About DepressionFree.com

Thank you for visiting this website. My name is Judy Rushfeldt, and I'm the publisher of DepressionFree.com. The mission of this website is to provide information and resources that will help individuals and families affected by depression.

On this site, you will find information about several types of clinical and non-clinical depression, including symptoms, causes and strategies for treatment. The resource section provides a list of mental health organizations that can direct you to resources in your local community.
Understanding Depression

For many people suffering from depression, taking the first step can be the hardest. You may feel crushing emotional pain, mental confusion and bone-wearying exhaustion. Just getting through each day may seem like a monumental effort.

I understand this, because I've been there. I suffered from severe clinical depression for many years before getting medical help. Why did I wait so long? Looking back, I would point to a number of factors. First, I didn't understand that depression could be a brain disorder. I didn't realize that the progressively worsening physical, emotional and mental symptoms were all part of the same illness. Nor did my family doctor (an excellent and caring doctor) make the connection. The stigma about depression was also a factor. I felt shame about my depression and hid it from others, including those closest to me.

My passion is to help others suffering from depression find freedom from the horrible prison of depressive illness.

If you are suffering from depression, I hope the information and resources on this site will give you the tools you need to reach out for help.

Keep in mind, every person is unique; every depressive illness is different. This site should NEVER replace the advice of your medical doctor. While I conducted extensive research in developing this site, I am NOT a medical professional. Read disclaimer

If you are experiencing the symptoms of depression, I urge you to make an appointment with your family doctor for a complete medical exam. Many illnesses can cause depressed moods, including clinical depression, thyroid disease, infections, pernicious anemia, liver or kidney disease, nutritional deficiency, Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions.

Also keep in mind that depressed moods can be related to non-medical factors, such as chronic stress, trauma, psychological issues, and hormone fluctuations. On this site you will find information about several different types of non-clinical depression; their causes, and strategies for recovery.

If you are suffering from depression, please don't one moment longer to get help. You're worth it!

Judy Rushfeldt

Judy Rushfeldt

WEBINARS:
Coming soon: Webinars on different aspects of depression, which you can watch on your desktop computer, laptop, IPAD or smartphone.

For information about topics and dates, email info@depressionfree.com

About Judy Rushfeldt
Judy Rushfeldt is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and online magazine publisher. She has been writing professionally for 30 years as a magazine journalist, corporate communications consultant, book author, and online magazine publisher. Her book, Making Your Dreams Your Destiny, won two national awards.

Understanding Depression
Clinical Depression
Non-clinical Depression
Home Page

Warning: If you are experiencing the symptoms of depressive illness, see your medical doctor for a complete examination. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency ward. The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of a medical doctor or mental health professional.

JudyRushfeldt

 Mental Health News

Neuroplasticity reduced in brains of people with depression
The brains of people with depression show a reduced ability to adapt to their environment, learning and memory. a unique study shows. This is one of the first objective tests to show that depression is linked to decreased neuroplasticity. The magnetic stimulation tests also showed the lesssened neuroplasticity was not related to how much effort the person made. Read more

Doctors urge mental health screenings with physical exams
Most people don't address mental health issues until they drastically interfere with their lives, says a new study. This could be avoided with regular screenings.
Read more - USA Today

Calgary Flames Hockey Coach talks about his battle with OCD and depression
Facing a losing battle with depression, OCD and heavy drinking, Clint Malarchuk put a bullet to his bed. Miraculously, he survivived. Today he tells his story to corporations and high schools. "What makes me any different than a diabetic or someone with high cholesterol or a heart condition. You need medication, you take it."
Read more - Calgary Sun

Canada launches wokplace standards for mental health and safety
The Mental Health Commission of Canada released a standardized tool to help Canadian companies promote mental health, reduce stigma and support employees dealing with mental illness.
Read more

Magnetic helmet "rewires" the brain
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a helmet using magnets to treat depression in patients who have failed to respond to antidepressant medications.
Read more

Toronto's CAMH launches Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention
A $7.2 million donation from the Temerty Family Foundation will fund research into promising new treatments for persistent and severe mental illness, including Canada's first clinic using Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST). Read more

Calgary researchers could help depression sufferers get well sooner
A new pilot project at Foothills Medical Centre and the University of Calgary could one day help people with major depression get well sooner. The study will use blood and urine tests and brain scans to determine if there is a biological marker that will help selecting the most effective medication. Read more

 

Do you have news items that may be of interest to our visitors? Email us