NANAIMO, British Columbia — An initiative by Shoppers Drug Mart, the Canadian government and the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH) aims to help seniors grappling with depression and thoughts of suicide.

Shoppers Drug Mart said Monday that CCSMH, with the financial support and collaboration of the drug chain and Canadian government, has developed mental health resources for seniors and their caregivers. The resources are now available at local Shoppers Drug Mar ­pharmacies.

The partnership gives Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacists access to new continuing education tools on depression and suicide prevention for older adults. As a result, seniors and their caregivers can now turn to their local Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist for help.

In addition, two new brochures were developed on depression and suicide prevention, to help seniors identify symptoms and connect them with treatment. The new information is available at Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies and online.

“Depression isn’t easy for seniors to talk about, but your local Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist can help,” Shoppers Drug Mart president Mike Motz said in a statement. “Thanks to new education and information available in our stores, our pharmacists can help seniors to detect symptoms of mental illness and access treatment.”

“Seniors and their caregivers are looking for accurate information about the signs of depression and suicide, treatment options, where to get help, and how to live and age well,” added Dr. David Conn, co-chair of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health. “That’s why were so pleased to partner with the government of Canada and Shoppers Drug Mart to develop and make these important resources available to seniors across the country.”

Besides the Seniors’ Mental Health Initiative, Shoppers Drug Mart supports local women’s mental health programs across Canada through the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women, held in 12 communities across Canada this past year, and the Shoppers Drug Mart Ride Don’t Hide biking event, held in 14 communities across British Columbia in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.