ADAA Video on Borderline Personality Disorder

There are so many topics that I can't cover effectively, but I do know where to find authoritative sources. This is a video from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America about Borderline Personality Disorder. 

After viewing the video you might have more questions. Here are some resources that are safe to check out: 

The National Institute of Mental Health has an information page about BDP that was last edited in 2025. It talks about the condition, symptoms and treatment for the condition.

Mental Health America has similar information about the condition, however they do add additional treatment options. 

On the ADAA website, there are people that share their experiences with an anxiety condition. There is a page where are woman talks about she is learning to cope with BPD.

Sara Abbott, LCSW host the Bold Beautiful Borderline Podcast where she talks about the condition 

There is also From Borderline to Beautiful: Hope and Help for BPD with Rose Skeeters, who is a licensed therapist, nutritionist and mind coach. 

Emergency Resources

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options. 

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ARP 417 NAMI Homefront

In this episode, a pebble in the road on a NAMI resource for military folks. As I mentioned in the show, this day is the Memorial Day observance and the start of barbeque season. Well, for the rest of the country. 

Around these parts the sun shines almost all of the time so anytime is a good time to fire up the grill. Unless you live in a fire prone area. Then it is bad, very bad. 

It is also the time for making evaluations or decisions on how the next six month are going to go. Great opportunity to get your act together or let it fall the hell apart and rebuild.

Your choice. 

Oh, one more thing. I need to juggle some work demands, vacation and other stuff. One of my ideas was to bank a few episodes on viable links of interest. I'm going to try to do that so I can keep my brain from turning into mush. So there might be a few more pebbles in the road as I try to balance the impossible concept of time enough.

I never have enough time.

Resources Mentioned: 

Health.mil is the official website for active soldiers that need mental health resources.

The NAMI website has resources and educational programs for current military, family members and caregivers. https://www.nami.org/programs/nami-homefront/

Emergency Resources

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options. 

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ARP 416 Mindful Dishwashing

This is an episode on washing dishes mindfully. I have a pan that I've mucked up one time too many. I don't have patience with it any more. But maybe I need to slow down and care for it proper. 

And by it, I mean me. Slow down and look at the pan. What does it need? Can it be saved from the land fill? Focusing it on being in the moment with that dang crusted up multi-ringed pan of hell.

Ok, I might need a bit more work on being in a kind and loving mode of mindfulness. We all have to start somewhere and it ain't going to be perfect. Doesn't have to be. 

Just start.  Do the best you can, when you can.

Resources Mentioned: 

From Insight Timer, there is an audiogram by Michelle Tao that explains how to do a mindful dishwashing session.

The website Care and Self Love goes deep with the power of dishwashing mindfulness.

Mindful Exercises has a script that you can follow as you set your mind to the task of taking care of yourself and those dishes.

And trusted Consumer Reports has an article on how to wash dishes.

Emergency Resources:

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options. 

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ARP 415 Facts about Mental Health Licenses

In this episode, I want to give an overview of what a mental health license is, why it is necessary and some of the types of providers that have a specific type of license.

Part of the reason the podcast exist is to provide accurate, verifiable information. 

So when I hear a statement like, "a license is only for insurance purposes," I have flashbacks of being that girl in class with her arms waving as the rest of the class groans.

Resources Mentioned: 

There is a simple version from Mental Health Foundation on the types of mental health professionals. 

From NAMI, that is the National Alliance of Mental Illness is a PDF fact sheet on the types of mental health professionals, the titles and what they do.

Mental Health America also has a page on the various types of mental healthcare providers.

Emergency Resources

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options. 

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ARP 414 Quick Look at Beyond Anxiety Book

This is a quick look at the book Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck. I think most of us would like to be beyond it but our current reality is making that extremely hard to do. 

There are ways to calm the mind. Creativity might be something you want to embrace or at least check it out.

Resources Mentioned: 

I found two open chapters of the book Beyond Anxiety on Google Books.

If you are interested in author Martha Beck, there is her main website where you can look at some of her social media history and connections.

