Many people experiencing depression can recover and go on to lead happy lives without the aid of drugs, says Rita Corbett, who is presenting the eight-week Depression Recovery program starting in February.
“Its the best program I’ve ever come across, period,” says Corbett, a registered public health nurse who also holds a Phd in family health.
“Statistics now show that better than 92 per cent of people who go on this simple program get off medication and out of depression permanently with none of the costs or unwanted side effects of medication,” Corbett says.
According to statistics, she says two million Canadians suffer with depression each year, and depression is also the leading cause of work loss in Canada costing businesses about $2 billion a year.
The Depression Recovery program was developed by Dr. Neil Nedley from his more than 15 years of research and clinical experience helping his patients. Nedley is also the author of the books Proof Positive and Depression — the Way Out.
Corbett says she took the Depression Recovery program training in 2006 and has held one of the eight-week courses in the lakecity each year since then. Last year, she says, 70 people participated in the program which she presents with her co-director Norman Johnson, B.Sc.
Corbett will hold a free introductory session for the program this Monday evening, Jan. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cariboo Adventist Church at 782 North Ninth Ave.
The course itself will run for eight Monday evenings between Feb. 21 and April 11.
The program was developed for people who are depressed, but is also for those who have family members or friends who are depressed, and those who may be seeking to optimize their mental health.
She notes the course doesn’t involve any of what she calls group groping or sharing of stories.
Participants will learn to understand depression and its causes, how to establish and maintain a positive mental health program, eliminate negative habits of body and mind, develop healthy patterns, and get more out of the day by enhancing brain function. The program covers topics such as nutrition, sleep, omega-3 fats, vitamins, hormones, how to grow after suffering a loss, staying motivated to maintain a positive lifestyle and more.
She says there are people experiencing depression who need medication to jump start their recovery, and those who will need medication all of their lives, but most people who have taken the course have been able to recover from depression and live happily without drugs, even if they have a genetic predisposition to depression in their family.
She says one man who took the course was planning suicide despite being on multiple anti-depressant drugs, but after taking the course has been able to live happily and drug free.
“Depression is much more than a bad attitude. Most people who come to the course have a good attitude, but don’t know how to find the life change they need to enjoy and participate fully in life again.”
She says the cost of the course is well worth the financial investment of $195 for books and materials and is less than many people spend on medication in a month for depression.
People are welcome to call Corbett at 250-392-6598 or e-mail her at ritakc123@gmail.com if they have questions or are unsure if the program is for right them.
“Happiness is the side effect of this course,” Corbett says.