An important part of treatment and recovery both for people with depression and their families is the chance to meet informally with other people who understand their issues and challenges. Self-help organizations, run by clients of the mental health system and their families, are usually located in major cities with chapters in smaller centres; they often have newsletters that can reach people who live in isolated communities. Attending these groups can reduce a person’s sense of isolation, and provides opportunities to learn from other group members’ experiences. For many people, volunteering in these organizations and sharing the wisdom they have gained by living with depression can also be an empowering experience. Self-help organizations can be found through your local mental health association, your community mental health services, or your family doctor.
Now that we’ve gone through the basics, please feel free to share your experiences! Which type of therapy have you found work best for you and why? What qualities do you look for in a therapist or counsellor?
The types of therapy we discussed were:
Self Help and Support Groups
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychoeducation
Family Interventions
Self Help Organizations
