Brought to you by the Depression Is Real Coalition, The Down & Up Show is dedicated to the reality of depression. Our hosts will talk with some of the world's top experts on depression, as well as people who have been impacted by this illness. The reality of depression is that it is a debilitating and potentially deadly medical condition that affects more than 15 million Americans every year. The other reality of depression is that there is hope.

Joti Samra

Joti Samra, Ph.D., R.Psych. is a clinical psychologist and holds a position as an Adjunct Professor and Research Scientist with the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University. She conducts applied research and clinical work in the area of mental health and addiction, with a particular interest in these issues as they pertain to the workplace context.

As part of her role with CARMHA, Joti has been a principal in the development, evaluation, and dissemination of a self-care manual for depression in the workplace (Antidepressant Skills at Work: Dealing with Mood Problems in the Workplace; Bilsker, Gilbert & Samra, 2007; www.carmha.ca). She has also been involved in a range of activities on behalf of the BC Workplace Mental Health & Addiction Scientific Committee, including conducting a survey of the relevant research literature in the area of workplace mental health and addiction; development of a framework for conceptualizing workplace mental health issues across stakeholder groups and levels of prevention; and coordination of a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Scientific Congress on workplace mental health and addiction issues, held in Vancouver in May 2007.

Prior to joining CARMHA, Joti worked as the senior clinician on an interdisciplinary assessment and treatment team serving an occupational disability population. She provided and oversaw services for individuals who were off work due to a combination of mental health, addiction, and physical conditions. She continues to be active in a range of clinical, professional and educational ventures including serving on the Board of Directors for the British Columbia Psychological Association and serving as Co-Chair of the BC Psychologically Healthy Workplace Collaborative.

CARMHA Publications and Links

Antidepressant Skills at Work: Dealing with Mood Problems in the Workplace — A self-care guide for patients experiencing depression in the workplace

Antidepressant Skills Workbook: Helping you deal with depression — A self-care guide for patients experiencing depression

Dealing with Depression: Antidepressant Skills for Teens — A self-care guide for teens experiencing depression

Coping with Suicidal Thoughts: A Resource for Suicidal Patients — A resource that provides suicidal patients with hope and suggestions for safety and treatment planning

Working with the Suicidal Patient: A Guide for Health Care Professionals — A resource for non mental health professionals on assessing and treating suicidality

Hope & Healing: A Practical Guide for Survivors of Suicide — A resource for individuals that have lost a loved one to suicide