Psychiatrist, Innovator, Educator, Author, Speaker. Advocate for better mental health care, champion for all who suffer from mental health challenges. Co-founder #RapidsHealth 2 seasons #PSYCHEDUP podcast. Vancouver, Canada. #mentalhealthawarenesshttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mumxsm5lc22mPatient access to medicine matters, especially as healthcare systems navigate changing policies + global pressures. Most Favoured Nation (MFN) drug pricing could affect Cdn access to innovative treatment. Sharing @gisociety.bsky.social piece on MFN + Canada https://badgut.org/mfn/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=drdmcintosh #PatientAccess03 Sep 2026 17:25 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mumxsm5lc22mhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3muhs5ev7rs2kOverdoses are more than statistics. They're loved ones. Substance use disorders are medical conditions, influenced by biology, psychology, trauma, luck. Reducing stigma saves lives. When people feel safe asking for help, they’re more likely to receive support. #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay01 Sep 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3muhs5ev7rs2khttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mu5qbb772t2o“Grief is the price we pay for love.” My mother died on July 20. I recall how she was filled w/ love for me, my brothers, grandchildren, friends. Grief is a terrible burden, but the love she gave me was worth enduring loss. Half my DNA is her. She lives on in me + my children. #GriefAwareness 28 Aug 2026 16:00 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mu5qbb772t2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mtw6ve2jko2hA few nerves re: #BackToSchool are normal. But if anxiety interferes w/sleep, appetite, activities, a little extra support may be needed. Return to routines gradually, speak about worries, focus on what’s within control. Adults being calm helps. CMHA shares: https://ow.ly/rrBu50ZF1rG #ChildAnxiety 25 Aug 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtw6ve2jko2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mtjmkuvq2r2vMany people feel happier in summer: longer days, more time outdoors, physical activity + social connection support #mentalhealth. Carry benefits forward: build daily nature habit, anchor joyful routines, plan fun in November. Know #seasonaldepression signs. https://ow.ly/i90W50ZBAH0 #FallWellness20 Aug 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtjmkuvq2r2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mtemf2djrl2oA hard part of #mentalhealthcare is finding right diagnosis. E.g., poor concentration could reflect ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia. Rapids Health helps GPs + NPs access evidence-based guidance quickly, supporting clinical judgement. More: https://ow.ly/wqzS50ZB0hW Please share! #PrimaryCare 18 Aug 2026 16:14 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtemf2djrl2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3msy6ptb6mn2bSat Aug 15 is #NationalRelaxationDay! Brains weren't designed to be on all the time, so it's important we build relaxation into our lives. Start w/ slow morning. Unplug + be present. Nourish mindfully. Connect w/ friends. Relaxation restores cognitive flexibility - benefit to all! #StressManagement13 Aug 2026 17:38 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3msy6ptb6mn2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mst4xcqoh22tMedication decisions around pregnancy are among most nuanced in #psychiatry. For patients trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding, clinicians must balance mental health needs with medication safety. I’m pleased Ori provides evidence-informed safety considerations. #MaternalMentalHealth [contains quote post or other embedded content]11 Aug 2026 17:23 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mst4xcqoh22thttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3msggawxpcq23Exercise is one best-supported treatment for depression, but depression steals energy + motivation. Telling someone to "just exercise" misses the point. For many, best outcomes = combo exercise, psychotherapy, medication when appropriate, healthy sleep + social connection. https://ow.ly/s3Rw50ZwNNh06 Aug 2026 16:05 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3msggawxpcq23https://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3msbdwno6d223Mental illnesses are so difficult to endure and can also be challenging to treat. Healthcare systems must aim to provide services that are more accessible, patient-centered and compassionate, but also rooted in science. #MentalHealth #EvidenceBasedMedicine [contains quote post or other embedded content]04 Aug 2026 15:40 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3msbdwno6d223https://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mrv2pc65pr2tWorkplaces/mates impact #mentalhealth. We all play role in creating culture where ppl=supported. Check in when someone doesn't seem like themselves. Not Myself Today: https://ow.ly/Z1gj50ZuNny Practical tools to start meaningful conversations. #WorkplaceWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #Leadership 30 Jul 2026 18:23 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrv2pc65pr2thttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mrprtdgm2b2aWhat would make biggest difference for mental healthcare in Canada? More psychiatrists? Yes. But also need better psychiatric training for family physicians, #nursepractitioners, pharmacists + that training grounded in evidence-based best practices. Where to invest first? #MentalHealth #PrimaryCare28 Jul 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrprtdgm2b2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mrfmlw46zj2t#InternationalSelfCareDay. Instead of adding more, consider what to remove for #selfcare. My friend Steve's 5-week phone fight revealed he spent 31 hrs/week on apps, games, news. Reaching for phones can can crowd out connecting w/loved ones, exercise, reading, rest. https://ow.ly/mbVu50Zs28I https://ow.ly/AeIF50Zs20i24 Jul 2026 15:00 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrfmlw46zj2thttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mr66lgzuft2t#Bipolardisorder affects how brain regulates mood, energy, activity, thinking. During episodes, symptoms affect work, daily life. Very treatable. Learn more to reduce stigma + misunderstanding. Mood Disorders Soc 🇨🇦 shares: