Mood and Anxiety Disorders Are Not Adequately Addressed in Canada
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder are listed in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) top ten causes of disability worldwide. Mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, are the most prevalent mental health disorders in North America, affecting nearly one-in-five people. Depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety are the greatest causes of disability, lost productivity, and impaired functioning among Canadians.
Canadians suffering from mood and anxiety disorders often don’t get the treatment that they need to achieve and sustain long-term recoveries. However, individuals can achieve significant and sustained recoveries from mood and anxiety disorders through comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs. An intelligently designed and individualized treatment program can change everything!
Canada has a relatively small number of high-quality treatment programs for mood and anxiety disorders, compared to the large number of Canadians who need treatment. We’re launching the Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) at Bellwood in March 2019, to address this need and improve Canadians’ access to high-quality treatment for mood and anxiety disorders.
We’re Very Excited about the New Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) Launching in March, 2019
The Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) is a seven-week residential treatment program. We designed it specifically for people diagnosed with or experiencing chronic symptoms of, depression, bipolar disorder (not currently in an active manic episode), or anxiety disorders. Members of the MAP team meet with each new arriving patient and create an individualized treatment program according to the patient’s unique needs.
The Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) provides patients with a treatment experience that is structured and supportive, intended to facilitate meaningful progress towards recovery and sustained gains. MAP includes the following activities:
- One-on-one psychotherapy
- Small-group therapy
- Psychoeducation
- In-vivo exposure or activation therapy (when recommended by the clinical team)
- Daily physical education and exercise
- Education regarding nutrition and healthy eating
- Recreational and social activities
- Support and psychoeducation for patients’ families
Can Bellwood MAP Help You?
You must meet the following requirements to participate in the Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP):
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a diagnosis, or experience chronic symptoms, of depression, bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder (including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic, and agoraphobia).
- Not have any substance use disorders.
- Not currently be in an active manic episode.
- Be ready to engage in one-on-one therapy.
- Be ready to engage in group therapy.
Bellwood MAP Is Based on a Biopsychosocial Perspective
The biopsychosocial perspective on mental health guides the Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP). Consequently, MAP includes a comprehensive range of biological, psychological, and social components. We believe that addressing all three areas together is the most effective way to treat any mental health disorder.
- Biological: medical (including medication prescription and management, and 24/7 nursing care), physical activity, nutrition
- Psychological: psychotherapy, counselling, meditation
- Social: interpersonal communication, relationship skills, lifestyle choices, family programs
We assembled the multidisciplinary Bellwood MAP team such that it comprises the broad range of expertise necessary to provide this diverse set of services. MAP team members are all highly experienced and have excellent track records in working with patients who present challenging cases of mood and anxiety disorders. Clinical staff are all registered psychotherapists or health professionals and hold master’s or doctorate degrees. Among the clinical staff are registered psychotherapists, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, social workers, and psychiatric nurses. Also on the MAP team are medical doctors, a psychiatrist, recreational therapists, dieticians, physical health specialists, and yoga instructors.
Bellwood MAP Uses Evidence-Based Therapeutic Modalities
The Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) is built on a foundation of evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Patients engage in weekly one-on-one psychotherapy sessions and also attend daily group therapy that is customized for their particular needs. The MAP psychiatrist meets for consultation with patients, as needed.
Bellwood MAP includes the following evidence-based therapeutic modalities:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Through these therapies, patients learn effective skills for improving the symptoms of their disorders and for overcoming challenging life situations. They also learn interpersonal communication and relationship skills. Bellwood MAP complements evidence-based clinical therapies with adjunct therapies including exercise, meditation, nutrition, yoga, and additionally, social and recreational activities.
A Small-Group Program for Seven Weeks
The seven-week length of the Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) ensures that each patient gets the time and guidance that they need to make significant recovery gains. MAP strongly emphasizes the learning and practice of relapse prevention skills. The goal is to ensure that patients are properly prepared for the challenges of functioning out in the real world and will be able to maintain their recoveries after completing their programs.
A maximum of eight patients can be together in the Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) at one time. The small program size lets us observe and interact with patients often and meaningfully. MAP provides patients with effective, individualized care in an environment that is supportive and inclusive. As a consequence, MAP patients can make relatively fast progress and build momentum in their recoveries.
The Bellwood Mood & Anxiety Program Can Help You!
If you would like more information, or to enroll in the Bellwood Mood and Anxiety Program, please call us at 1-800-387-6198 or visit our program page.
