Sign in

Dr. Diane McIntosh

@drdianemcintosh.bsky.social
48 followers 82 following 118 posts

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. #mentalhealthawareness

PostsRepliesMedia
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
ADHD isn’t being disorganized/bad at paying attention. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting attention, exec. function, impulse control. Can be mistaken for other conditions. Accurate diagnosis=first step to effective management. More in #PsychedUP: ow.ly/Ciyp50ZV3Cf #ADHDAwareness
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Midterms can bring deadlines, long study sessions + anxiety about performance. Doing well matters, but rest is not wasted study time. For post-secondary students, aim for 150 min/week of moderate-vigorous activity, 7–9 hours of sleep + ≤3 hours/day of recreational screen time. #StudentMentalHealth
100
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Transition to adulthood brings enormous change: leaving home, starting university or career, navigating relationships, managing finances + figuring out who you are. For parents, it's tempting to focus on grades, jobs + plans. #Mentalhealth matters too. Tips: 1) Stay connected without hovering.
301
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Mental health is complex. We're expanding Ori’s clinical guidance to include OCD, Panic Disorder + PTSD. I want to make evidence-informed psychiatric knowledge accessible at point of care, helping #primarycare clinicians navigate #mentalhealth w/confidence. ow.ly/P0bM50ZR4Ia #AIinHealthcare
rapidshealth.com
Ori: Psychiatric Clinical Decision Support Tool for Primary Care
Psychiatric clinical decision support tool providing instant, evidence-based treatment guidance for MDD, GAD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, insomnia
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
September 21 is World #Alzheimers Day—a reminder that dementia is not a normal part of ageing. In PsychedUP, I talk with Stephanie about her mother’s dementia, symptoms, treatment + resilience in caregiving. ow.ly/RUsT50ZPZjA #DementiaAwareness
020
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
What can I learn this fall to help my patients? PsychedUp CME offers clinically relevant, practical, engaging training for GPs, psychiatrists, nurses, NPs + pharmacists to apply to clinical practice. ow.ly/60GK50ZOwkM #CME #MedicalEducation #LifelongLearning #Psychopharmacology
psychedupcme.com
Accredited Psychiatric CME courses with Dr. Diane McIntosh
Elevate your psychiatric practice with PsychedUp CME! Master complex cases with Dr. Diane McIntosh - register now for improved patient care, and earn Mainpro+
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Fall is a great time for goals! If you want a habit to stick, choose one specific behaviour, something you can do even on a difficult day. Build it into your routine, and don’t let a missed day be a reason to give up. What’s one habit you’d like to build this fall? #SmallSteps #DailyHabits
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay. A depressed brain may say you're worthless + there's no hope, but that's not the case. I want to improve #mentalhealthcare by giving primary caregivers evidence-based patient treatment guidance. If in crisis, call 9-8-8. #SuicidePrevention #988Canada #MentalHealthMatters
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
September is #AlzheimersAwareness Month. Memory changes aren't always Alzheimer’s: sleep, mood, meds + medical conditions can affect cognition + some are treatable. Significant changes in memory or thinking deserve assessment. Good summary: ow.ly/gJ6z50ZKXxj #DementiaAwareness #BrainHealth
ow.ly
How to know if its dementia or normal aging
Learn the key differences between normal aging and dementia with our comprehensive guide. Discover when memory changes, problem-solving difficulties, and communication challenges warrant professional attention. Find expert guidance and support resources in Calgary to help navigate cognitive concerns with confidence and compassion
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Patient 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 badgut.org/mfn/?utm_sou... #PatientAccess
badgut.org
Most Favoured Nation’s Impact on Patients in Canada
Most Favoured Nation’s Impact on Patients in Canada Background Out of the 195 independent sovereign nations on Earth, 166, including Canada, are members of the international World Trade Organizati...
