MDD Project Summary and Next Phase
Project Summary
The MDD Project is comprised of three components:
1. Alberta-wide study- The MDD Project gathers data directly from Albertans impacted by the disorder and explores people’s experiences with different treatment options. CMHA, Alberta Division utilizes this information to advocate for and facilitate greater mental health access for Albertans.
2. Canada-wide study- The MDD Project’s research will be expanding across Canada to initiate Canada-wide MDD research collection. The research and data gathered allows CMHA to support colleagues in every province as they work with those impacted by MDD.
3. Knowledge transfer and advocacy- The Alberta-wide and Canada-wide research informs the development of recovery and support services advocated for, and offered by, CMHA across the province and country. The most relevant recovery and support materials and services are targeted and distributed to Canadians within their communities and workplaces.
Next Phase
Beginning Fall 2020, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division will expand the Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Project’s research across Canada, learning from Canadians impacted by MDD or with treatment-resistant major depression.
The expansion allows the MDD Project to develop outside of Alberta, resulting in Canada-wide MDD lived-experience research. The Major Depressive Disorder Project collects data directly from individuals impacted by MDD and explores people’s experiences with different treatment options. The MDD Project also includes an advisory committee composed of three individuals with lived MDD experience and two psychologists. CMHA utilizes this information to advocate for and facilitate greater mental health access for Canadians. CMHA focuses on recovery and support for Albertans impacted by mental illness. The organization stands with people living in their communities as they achieve their wellness goals. CMHA staff and volunteers engage clients in activity and navigation within the complex matrix of mental health services.
MDD Resources
Depression resources for family and friends
CMHA has resources for family and friends of those living with MDD. These resources cover reaction and adjustments, what to expect when depression appears and how to help.
Learn here >
If you need help, use these telephone resources
Reaching out for help is an important step. Talk with someone you trust about how you feel. Life can be overwhelming and there are supports available to you.
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Alberta MDD Report
Depressive Disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed mental illness. An estimated one in every four Canadians have a degree of depression severe enough to need treatment at some time in his or her life. Depression may affect someone once or many times in their life or it may be chronic. There are three major types of depression: major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) and bipolar disorder. This project focuses on major depressive disorder; specifically Canadians whose depression is unresolved after the use of two or more antidepressant agents. The information collected by this project contributed to a greater understanding of individuals living with, or caring for someone living with, unresolved depression. The findings will be used to support Canadians impacted by depression wherein existing treatment options have not provided relief.