Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the three main types of depression. MDD is defined as depression that is unresolved after the use of two or more anti-depressive agents.
In 2018, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division began the MDD Project- a multi-phase plan to research Major Depressive Disorder’s (MDD) impact through a lens of lived experience, transfer that knowledge to the public, offer resources and tools and advocate for increased supports in governance and the workplace
Throughout the research, recurring concerns voiced by participants living with MDD revealed four cornerstone plans of action for people living with MDD in Canada:
1. Ensure adequate access to trained health professionals >
• Needing universal coverage for ‘free’ accessible coverage to a trained health care provider is critical
• An emphasis is needed on training health care professionals in northern regions of provinces where residents may experience issues of access
2. Mitigate the stigma associated with MDD >
• Stigma in the workplace is a major concern
• Stigma of unemployment is also a concern for people living with MDD
• Having stigma in the workforce is a liability for the workplace itself
3. Invest in MDD workplace interventions to improve support >
• Exploring the extent of MDD in the workplace by workplace setting would be of interest (e.g., stigma experienced in retail)
• Exploring the extent of MDD in specific professions requires more exploration (e.g., first responders and frontline health care workers)
4. Continue to explore and understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with MDD >
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on peoples experience with isolation and accessing support
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability for persons living with MDD to reintegrate back into the workforce
Learn More about MDD
Additional MDD Resources
With CMHA, Alberta Division’s research defining pressing issues facing persons living with MDD and how they manage it, the path toward addressing these issues becomes clearer. The MDD project seeks to realize this path through continued research, education, amplification of the voices of experts and lived experience, provision of tools, resources and advocacy for increased supports.
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.