Bounce back to control depression

By Tamas Miko

The third Monday in January – Blue Monday – is said to be the most depressing day of the year, but with the appropriate help people can bounce back and take control of their depression.

The Canadian Mental Health Association hosted an open house to educate people about their services, as well as how to deal with depression and mental illness. Attendees were able to speak with community service providers and what support services are available for them.

The Bounce Back program is for people who are suffering from depression, low mood or anxiety. Through this program adults and youth ages 15 and up can learn how to manage anxiety, combat unhelpful thinking and become more active.

Karen Gignac, mental health promotion and training coordinator presented the Bounceback program at the open house.

Gignac said CMHA wanted the community to come and see what is available when it comes to mental health. According to Gignac, Bounceback is just one of the services that can be accessed by Ontario residents.

Gignac said the program comes with two types of help. The first is called Bounceback Today online videos which help people learn practical tips on managing mood, sleeping better, building confidence, increasing activity and maintaining healthy living.

The second type of help is called Bounce back telephone coaching. This program includes three to six telephone coaching sessions. The coach helps clients to develop new skills and monitor how the clients are doing. Also, this program uses workbooks best suited for the clients.

“It is not therapy but it is building on skills of cognitive behavior therapy so it enhances your ability to look at what we are feeling, thinking and how are we behaving based on the thoughts we have,” said Gignac.

Jayce Carver, the executive director of Windsor Essex Trans Support gave information out about their services at the open house. Carver said they support Trans identified people and their families. They also provide psychotherapy supports, food bank, clothing exchange programs.

 

“We are Canada’s first and only trans specific drop-in center,” said Carver.

According to Carver, bringing community service providers together allows everyone to find out about other agencies and their services.

“Today will allow us to network with other service providers and make sure that there is a soft hand off for our clients and other community services if needed.”