The holiday season is fast approaching with joyful visions of sugarplum fairies and family celebrations. However, for some individuals, particularly those struggling with mental illnesses, the season brings visions of worry and anxiety. Researchers and mental health experts at the Douglas can discuss the challenges these individuals face during the holidays 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.

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.

Coping with an over-excited child

The holiday season celebrates children, from the brightly colored gifts to the animated nighttime stories and games. It also means many late nights for our families. While we may be able to cope with the sleep deprivation some of our children may find this more difficult. Researcher Reut Gruber, PhD, is examining the health consequences of sleep deprivation in infants, toddlers, children and adolescents, particularly those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Discuss with her why she believes that a good night’s sleep will have a positive impact on these children’s concentration and behavior.

Stress

Meeting multiple expectations from friends, family and work during the season puts undo stress on all of us, which may cause psychological harm. Stress researcher Sonia Lupien, PhD has found that too much stress found in older adults is linked to memory impairments and physical changes in the brain. However, she is also the first to show that, in some instances, elevations of stress hormones can actually be beneficial. Discuss with her that how too little stress can be just as detrimental as too much and how we can achieve a proper balance.

Noticing unusual behavior of a family member?

For some, the holidays may bring out the behaviors such as aggression or social withdrawal. How do we know if a change in behavior such as this is just a variation of "normal" or a symptom of a larger problem? Strange beliefs, extreme social withdrawal and hallucinations are all symptoms of psychotic disorders, which affect nearly two percent of the population. Psychiatrists, Ashok Malla MD, FRCPC and Ridha Joober, MD, PhD, can discuss some of the early symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, prevention and early intervention of these severe illnesses.

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 the Depressive Disorders Program, a unique program 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 behavior.