Posts Tagged: mental health

Medical experience gives patient insight

A traumatic medical experience forced Beverley Anne McAmmond to change the way she approached her life.After recovering from five surgeries involving diverticulitis, a severe fungal infection and hernia, Beverley was dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Her family doctor referred her to Crystal Degenhardt, a mental health specialist at Edmonton Southside Primary Care…

Workshop eases patient’s stress

Peter wasn’t sure how to handle the stress he was facing from work and his personal life. As a pharmacist, he was used to solving other people’s problems. The 57-year-old was fighting depression and bladder cancer when he turned to Dyan Eybergen, a behavioural health consultant at Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network, for help. Dyan…

Patient learns how to manage emotions

In the past, Jerry Gruenwald would rather show his emotions than deal with them. This almost caused his marriage to break down and pushed him into a depression. His family doctor, Dr. Mark Antoniuk, and his primary care nurse, Michele Kralt, were given the opportunity to assess Jerry and offer assistance to help him through…

PCN helps patient access community resources

Alison Pepper has overcome many roadblocks in her life. When she was born, illness affected the part of her brain that assists with the functions to speak, read and write. As an adult, she worked hard to improve these skills with a speech language therapist and sought out a tutor through the Project Adult Literacy…

Primary care team helps woman leave abusive marriage

Sometimes a passing comment to a family physician can change a patient’s life. For Tara (name changed to protect her identity), this chance remark lead her down a path that she had been afraid to take for 15 years. She was visiting her family physician, Dr. Sheela Duia, at the Meadowbrook Medical Clinic for high…

Patient initiates steps to become healthier

Through Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network, Carla Shaner is receiving tools for achieving a healthier life. In September 2010, Carla says she was feeling helpless about her weight and overall physical and mental health. She approached Dr. Shelley Smith, her family physician at the Justik Medical Clinic in Old Strathcona, for a solution. Dr. Smith…