011
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Overdoses 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. #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
“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
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
A 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: ow.ly/rrBu50ZF1rG #ChildAnxiety
ow.ly
Managing back to school anxiety in young children - CMHA British Columbia
Returning to school after summer vacation can be an exciting time for kids, but it can also be stressful for them and their parents. The start of school may be especially challenging for kids who are starting at kindergarten or a new school. Some anxiety is a normal response and most kids experience mild back-to-school […]Continue readingManaging back to school anxiety in young children
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Many 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. ow.ly/i90W50ZBAH0 #FallWellness
ow.ly
Mental Health Benefits of Summer | Turnbridge
Summertime means longer days, more sunlight, and warmer weather. All of these can contribute to improved mental health. Learn about the benefits of summer!
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
A 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: ow.ly/wqzS50ZB0hW Please share! #PrimaryCare
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Sat 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! #StressManagement
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Medication 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
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Exercise 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. ow.ly/s3Rw50ZwNNh
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Mental 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
030
Reposted by Dr. Diane McIntosh
CCSMH/CCSMPA @ccsmh.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
It's International Friendship Day! 🧑‍🤝‍🧑💞 For some of us, our closest friends are like family. Those relationships are so important to our mental and social health. Why not call your best friend today?
001
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Workplaces/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: ow.ly/Z1gj50ZuNny Practical tools to start meaningful conversations. #WorkplaceWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #Leadership
ow.ly
Not Myself Today - Home
Not Myself Today helps companies build mentally healthy workplaces. This unique workplace mental health initiative is proven to generate strong, positive impact in companies of all sizes and sectors. Visit our website to learn more!
020
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
What 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 #PrimaryCare
011
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
#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. ow.ly/mbVu50Zs28I
ow.ly
After my 5-Week Phone Fight, I'm Never Going Back to the Way Things Were Before
Learnings from 30 days with no social media, news, or games.
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
#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: ow.ly/mU7K50Zqgwi #MentalHealth #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness
000
Reposted by Dr. Diane McIntosh
SickNotWeak @sicknotweak.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
You don't have to sacrifice your well-being to meet someone else's expectations. Your worth isn't measured by how much you can carry or achieve. Your mental health deserves care, too. #SickNotWeak #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma
022
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A 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. ow.ly/xIOV50ZoxoP @rapidshealth.bsky.social #Psychiatry #ClinicalDecisionSupport #RapidsHealth
ow.ly
Ori: Psychiatric Clinical Decision Support Tool for Primary Care
Psychiatric clinical decision support tool providing instant, evidence-based treatment guidance for MDD, GAD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, insomnia
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
As 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
020
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
People 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: ow.ly/hvPg50Zm6cS #PanicAwarenessDay
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I 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
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The 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 #mentalhealth
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Love 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? ow.ly/IsKe50ZiOKZ #WorkplaceHappiness #EmployeeWellbeing
ow.ly
Why happiness matters in the workplace: A conversation with happiness expert Vanessa King
Learn how employers can nurture happy employees and also how individuals in general can cultivate happiness in their own lives.
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
PTSD 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: ow.ly/SMKN50ZhhfI #PTSDAwarenessMonth #PTSDAwareness #PsychedUp
100
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
A 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 #BeTheFlare
100
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
During 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: ow.ly/bWpH50ZcUZw #LonelinessAwarenessWeek
drdianemcintosh.com
Health Impacts of Loneliness - Dr. Diane McIntosh
Health impacts of loneliness. Lack of social connection is associated with poor immune function, high blood pressure, cognitive decline.
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Loneliness 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 ow.ly/r6Qc50Zcmjj. #MentalHealth #HealthyAging #Seniors
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
June 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: ow.ly/r9oS50Z4wIg #SocialAnxiety #MentalHealth
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Primary 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: ow.ly/MPYR50Z8uws #MentalHealth #Psychiatry #PrimaryCare
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Switching 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. ow.ly/xW2R50Z5Vzg #Psychiatry #MentalHealth #MedicationManagement
ow.ly
SwitchRx | Supporting Clinicians in Medication Switching for ADHD, Depression, Anxiety
Confident Medication Switching, Simplified.
