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.
Episodes
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
When Stephanie's mother was diagnosed with dementia following a stroke, everything changed. In this episode, Dr. Diane McIntosh explores the realities of dementia caregiving through Stephanie's powerful story, from managing impossible schedules to making heartbreaking decisions about care facilities.
Whether you're caring for someone with dementia, supporting a caregiver, or preparing for what may lie ahead, this episode offers compassionate guidance and hope.
Plus expert insights from psychologist Dr. Randy Mackoff on effective treatment approaches.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why dementia caregiving involves pre-death grieving and how to navigate conflicting emotions
- The importance of self-care and why caregiver burnout is so common
- How to recognize when medication might help manage psychiatric symptoms in dementia patients
- Practical strategies for medical appointments and advocating for your loved one
- Why talking about your fear of developing dementia yourself is essential, not selfish
Additional information and support resources are available here.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada is here.
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