This is Dementia

The only thing worse than an awful night’s sleep, is two awful night’s sleep. And if they keep adding up, it becomes almost impossible to feel like yourself. So, in this episode, Dr. Diane McIntosh is talking about chronic insomnia through the eyes of Allison, a 52-year-old woman who battled sleepless nights for most of her adult life. From waking up exhausted with "baseballs for eyes", to shying away from socializing because she was so tired, Allison explains what it’s like to live with a disorder that affects 10% of the population.   Dr. McIntosh breaks down the science behind chronic insomnia while exploring the vicious cycle of poor sleep and declining mental health. As always, she’s joined by psychologist Dr. Randy Mackoff to talk about treatment. From the dangers of self-medicating to the promising new class of medications, this episode provides both hope and practical solutions for anyone trapped in the exhausting world of sleepless nights. For more resources, go here. 

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. 

At just 10 years old, Cedar walked into her doctor's office asking for weight loss recommendations, despite being dangerously underweight. Her perception of herself, together with her desperate need for control, marked the beginning of a decade-long battle with anorexia nervosa. In this episode of PSYCHEDUP, Dr. Diane McIntosh pulls back the curtain on eating disorders, exposing how these devastating illnesses have little to do with food and everything to do with control and trauma.  Dr. McIntosh teams up with psychologist Dr. Randy Mackoff to explore the complex treatment landscape for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. They debunk myths around eating disorders, examine social media's role in exacerbating body image issues, and explain why psychological inflexibility and rigid thoughts about self-worth create dangerous patterns. This episode offers hope for those trapped in any cycle involving food restriction, over exercising, and binging and purging, while providing essential guidance for the families desperately trying to support them. You'll Discover: How eating disorders are rooted in control and trauma, rather than diet or appearance, and why the thoughts feel "almost abusive" to those experiencing them. Why anorexia has the second-highest death rate of any mental illness due to heart complications and suicide, and how individuals can be at risk of sudden death. How eating disorders thrive on secrecy and dishonesty, destroying trust with parents, friends and partners, while affecting every aspect of their lives. Why managing co-existing depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD is essential in finding a path to recovery. Why eating disorders have been wrongly considered female illnesses, and why family therapy and support systems are absolutely critical, especially when disorders start in childhood. Resources: Additional information and support resources are available here.

Imagine missing out on life’s major milestones because it is just too hard to show up. This is what social anxiety disorder can do. But with proper treatment, it gets better. Join Dr. Diane McIntosh as she explores social anxiety disorder, a condition that goes far beyond normal shyness and can rob people of life's most important moments. This episode features Hannah's powerful story of missing her graduation and struggling through high school, plus expert insights from Dr. McIntosh and psychologist Dr. Randy Mackoff on effective treatment approaches. You’ll discover: What is Social Anxiety Disorder? Understanding the difference between shyness and a clinical diagnosis that affects up to 10% of adults Real-Life Impact: How fear of judgment and scrutiny leads to avoidance, missed opportunities, and isolation Social Media's Role: how constant comparison effects self-esteem anxiety How using alcohol or cannabis as a "social lubricant" creates more problems than it solves Treatment Options: CBT, exposure therapy, medication management, and when each approach works best Resources Additional information and support resources are available here.  

Imagine trying to go about your day with angry voices saying awful things at you. Or trying to concentrate in a meeting while you’re convinced the smell of rotting meat was coming from you.  Welcome to John’s world. In this episode of PSYCHEDUP, Dr. Diane McIntosh explores the complex and distressing symptoms of psychosis through his personal story. Dr. McIntosh is joined by Dr. Randy Mackoff to discuss the roles of medication and talk therapy in managing psychosis.  You’ll Discover: What psychosis really is and how it shows up across disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. What it’s like to live with psychosis: John’s reality of hearing voices and believing delusions. The different types of psychotic symptoms, from hallucinations to delusions. How psychosis is treated, including medication, therapy, and the role of family support. Why stigma makes recovery harder and how empathy, education, and advocacy can change lives. Resources: Explore Dr. Diane McIntosh’s psychosis page for more information, including a downloadable and shareable guide to psychosis.  Visit the BC Schizophrenia Society’s website for support. Learn about bipolar disorder

Adversity is inevitable, how we respond to it can change everything.  Between economic uncertainty, political instability, and personal challenges with health, finances, or relationships, life can be overwhelming. Yet there’s still so much good worth celebrating. How do we balance it all and hold on to hope and happiness? The answer is resilience. Broadcaster and author Gill Deacon joins Diane to share her journey through serious health challenges, showing how perspective, gratitude, and acceptance can create space for healing and hope. Later, psychologist Dr. Randy Mackoff returns to share practical tools for building resilience, from mindset shifts to self-talk strategies. In this episode of PSYCHEDUP, Dr. Diane McIntosh explores resilience—the science and practice of not just surviving hardship, but emerging stronger. What You’ll Discover: What resilience really is and why it’s more than “toughing it out. Gill Deacon’s journey through multiple potentially deadly health diagnoses and the strategies that helped her thrive. The role of perspective — how small moments can mean the most. Practical resilience-building tools — from managing expectations to reframing negative self-talk. The truth about control — why accepting what we can’t change is just as important as taking charge of what we can. Resources: Explore Dr. McIntosh's page on resilience here. To listen to her podcast, click here.   

PSYCHEDUP is back with more episodes on Oct. 10, 2025. Mental illness touches us all, whether you've experienced it yourself or supported someone who has. Let’s get educated, because there is help.

More episodes coming soon! Dr. Diane McIntosh is hard at work exploring social anxiety disorder, psychosis, dementia, and more for our next season, which launches OCTOBER 10.  In the meantime, enjoy this episode of A Love Affair with the Unknown. Host Gill Deacon is a friend of the show and a guest of an upcoming PSYCHEDUP episode. In this episode, she talks to former federal cabinet minister Lisa Raitt about strength and power in the face of caring for a loved one with a debilitating disease.   We can’t wait for you to hear it.  You can also catch up on past episodes or share them with someone you know.  Resources:  Dr. Diane McIntosh  A Love Affair with the Unknown 

Anxiety is something we can all relate to. But how do we distinguish between normal worry and pathological anxiety? What’s the difference between a panic attack and panic disorder? In this episode Dr. Diane McIntosh gets into the science behind this disorder, explains symptoms and talks about why it’s so important to reach out for help. We also hear from Annette, who did everything she could to pretend she was ok, until there was no hiding that she wasn’t. She shares her firsthand perspective of what it’s like to have panic disorder. Then, Dr. Diane McIntosh along with her friend and colleague Dr. Randy Mackoff, explores the latest in treatments from talk therapy to medication. Listen to this episode of PSYCHEDUP for credible, current and empathetic information on panic disorder.

What is post traumatic stress disorder? Do childhood traumas make some of us more susceptible to it than others? How can we tell the difference between emotional trauma and PTSD?  In this episode Dr. Diane McIntosh answers these questions and many more. Chelan is our guest and she shares her experience with PTSD and the steps she took to a diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Randy Mackoff and Dr. McIntosh explore the benefits of talk therapy and the latest advances in medication for treating PTSD. Listen in for an honest and empathetic conversation about PTSD, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.