In this episode of PSYCHEDUP, we explore bipolar disorder, a condition defined by two extreme mood poles. Our guest Pauline pulls back the curtain on what living with bipolar disorder is really like, revealing the challenges she faces, the ultimate highs, the depressive lows and how it impacts her relationships. Then, Dr. Diane McIntosh with her friend and colleague Dr. Randy Mackoff share their expertise in treating bipolar disorder, providing valuable guidance for people who have or know someone who has the disorder. Listen in for a compassionate, hands-on approach to understanding and managing this complex but treatable condition.

ADHD is often associated with creativity, quick thinking, and boundless energy, traits that many admire and even consider superpowers. But for people with untreated ADHD, the reality can look very different. Untreated symptoms can lead to challenges that impact daily life and wellbeing. Yet, ADHD is one of the most treatable neurodevelopmental conditions. So, let’s dig into ADHD with psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh. She answers those lingering questions like: Is ADHD overdiagnosed? Are the medications safe and truly necessary? Joining the conversation is Robert, a young professional who not only lives with ADHD but thrives with it. And, as always, PSYCHEDUP’s resident psychologist, Dr. Randy Mackoff, talks about treatment options with Dr. McIntosh. Listen in to this episode of PSYCHEDUP for practical, credible and empathetic information on ADHD.

What is it really like to live with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? How do you recognize the signs, and what does effective treatment look like? In this episode of PSYCHEDUP, Nadia shares her personal experience with OCD, offering a vivid glimpse into how even a simple trip to the park with her kids could spiral into an overwhelming storm of thoughts and emotions. In this conversation Dr. Diane McIntosh brings her signature blend of compassion and expertise to the discussion, breaking down the symptoms and diagnosis of OCD. Joined by her colleague and friend psychologist Dr. Randy Mackoff, she dives into the most effective treatment for this life-altering disorder. Tune in for an insightful, empathetic look at OCD and how to start the path to reclaiming control.

SPECIAL FEATURE. This week, PSYCHEDUP is excited to present an illuminating discussion about mental health vs mental illness. It's from the first season of Look Again, the BC Schizophrenia Society's podcast which highlights the humanity of people living with mental illness and shares insights from medical experts, family members, and individuals with lived experience. Dr. Diane McIntosh was Look Again’s first guest. She and host Faydra Aldridge challenge the idea that disorders like Schizophrenia are ‘mental health’ issues and explore why mental illness needs its own specific plan of action. Resources Look Again: Mental Illnes Re-Examined

Silken Laumann captured the hearts of Canadians with her incredible resilience, rowing to a bronze medal in single sculls despite a devastating injury. But after the cheers faded, she realized she was facing a new challenge: depression. In this episode, host Dr. Diane McIntosh sits down with Silken to explore her journey, discussing the symptoms, causes, and path to understanding her mental illness. Dr. McIntosh is later joined by her colleague and friend, Dr. Randy Mackoff, for an honest and insightful conversation about effective treatments for depression. It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, whether or not you're an Olympic superstar, depression can affect anyone. Listen to this episode of PSYCHEDUP to get educated and inspired. Resources Silken Laumann's Podcast: Inflection Time

Mental illnesses are tough, frightening, isolating, and sometimes even life-threatening. Whether you’ve experienced one yourself or supported someone who has, mental illnesses touch us all. So let’s get educated, because there is help. Each episode of PSYCHEDUP focuses on one mental illness: depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar and panic disorder. We hear directly from people living with these illnesses, gaining an honest glimpse into their realities. We also cover symptoms, diagnosis and treatments, from medications to talk therapy or both. Hosted by Dr. Diane McIntosh, psychiatrist, author, educator and passionate advocate for better mental health care, PSYCHEDUP is your guide to understanding mental illness and finding hope. This podcast was created as a follow-up to Wicked Mind, which explored ways to inspire change in mental health care. PsychedUP builds on that foundation by focusing on understanding mental illnesses, sharing patient stories, and exploring treatments and expert insights.

Dr. Matt Chow is Chief Mental Health Officer for TELUS Health. He is a child and youth psychiatrist and past President of Doctors of BC, the association that supports the 16,000+ physicians, residents, and medical students in British Columbia.

The pandemic still casts its long shadow over mental health and mental healthcare. In this brave conversation with Dr. Diane, they talk about the pandemic’s impact on children and youth, the urgent need to tackle burnout in healthcare, and the importance of vision and leadership.

This conversation is about hope and the kind of leadership we need to inspire meaningful change in mental healthcare.

Learn more about TELUS Health: Website

Contact Dr. Diane McIntosh: Website

More Episodes: Website

Please make sure you subscribe, share, and comment. If you have a topic or guest suggestion for Dr. Diane, please reach out to Pod@drdianemcintosh.com.

Scott Elliott is the Executive Director of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, an internationally renowned Centre whose mission is to provide care and support for individuals with HIV/AIDS.

The center’s holistic approach, which prioritizes the individual, autonomy, respect, and empowerment, is a powerful model, with a lot that we can take to inspire innovative thinking to improve mental healthcare.

Learn more about The Dr. Peter Centre: Website

Contact Dr. Diane McIntosh: Website

More Episodes: Website

Please make sure you subscribe, share, and comment. If you have a topic or guest suggestion for Dr. Diane, please reach out to Pod@drdianemcintosh.com.