Naturopathic doctor tackles depression during community talk

Christine Hudder

PALMER RAPIDS – Around 20 people gathered in the Brudenell-Lyndoch-Raglan Township office building on January 6 to learn more about depression.

Dr. Sandy Musclow, a naturopathic physician who was trained in Portland, Oregon, presented a workshop on depression, darkness, movement and light alongside fitness instructor Norma Woods.

Musclow, of Quadeville, obtained her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine. She received a concurrent Masters degree in Classical Chinese Medicine.

Before returning to Ontario, she was a primary care provider in an independent clinic in downtown Portland, Oregon.

“We are trained basically as MDs in terms of doing labs and clinical diagnosis, minor surgery, pharmaceuticals, that sort of thing,” Musclow said, pointing out that her practice is more limited in Canada than the States.

While many private insurance plans cover her services, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not.

Since moving back to Ontario in 2018, Musclow has opened two clinics, one in Barry’s Bay and another in Bancroft. She has also been visiting the local communities, speaking about various topics.

On the evening of January 6, her focus was on depression.

“When we are depressed, our will is paralysed. We are unable to think towards the future. When we have a lot of will, we are able to turn to the future and look at it as something we could look forward to. Depressives can’t do that. They have no hope,” she said. “Looking forward to the future can actually feel quite scary and overwhelming which makes it even worse.”

That’s why, Musclow said, telling someone to ‘move on’ or ‘look forward to a better day,’ does not work.

She chose this time of year to focus on depression, since many people are affected by the darkness of the shorter days.

To read the full story, pick up a copy of the January 9, 2019 Valley Gazette or subscribe online.



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