural Activation Therapy, and the different types of antidepressant medications. This guide was developed in collaboration with those with lived-experience with depression.
Access at https://drive.google.com/file/d/15qRGdaaERFJd_1FtdaKl8uStMcqk3JHe/view
Pan-Canadian Practice Guideline: Screening, Assessment and Management of Psychosocial Distress, Depression and Anxiety in Adults with Cancer (2015)
From the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology
and
How to Manage Your Depression (2016)
From Cancer Care Ontario
- Cancer patients may be at a higher risk of depression and depression can have negative impacts for both the quality of life and survival. Both the practice guideline and patient guide have information on the importance of treating cancer related depression including psychological and pharmacological interventions.
The clinical guideline is also available in a pocket guide format and 2-page treatment algorithm—the recommended assessment tools for diagnosing cancer may be especially helpful.
The patient guide is available in 6 languages and includes useful info on the physical and emotional symptoms of depression, and also how to understand the differences between mild, moderate and severe depression.
Access both at https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/symptom-management/3986
References
Hidaka, B. H. (2012). Depression as a disease of modernity: explanations for increasing prevalence. Journal of affective disorders, 140(3), 205-214
World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and other common mental disorders: global health estimates.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2016, December 30). What is Depression? Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/mental-illness/what-depression.html
Canadian Mental Health Association. The Effects of Depression and Anxiety on Canadian Society. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cmha.ca/documents/the-effects-of-depression-and-anxiety-on-canadian-society
Pitman, A., Suleman, S., Hyde, N., & Hodgkiss, A. (2018). Depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. BMJ, 361, k1415.
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