woman mental health diagram
condition

Depression

According to VAC, Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed service-related injuries. It’s more than just feeling sad – it’s a persistent state that can drain energy, hope, and joy from everyday life. With the right care and support, recovery is within reach, and you can rediscover a sense of purpose and well-being.

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What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition marked by prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. It can arise from overwhelming stress, loss, or traumatic experiences, altering how you think, feel, and function. For many veterans, it’s tied to the emotional weight of service, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent burden.
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Symptoms of Depression

Depression affects people differently, but common signs include:
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  • Emotional symptoms: Persistent sadness, guilt, or feeling worthless.
  • Physical effects: Fatigue, changes in appetite or weight, or unexplained aches and pains.
  • Cognitive struggles: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details.
  • Behavioral changes: Withdrawing from others, losing interest in hobbies, or trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much).

These symptoms can linger and disrupt work, relationships, and personal fulfillment, making it hard to see a way forward without help.

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How Does Depression Occur?

Depression often develops from a mix of factors, including prolonged stress, grief, or trauma. Service-related triggers might include the loss of comrades, chronic stress from deployment, or transitioning to civilian life. While it can affect anyone, those with a history of trauma or limited support may be more vulnerable. Left unaddressed, Depression can deepen, which is why early intervention is so vital.

A man sitting on a couch with his hands clasped.

Erectile Dysfunction and Depression

It’s more common than you think. We’ve found a strong connection between psychological conditions like Depression, PTSD, and anxiety and erectile dysfunction (ED).

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Many of our patients are approved for shockwave therapy for ED as a consequential condition tied to their diagnosed Depression—even without a prior ED diagnosis—showing how closely these struggles can overlap

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Treatment Options for Depression

According to VAC, if you have Depression, you’re entitled to the following services:

Treatment

Yearly Visits*

Shockwave for Erectile Dysfunction
Initial Treatment + Maintenance
Individual Counselling
40 Hours
Group Therapy
25 Hours
Massage Therapy (RMT)
15 Treatments
Disability Assessment
Every 2 Years

*The number of sessions above can be increased based on individual needs. Echelon Wellness is here to advocate for you, working with Medavie Blue Cross to ensure you get the course of treatment needed to feel your best.

