Access to Medications

Unveiling the Value Consideration Framework

After more than a year of collaboration, Mood Disorders Society of Canada’s (MDSC) Access to Medications for Mental Illness Working Group is proud to unveil its finalized Value Consideration Framework.

Developed through the insights and experiences of people with lived and living experience, patient organizations, psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists/clinicians, health technology assessment representatives, industry stakeholders, a former Ministers of Health, as well as private and public payer representatives, the framework highlights the many dimensions of value that matter when assessing psychiatric medications for access on public and private plans — from symptom severity and quality of life to daily functioning, side effects, survival, and societal and caregiver impact.

At its heart, the framework puts people at the centre of medication access conversations, encouraging a more holistic, person-centred approach to decision-making.

This milestone reflects the Working Group’s shared commitment to ensuring that the experiences and priorities of people living with mental illness are meaningfully considered in decisions about access to treatment. MDSC will be introducing the Framework in one-on-one meetings with government and other interested parties. If you’re interested in learning more yourself, reach out to Nancy Zorzi at Nancy@mdsc.ca.

The Herd is on the Move! 🐘 Something Big is Coming for Elephant in the Room!

In case you haven’t heard us the first time… WE’RE LAUNCHING THIS FALL! And yes, we’re saying it again for the people in the back! 📣 

The Elephant in the Room (EITR) is getting ready for its next big moment! As we celebrate the campaign’s 20th anniversary, Mood Disorders Society of Canada is busy moving the herd forward and preparing to unveil an exciting new chapter. 

With a refreshed brand, expanded resources, and a renewed focus on turning awareness into action, EITR is evolving to help workplaces, schools, and communities across Canada create more inclusive, stigma-free environments where mental health matters. 

We’re working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming. The herd is on the move, and the countdown is on! 🐘 Stay tuned this fall for the big reveal. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it! 

Join the Herd. End the Stigma. 

Bringing Better Sleep to the Workplace

A new Sunlife Canada report highlights a workplace paradox: while 71% of employees recognize sleep as essential to good health, 36% admire people who sacrifice sleep to get ahead. Poor sleep has real consequences: employees miss an average of 3 workdays per year and lose 7 hours of productivity per week due to poor sleep. For those living with insomnia, the impact rises to 12 hours of lost productivity per week.

To address this, Mood Disorders Society of Canada offers a free, 45-minute workplace presentation on insomnia. Designed for employees, managers, and HR teams, the session explores insomnia’s impact on workplace performance and well-being, provides practical resources, and encourages more supportive work environments.

As more organizations recognize the importance of sleep wellness, MDSC is helping bring insomnia awareness into the workplace. Purolator is one example, championing sleep wellness through multiple workplace sessions. Interested in bringing the program to your workplace? Contact MDSC at info@mdsc.ca to learn more!

Pathway to Benefits

Programs for Veterans and their Family Members

Something Exciting is Brewing at #SickNotWeak

Big things are happening at #SickNotWeak (SNW)! This fall, we’re building on the movement’s powerful legacy of breaking down mental illness stigma through honest conversations, lived experience, and storytelling that reminds us none of us are alone. 

And guess what? Michael Landsberg is working alongside us on something exciting that we can’t wait to share! We’re putting our heads together to bring new energy to the SNW community, with more conversations, more stories, and more opportunities to challenge stigma and change the way we talk about mental health. Stay tuned… you won’t want to miss what’s coming! 

In the meantime, join the conversation and explore the stories and resources at SickNotWeak.com.

Follow #SickNotWeak on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Bluesky to stay in the loop. The next chapter is taking shape, and we’re excited to have you along for the ride! 

Together, let’s keep making it okay to not be okay. 

Share Your Story: Help Us Better Understand the Experience of Depression

Have you been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)? We want to hear about your experience. We are inviting people with lived and living experience of major depressive disorder to participate in confidential, one-on-one virtual interviews.

We want to better understand the realities of living with depression, experiences with care and treatment, what matters most, and where opportunities exist to improve support and care.

Your voice matters. Insights from these conversations will help inform an MDD patient journey map and future efforts to improve the lives of people impacted by MDD.

Participants will receive an honorarium in appreciation of their time and contributions.

If you're interested in participating, or would like to learn more, please contact Aimee at Aimee@mdsc.ca.