Dear Readers – While traveling in South America earlier this year, I met a mental health specialist from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, who said she reads this column daily, because, “It keeps me informed of current reactions in the problems of human relationships.”

Thus, today’s column is all reader feedbacks on some of the more popular recent topics:

FEEDBACK Regarding the new mother who wants to re-experience the birth process and can’t focus on anything else (April 23):

Reader – “As a recently retired pediatric public health nurse, I was concerned about the young mom who sounded like she’s fixated on her “birth experience,” and as you suggested may be suffering from a post-partum depression.

“In support of your advice to contact her doctor, I wanted to share that public health units in Ontario and across Canada have special Post-Partum Mood Disorder (PPMD) services for moms, which can be accessed by calling the public health unit, without waiting for a doctor’s referral.

“I have attached the link for the PPMD service in Peel Region - www.pmdinpeel.ca - as an example. Not sure if you’re aware that Canadian singer Amy Sky had PPMD and since 2007 has been a strong advocate for young moms through CAMH in Toronto.

“There’s been a very significant increase in the number of new moms suffering from Post-partum Mood disorders who frequently haven’t been identified and /or received support and/or intervention in the early stages of their illness.

“On the web under Post-partum Mood Disorder Services, there are numbers/resources listed for many communities.”

Ellie – Though people in many different cities and countries read this column, I included the specific locale references for those interested to see as example, to aid them in seeking this kind of help for themselves and others.

FEEDBACK Regarding the woman who wants her fiancé to find his two dogs another home (April 21):

Reader – “I’m also living with my partner and our dog.

We’re working professionals, but have managed with training our little one, but it’s an ongoing thing even after the lessons are over. For the dogs to be crated for 10 hours while her fiancé’s at work, is a LONG time, and if they aren’t being taken outside immediately after, for a proper walk - of course they’re going to go to the bathroom, and be destructive in the house!

“Whoever comes home from work first must take the dogs outside ASAP. Most dogs can hold it through a work day, but 10 hours seems excessive especially since it sounds like she’s sometimes at home anyways!

“If they’re growling and biting at people, they’re probably not properly socialized. So the couple (both!) need to see a qualified dog trainer and learn how to correct their bad behavior, and begin training and socializing them. A dog walker wouldn’t hurt either while they are learning house training.

“Having well-behaved dogs requires consistency and dedication. If this couple put half as much energy into their dogs as they do with other areas (work, social life, etc.), it’d be rewarding for them and the dogs, and would strengthen their bonds with each other.

“But first they need to work together and not against each other. She says they don’t have time to train the dogs, yet she’s contemplating having kids and maternity leave. How does she expect to find the time to raise children, if they can’t find the time to properly train the dogs?”

FEEDBACK Regarding the woman who’s spent three decades with a verbally abusive husband (April 23):

Reader – “She should get away as fast as she can. I'm 62 and lived in a verbally abusive marriage for 21 years. My son 21, left at 19, because of his father and hasn't spoken to him since. My daughter, 17, has a reasonably steady relationship with her dad, but is angry with all of us.

“The verbal abuse increased gradually so I adapted to it. Most happened behind closed doors. Everyone thought he was a great guy, so I thought it was me.

“We separated six months ago. I continue with counselling, which has helped a lot. What put things into perspective was the book by Patricia Evans, The Verbally Abusive Relationship.

“I realize now that no matter what I did he wasn't going to change. I wish I’d had the insight to leave years ago.”