Mental Health
Options in exploring mental health concerns
Most of us will be faced with a mental health concern at some time in our lives, directly, or through our association with a loved one, a friend or colleague. While some people appreciate the opportunity to talk to a counsellor for support, there are others who would feel more comfortable exploring mental health issues on their own using credible resources. For the independent-type, a guided, self management method may be the way to go.
Self management of mental health
Self management promotes personal empowerment. With the aid of self-help workbooks or websites individuals can learn and apply the skills and knowledge necessary to manage their health concerns on a day-to-day basis.
Supported self management of mental health
For those who enjoy the independent method but still like to have some extra help from others, Supported Self Management involves additional encouragement, assistance and follow-up provided by a health care provider, family member, friend or peer counsellor. Those covered by the EAP with Manitoba Blue Cross may choose to access counsellors as part of a supported self management program.
Interested in learning more?
The Consortium for Organizational Mental Healthcare, a research centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, offers free self-care workbooks that you can download.
Antidepressant Self Management Workbooks and resources
- For adults click here
- For teens click here
Other resources
- Interactive toolkits click here
Note: for most people with serious depression, use of a self-help guide alone will not be sufficient to resolve the depression. People with major depression should obtain treatment with antidepressant medication or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. We encourage you to speak to your doctor about which method is best for you.