030
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Spoke 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 #healthcare
020
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
After ~2 years on medical leave, Carrie shares how support through Rapids Health helped her navigate the difficult transition back to work after referral by her #nursepractitioner. Important reminder of how meaningful timely mental healthcare support can be! #MentalHealth #PrimaryCare #Psychiatry
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Best meds for this patient? How should I approach MDD w/severe anxiety? Ori by Rapids Health = fast access to trusted, evidence-informed psychiatric guidance to support clinical decision-making in primary care. Free for Cdn GPs + NPs: ow.ly/Ek7L50Z4wjz #MentalHealth #PrimaryCare #Psychiatry
020
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
May 24 = #WorldSchizophreniaAwarenessDay. Grateful to work w/ BC Schizophrenia Society! By fostering compassion, inclusion + recovery, the society plays a critical role in ensuring people living w/ #schizophrenia receive support + respect they deserve. ow.ly/a5sI50Z3QY8 #EndTheStigma
ow.ly
Living with Schizophrenia | Family Support Group | BC
BCSS believes it is possible to live well with schizophrenia with the right resources, treatments and support in place
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
One of the hardest parts of #mentalhealthcare is the uncertainty. Patients and families can spend months waiting for clarity while symptoms worsen. That’s why we built #RapidsHealth: to help clinicians and families get clearer answers sooner. #MentalHealth #PrimaryCare #ADHD
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
I built Rapids b/c I saw how difficult mental healthcare delivery was for GPs, NPs + patients. I wanted to create tools to help clinicians access evidence-based psychiatric guidance quickly + confidently. Full video: ow.ly/cHuU50Z2pgs #FamilyMedicine #NursePractitioners #MentalHealth
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Congrats to Tori Weldon on being elected Ward 3 Councillor #Tantramar, #NewBrunswick! 🎉Tori brings passion, leadership + commitment to community in everything she does. Proud to work w you on #PSYCHEDUP podcast! Wishing you success in this role, Tori. Your community is lucky to have you!
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Love these stories! Mini shares how, after an assessment via Soli by @rapidshealth.bsky.social, her sister + family were able to get clarity + tools to help w/ her sister's mental illness. ow.ly/gFqy50YYmak Pls watch + share! #mentalhealth #depression #insomnia
110
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Connection = central to #MentalHealthWeek + good psychiatric care. Patients want to feel understood, not "assessed." Strong therapeutic relationship improves outcomes, supports treatment + helps navigate uncertainty. Rapids is one way I'm contributing to accessible care: ow.ly/7j1n50YWiV1
110
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Connection is focus #MentalHealthWeek. Social connection = strongest protector of mental health. Reduces risk of mental illness, relapse, even dementia. Connection w/family, friends, colleagues, community matters! cmha.ca #ComeTogetherCanada #MentalHealthisHealth
000
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
My thoughts on #mentalillness system change: Not enough psychiatrists. We don’t support GPs + NPs to confidently treat #mentalhealth. People can’t access care until in crisis. I built Rapids Health to help solve this. CBC Article: ow.ly/bfne50YSYpZ Rapids: ow.ly/7LEF50YSYq1
ow.ly
To prevent future tragedies, experts recommend key reforms for B.C.'s mental health system | CBC News
Police are still investigating the shooting in Tumbler Ridge and B.C.'s chief coroner has called an inquest, while the Lapu-Lapu Day accused's case is currently before the courts. However, mental health industry experts say it's clear that system-wide changes are needed to respond to the structural gaps revealed by these cases, and prevent future deaths.
010
Dr. Diane McIntosh @drdianemcintosh.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Colleagues ask why we built Rapids Health, why we focused on improving mental health diagnosis. We wanted to make correct diagnoses + treatment plans easier for clinicians, meaning more people are healthier sooner:
010