Holidays should mean joyful times, celebrating with family and friends. For some, this is harder to achieve than others, particularly those who are struggling with mental illnesses. Researchers and clinicians at the Douglas Hospital can discuss some of the struggles these individuals face and how they can overcome them. They can also provide advice on how all of us can approach the upcoming festivities in the right frame of mind.

Drinking and Driving - Why?

New Year's Eve is the highlight of the holiday season, with food and drink flowing. It is also rated as one of the peak times during year to drink and drive. We know this activity has dire and dangerous consequences, yet why do we persist? Researcher Thomas Brown, PhD is looking at why some individuals drink and drive even though they have had prior DUI (driving under the influence) convictions, how to predict and reverse this trend.

Holidaying with a family member suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease

Holiday time means family visits. For some, this may mean bringing to your home your loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease. What should the family be concerned about? What should they do to make the visit a pleasant experience? Psychologist Dolly Dastoor, PhD can provide useful advice that may help you have a joyous holiday season with your loved one.

Stress and alcohol

Reaching for the bottle may be an easy solution to help deal with the stress surrounding the holidays. Is this an effective coping mechanism? Does this response make individuals more vulnerable to alcoholism? Researcher Christina Gianoulakis, PhD and her colleagues have recently published new findings looking at the complex relationship between alcohol, stress and family history of alcoholism. They have shown that individuals with a family history of alcoholism have a dysfunctional stress response prior to a development of alcohol dependence. Furthermore, these individuals may have a greater vulnerability to stressful situations.

Staying on track with eating disorders

Holidays are full of dinners with friends and family and tempting treats, but also increased demands and stresses. Increased social pressures to eat may tip the balance for those who are struggling with eating disorders. How can they enjoy this time and manage their difficulties? How can family members help? What should everyday people – even those without eating disorders – do about those extra holiday pounds? Howard Steiger, PhD, Director of the Douglas’ Eating Disorders Program, psychologist and researcher, can comment on various aspects of eating and eating disorders, why some people struggle more, the effect of diets and suggestions on how to stay in control.

Coping with Depression

Depression is a chronic disorder affecting 10 to 25 percent of Canadians. Some of these individuals may experience more symptoms during the holidays. Where should they turn? How can they avoid the doldrums and how can family members and friends help? Psychiatrist, Gustavo Turecki, MD, PhD is investigating why some individuals become more depressed (suicidal) than others and can provide answers to these questions. He and his Douglas colleagues have also started a unique depression clinic, which provides comprehensive care and treatment for all ages, from children to adults. He can discuss the types of patients he sees and symptoms of suicidal behaviour.

Let the spirit move you

Great food, exercise and even worshipping in a Church may instill feelings of euphoria. What is really happening in the brain? Are there certain foods that will make us happy? What about the role of exercise? Researcher Claire-Dominique Walker, PhD can explain this process, if it’s healthy and tips on how to achieve this more often.

Feeling anxious?

For some, the holidays mean increased expectations and worry. How do we know if our anxiety is "normal" or a symptom of a larger problem? Anxiety problems ranging from obsessive-compulsive disorder to panic attacks are the most common mental health disorders in North America. Psychologist, Camillo Zacchia, PhD can discuss how these are diagnosed and treated; and how to provide help to affected individuals.