https://ow.ly/mU7K50Zqgwi #MentalHealth #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness21 Jul 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr66lgzuft2thttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mqrrpthtww2pA big challenge in #primarycare is finding right info quickly to support good clinical decisions. Latest Ori incl: #bipolar guidance, medication switching, smart prompts to find info faster. https://ow.ly/xIOV50ZoxoP @rapidshealth.bsky.social #Psychiatry #ClinicalDecisionSupport #RapidsHealth https://ow.ly/B8Eq50Zox6O16 Jul 2026 17:39 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqrrpthtww2phttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mqmqpfwnak2pAs a psychiatrist, I know how much time clinicians spend searching for answers. We built Ori to synthesize evidence into practical treatment guidance, so clinicians can spend more time with patients. More below: ow.ly/Qhwc50ZmYZS #psychiatry #primarycare [contains quote post or other embedded content]14 Jul 2026 17:37 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqmqpfwnak2phttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mqa3d6i7ip2jPeople having panic attacks often think they're having heart attacks. Racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling = real symptoms from the body's alarm system firing though no danger. #CBT, treatments can help. #PanicDisorder on #PsychedUP: https://ow.ly/hvPg50Zm6cS #PanicAwarenessDay 09 Jul 2026 16:43 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqa3d6i7ip2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mq3k3jefrs2zI recently took time off work + spent time w/Stuart. No meetings/email/checking in. I tell patients: rest isn't a luxury, it's part of staying healthy! Vacations can lower stress, improve mood, enhance creativity, improve sleep. Good for #BrainHealth. Are you taking time this summer? #MentalHealth 07 Jul 2026 21:24 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq3k3jefrs2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mplyl3gxfy2tThe greatest strength of a country is how people care for one another. Every conversation that reduces stigma, every person who reaches for support helps build a healthier Canada. This #CanadaDay, let's work so everyone can access mental healthcare they need! #MentalHealthMatters #mentalhealth01 Jul 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mplyl3gxfy2thttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mpjlkelklo2rLove this post on 5 C's Happiness Expert Vanessa King recommends for #HappinessAtWork. Control, connection, competence +2! Happy people are more productive, healthier. Any ideas on how to incorporate the 5 C's into your workplace? https://ow.ly/IsKe50ZiOKZ #WorkplaceHappiness #EmployeeWellbeing 30 Jun 2026 18:02 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpjlkelklo2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mp4xhez72b25PTSD affects your thoughts, emotions, relationships. ~8% Cdn adults will experience PTSD. Many don't recognize symptoms or know there's effective treatments. Seeking help is important. I speak w/ Dr. Mackoff + Chelan: https://ow.ly/SMKN50ZhhfI #PTSDAwarenessMonth #PTSDAwareness #PsychedUp 25 Jun 2026 17:30 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp4xhez72b25https://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3moxrm2o2et25A challenge in men's mental health is that suffering doesn't always look the way we expect. Men experiencing depression may exhibit irritability, anger, substance use, risk-taking, withdrawal. #Mentalillness can go unrecognized. Check in on the men in our lives! #MensMentalHealthMonth #BeTheFlare23 Jun 2026 16:02 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3moxrm2o2et25https://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mol77xlx252oDuring the pandemic, people became accustomed to virtual connection. There's tremendous value in #virtualcare. Yet, when we meet in person, there’s more warmth, creativity, ease. Connection matters to #mentalhealth. A piece I wrote: https://ow.ly/bWpH50ZcUZw #LonelinessAwarenessWeek https://drdianemcintosh.com/health-impacts-loneliness/18 Jun 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mol77xlx252ohttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mog6d3xsuw2wLoneliness links to depression, anxiety, poor health, cognitive decline, stroke risk. This #LonelinessAwarenessWeek focusses on seniors, who may experience isolation silently after life changes, loss of partner, reduced mobility. See https://ow.ly/r6Qc50Zcmjj. #MentalHealth #HealthyAging #Seniors16 Jun 2026 16:02 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mog6d3xsuw2whttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mnx3gih6wh2oJune 10 is #ActionAnxietyDay. Social anxiety disorder is often misunderstood as “just shyness,” but it can significantly affect work, school, relationships, quality of life. The good news: anxiety disorders are treatable. More in #PsychedUp: https://ow.ly/r9oS50Z4wIg #SocialAnxiety #MentalHealth 10 Jun 2026 16:00 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnx3gih6wh2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mnukzutssn2bPrimary care clinicians manage increasing mental health complexity every day. What if evidence-based psychiatric guidance was available right when it was needed? That's what we're working on at Rapids Health! Learn more: https://ow.ly/MPYR50Z8uws #MentalHealth #Psychiatry #PrimaryCare 09 Jun 2026 16:02 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnukzutssn2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mnhynkc4of2ySwitching psychiatric meds is complex. Clinicians must balance efficacy, withdrawal risk, side effects, interactions, and patient stability. Dr. Ric Procyshyn and I built SwitchRx to help guide. https://ow.ly/xW2R50Z5Vzg #Psychiatry #MentalHealth #MedicationManagement https://ow.ly/V1n650Z5Vya04 Jun 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnhynkc4of2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/drdianemcintosh.bsky.social/post/3mncxpo7da32xSpoke w/ @gisociety.bsky.social + advocates at MedAccessBC Forum on improving med access w/patient-centered policies. Good new meds available, yet approval slow. Policies requiring try + fail older, less effective meds before new not good. Advocate by writing letters to MPs. #BCpoli #healthcare02 Jun 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:7s6vs4zyvbvtsdvfhajtkx7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mncxpo7da32x