Self-Help Books for Depression?

In my practice I almost always provide some sort of self-help materials for depression. This might include a book, audio tape or CD and on occasion a video. One of the problems is that the best books I can recommend (Mind Over Mood and The Feeling Good Handbook - you can read more about these on my Resource page) are often too long for individuals with significant depression. There is, however, a great alternative to these lengthy books, and these alternative are free. They include downloadable workbooks, on-line workbook pages for practice, and some excellent video recordings that go along with these materials that specifically address Depression. They are also made right here in BC in Vancouver and Burnaby at Simon Frasier University.

The First is the Antidepressant Skills Workbook.
The Antidepressant Skills Workbook starts by giving you an overview of depression, explains how it can be effectively managed using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Behavioural techniques and is based on the best available research. This workbook gives a step-by-step guide to changing patterns that trigger depression, it shows how to use cognitive and CBT and behavioural methods to make important changes in thinking and actions that can help you emerge from depression and make it less likely to recur. These methods can be used in combination with depression treatments, increasing their effectiveness. As the authors of these workbooks note, "for most people with serious depression, use of this self-help guide alone will not be sufficient to resolve the depression". People with serious depression should get treatment with antidepressant medication or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from a specially trained therapist (I hold an Advanced Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT from the Albert Ellis Institute in New York, and have been practicing CBT for over 20 years).

Here is the website to download this workbook for depression:
http://www.comh.ca/antidepressant-skills/adult/

You will find another excellent workbook to help with depression in the workplace. These together, especially with the help of a therapist who has expertise in treating depression with CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a great place to start.

I am often asked: "How do I know if I have depression?" Well one place to start is by asking a professional. While a psychologist (like myself) offer diagnostic services, they are not covered by MSP. The are often covered by extended health care plans, but each plan is different and you need to check with your plan before making a decision. Psychologists have the expertise to make a diagnosis of depression. For locating psychologists in Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Vancouver or anywhere in BC just contact the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPS). They can direct you to a psychologist who has expertise in this field, and is located near you. Fees for psychologists range from $60 -$175.00 per session.

Another simple and cost effective choice, if cost is an issue, is simply talking to your family doctor. While a family doctor may not have time to see you repeatedly, and usually doesn't provide therapy, they are able to make a diagnosis and a referral. They can also refer you to a psychiatrist if need be, who is covered by MSP.

There are other mental health practitioners in BC, including MFTs and "Registered Counsellors." These individuals are not usually trained to make a diagnosis, and have less training and fewer hours of supervision than a psychologist or medical doctor. Additionally, while they call themselves "Registered Counsellors" they are not really regulated by a registration board (Called a "College" in BC). Some of these individuals are excellent therapists, but you need to check their credentials. Finally, Registered Social Workers are often highly trained in providing therapy/counselling and often work with government agencies and in private practice here in BC. They too can be an excellent choice.

If you feel depressed, and wonder if you need help working out your depression, start by talking to your family doctor (or any doctor in a walk in clinic). They are a great place to start.

For more information about the services I provide my web page can be found at www.relatedminds.com, http://www.relatedminds.com/depression. Other information on my practice can be found at: http://Therapists.Psychologytoday.com/70682, http://www.bcpsychologist.org/users/jimroche, and http://psyris.com/drjimroche