Let’s face it: Managing a mental illness is anything but easy. Whether you’re dealing with the stigma that can accompany a diagnosis, the side effects of a medication, the difficult personal impact of a mental illness, or insufficient psychiatric care, navigating mental illness can be painful, frustrating and isolating.
Mental illnesses such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, bipolar, ADHD or panic disorder can be a chronic strain for individuals who are living with them.
“Living with a mental illness isn’t for the faint of heart,” says Dr. Diane McIntosh, psychiatrist, and founder and CEO of Rapids Health. “The struggles are real and at times they can feel unrelenting.”
Everyone who is diagnosed with a mental illness experiences it individually, facing different symptoms and personal challenges. And each journey requires a unique, personalized treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and/or medication.
It’s incumbent upon all healthcare providers to understand mental health issues, diagnose them accurately and develop a treatment plan that is individualized for every patient.
To support that mental healthcare journey, Dr. McIntosh has an exciting new podcast, PSYCHEDUP.
It’s focused on boosting awareness of mental illnesses, including why they occur, who is at greater risk, the power of shared decision-making, and the critical importance of diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment.
Dr. McIntosh, an international expert in mental healthcare, will share real patients’ stories, exciting scientific insights and her extensive clinical experience to help Canadians and their healthcare providers gain a deeper understanding of mental illnesses.
In each 30-minute episode, Dr. McIntosh and her guests take an in-depth look at a specific mental illness, exploring what it’s truly like to live with its symptoms and its burden on families and functioning.
“We’ll talk about how each disorder is diagnosed and then, how it’s treated — because we all deserve an accurate diagnosis and the most effective care,” says Dr. McIntosh.
Each episode combines a detailed explanation of the illness, a patient’s personal story, Dr. McIntosh’s expert insights, and additional perspectives from a fellow healthcare professional.
PSYCHEDUP is for people living with mental illness, their loved ones, and the practitioners who diagnose and treat them.
The show is designed to leave listeners feeling hopeful and empowered, with a far better understanding of the disorder. Its inspiring and upbeat tone will ensure that learning and self-advocacy, rather than frustration and isolation, are the focal points of the discussion.
“There is strength in reaching out,” says Dr. McIntosh. “My hope is that you’ll connect with the stories we share—whether it’s through hearing from someone with the same diagnosis or learning about the healthcare side of the experience, including the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.”
“I want listeners to know there is always a path ahead.”
What’s it like to live with OCD? Dr. McIntosh talks to Nadia, a mother of two, about how she’s coping with the challenging and sometimes alarming symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Summary of “This is OCD”, Episode 2 of the PSYCHEDUP Podcast.
In episode 1 of the PSYCHEDUP podcast, Canadian four-time Olympic rower and mental health advocate Silken Laumann talks to Dr. Diane McIntosh about her battle with depression. This post a summary of that episode.
There’s something about flipping the page on the calendar from December to January. For many of us, the beginning of a new year represents a clean slate. So, if you find yourself in the mood to take that time to pause and reflect after the holidays, here are a few tips on making smart New Year’s resolutions.
Dr. Diane McIntosh is a psychiatrist, innovator, educator, author, and speaker. She is passionate advocate for better mental health care, and a champion for all who suffer from mental health challenges.
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