Hear What Patients Have to Say

all testimonials
Echelon is an epic experience for this client. Professional, top draw. They called me in 1.5 hours after the intake form online. Quick followup needs assessment, next day chiropractic assessment. Client service is the best medical care I have received. Veteran-centric, demonstrably better than anything I have received before during and after my service. They deal with VAC /Blue Cross. Zero bureaucracy. All employees are super courteous. Highly recommend to all vet buddies of mine.
Leland Keane
BEDFORD, NS
I was not aware of what I was entitled to through Veterans Affairs. ECHELON staff helped me obtain the benefits I was entitled to. I was given the help I was lacking, the support I needed and the recognition I greatly appreciated. The compensation I received, with their help, has improved my health, my finances and my outlook on the future. ECHELON has given me HELP, HOPE and HEALING I did not know even existed. I will be forever grateful.
Wayne Mckenzie
BEDFORD, NS
Echelon Wellness is what Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and RCMP have been needing. They executed a plan to create a One-Stop-Shop with no out of pocket expenses. The clinic space is extremely clean and welcoming, and staff are very involved in patient care and ensure you feel like you matter. It’s so refreshing walking into a Medical clinic where the practitioners and Administrative staff are happy to be there. I left feeling appreciated and cared for.
Graham Walsh
BEDFORD, NS
Echelon Wellness exceeded all expectations. From day one, I felt a genuine commitment to serving veterans, and the staff’s empathy and understanding were evident. They goes above and beyond by directly billing Veterans Affairs Canada, and offer a wide range of medical services tailored to veterans’ needs. Their holistic approach includes mental health support, nutritional guidance, and overall wellness. Echelon actively fosters a sense of community” with “group sessions, workshops, or social events to support veterans.
Andrew Thompson
BEDFORD, NS
Excellent service, very personable, very relaxed welcoming with excellent staff quite knowledgeable in their craft. Attention to every detail with each patient by all staff members. Their exceptional care has really helped with my health issues and made my life quite more functional because of their services! They go above and beyond and deserve more five star ratings- super fantastic operation. Thank you Echelon Wellness!
Michael Van Tassel
BEDFORD, NS
Best place for veteran and the staff are fantastic.
Pierre Therrien
BEDFORD, NS
This facility has been a god send for all the Veterans, not only here in the Halifax area but also the rest of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The quality and care supplied by your staff is excellent. The staff is very accommodating, courteous and makes one feel part of the Echelon family. They make sure you are comfortable, you have what you need or would like. The improvements I have experienced in my time there have been life altering and I cherish my every visit. See you soon.
Brian Leon
BEDFORD, NS
This is a revolutionary concept for our Veteran community. It has been impossible to get the post service care I require, but Echelon has amazing practitioners that make you feel very comfortable and welcome. Treatment has far exceeded my expectations, and I can get the help I need to get back to a regular quality of life. All of this in an environment just for Veterans is amazing. Thank you Echelon Wellness for providing actual Veteran care!
Julianno Scaglione
BEDFORD, NS
It's absolutely a pleasure dealing with all the staff at Echelon Wellness Bedford Nova Scotia. Their professionalism, attention to detail and personal care that they provide is outstanding. I highly recommend their services.
Lindsay Redden
BEDFORD, NS
This is a fantastic place! Meet lots of great people here. You see you are not alone in the world. Staff is very friendly professional and knowledgeable. Thank You Echelon.
Blair Sampson
BEDFORD, NS
The staff at this clinic are highly professional, courteous and knowledgeable to the needs of our Veterans. I am totally impressed with their approach to providing service to Veterans and never in any sort of judgmental manner. From the time you enter the office the staff all make you feel so welcome and you can sense the caring attitude. There has been a big void in how Veterans received care in the past but now Echelon Wellness is stopping that void and they deserve a Good Show award.
Rex Pitcher
BEDFORD, NS
Completely impressed with Echelon Wellness. The staff is fabulous and look after your every concern. What a great idea having one facility that blends all professions that vets need under one roof and they mesh together seamlessly to provide the best customer care and service you could ever wish for. I can't thank you enough for all of your support. Our health care system could learn some valuable lessons from you. I hope for your total success and that many more locations can open across the country in the future.
Randall MacLeod
BEDFORD, NS
This place is incredibly welcoming and offers excellent service. I receive multiple services here, and every provider is compassionate and caring. I highly recommend it!
Joe M.
BEDFORD, NS
Here are people who "get" veterans and actively help you achieve your health and wellness goals and help navigate and maximize your VAC benefits. A complete one stop shop.
Amy O'Neil
BEDFORD, NS
Folks very helpful
Dave Macgillivary
BEDFORD, NS
Good day Been coming here for the past 6 months. The service and personnel are outstanding. Very friendly service. I am very happy to talk about Echelon to other veterans.
Bruno Losier
BEDFORD, NS
The people at Echelon are extremely professional . They have presented proper care and professional advice. Their equipment is up to date and proper for the treatment provided. They have a nice well stocked waiting are to allow for socializing and relaxing. I give Echelon a big thumbs up.
Mark Legge
BEDFORD, NS
I have been totally impressed with Echelon and the people there since my first appointment a month ago. Such friendly people who want to do everything they can to get you the help and treatments that you (a veteran) need. There are things I didn't know I was entitled to until I started going here. There was no long wait to get in and get started. No messing around, just straight to "this is what you qualify for, now lets get started.
Alan Isnor
BEDFORD, NS
Echelon is the best treatment center I've encountered as a vet. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable. I feel all of my concerns and goals can be met here.
Rob Keough
BEDFORD, NS
Echelon gets the five stars but also gets a lot of thumbs up. The staff is very knowledgeable and pro active with clients. The facility is comfortable and welcoming, the atmosphere is soothing, and with the free coffee and lounge to wait in before treatment, it becomes the whole package for a veteran. I highly recommend for my veteran brothers and sisters.
Jason Clarke
BEDFORD, NS

Take the First Step Toward Hope

Depression doesn’t have to hold you back forever. Begin your journey toward healing and renewed energy.

start your journey

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