Depression: pills vs. therapy

Re: Cognitive behaviour therapy a viable mental health treatment, Opinion, April 9

Readers should know of research into anti- depressant medications by Irvin Kirsch and his scientific team in England.

In 2008 they did an extensive analysis of information submitted to the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) about leading anti- depressant medications being prescribed today. Their research showed antidepressants have little if any effect. In fact their findings indicated placebos ( non- medical sugar pills) are as effective as so- called anti- depressant medications. It’s important to note these anti- depressant drugs come with long lists of side- effects, many more than mentioned in the article. Pharmaceutical companies dupe the public into believing medications are necessary in combating the so- called illness of depression. There is no need to choose between talk therapy and medications, when meds have been shown to be ineffective. PETER B. RAABE, PHD Abbotsford

Cognitive behavioural therapy ( CBT) is an effective treatment tool, but it isn’t accessible to many British Columbians due to costs of individual treatment and a shortage of specialists to administer it.

The Canadian Mental Health Association offers adults experiencing mild to moderate depression a short- term skillbuilding program to equip people with tools to manage their mood and increase their quality of life. The BounceBack program combines CBT workbooks and telephone check- ins with a community coach. It is offered throughout B. C., and coaching is available in English, French, and Cantonese.

See your doctor for program referrals, or find more information about the program at bouncebackbc.ca or by calling 1- 866- 639- 0522. ANNA O’BRIEN Bounce Back Community Coach, North Vancouver