If you want to get a sense of her tone and point of view there is an 2025 interview on the Today show.

Emergency Resources:

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options. 

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ARP 413 Caffeine The Friend Enemy

Caffeine is one of those substances that can be a friend-enemy. We all know of or experienced the friend-enemy, the one that seems to be supportive while doing dirt in the background. 

In limited use like period relief medications, I have no problem supporting that use. Taking caffeine  daily when you have anxiety or depression, might not be such a good idea. It can amp up your existing symptoms or give you new ones. 

In this episode, the foods and drinks you might find caffeine and a few resources on how to slowly and safely detox from the stuff.

Resources Mentioned: 

Both Medline Plus and the Harvard TC Chan School of Public Health Nutrition Source have pages about caffeine. The following resources have information about withdrawing or reducing your intake:

• Sutter Health on breaking your caffeine habit
• Cornell University download flyer tips on Reducing Caffeine Use
• The Cleveland Clinic on How to Quit Caffeine

Emergency Resources

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options. 

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ARP 412 - The Caffeine or Guarana Decision

There is a plant that is used for all kinds of herbal concoctions. The common name for it is called Guarana. Usually the substance is extracted from the seeds and placed into things like energy drinks, gums, and supplements.

The TLDL version is that caffeine and guarana extracts are placed in a lot of food items and health supplements. If you have certain kinds of physical health symptoms or you are caffeine sensitive, you can have amp up anxiety symptoms or a really serious health problems. Read the label. Ask questions before you consume.

For the rest of us...

There is a suggested limit of 400mg of caffeine a day. And for most people that is doable and they don't normally exceed that amount of caffeine. Knowingly.

8oz/240ml of coffee has between 80 to 200mg.

8oz/240ml of Matcha tea has between 50 to 70mg, depending on brand and brew intensity.

Again, most people will be fine.

Unless you are buying the extra large size or you have super sized with black tea and lots of sugar.

Guarana extracts tends to be used in certain types of energy products. Supplements, gummies, some meal replacement bars. A lot of the extract can be found in energy drinks that can have as much and 250 to 300mg of caffeine or Guarana extract. 

We're talking anything from those small bottles found at gas stations, (please don't buy herbal drinks from gas and convenience stores). Certainly there is the "Bull" inspired line of energy drinks, 

In supermarkets there are whole aisles that are dedicated to drinks with some form of claims to boost your energy. Usually in large cans. More size, more caffeine. 

16oz/500ml of an energy drink can rack up 300mg of caffeine. Most cans marketed to teens have 24 to 32 oz of the stuff. 

Why am I bringing this up?

If you have anxiety symptoms and you consume a lot of caffeine/or extract from the Guarana plant, your symptoms can get worse. You might be experiencing additional symptoms and you don't know where they are coming from. 

I beg of you. Take a look at what you are consuming.

One can of Coke or Diet Coke has about 46mg in a can. Some of you are downing two or three cans a day. Those of you on the Dew or Dr. Pepper may be consuming more.

A coffee energy drink can give you an extra 240mg and that is a lot.

Excessive caffeine can affect your ability to sleep, make you cranky and increase your symptoms.

So if you have a physical can or bottle, you should be able to find out what is in the container.

However, I have experienced the hidden caffeine/extract situation.

Few years back, I got caught by a flavored drink that I use to pick up before heading to work. I was gang busters knocking stuff out and making it happen.

Until I started to crash and couldn't string two thoughts together. My symptoms got worse. I was waking up constantly, could not get a good night's sleep.

Got up the next day and do it again. Until months later, I found out that the restaurant were putting extra caffeine in the fruity drinks. I would have never purchased it if I had known.

I'm not saying give up on these types of drinks. I am saying know what you are consuming.

Be aware of what your body is telling you. If you are extra jumpy, did something change? 

Or did you just finish your 3rd Dr. Pepper with a donut chaser?

We need to constantly be aware of what we put in our bodies. It is part of our challenge to get better. Sometimes you have to let go of an old favorite. It isn't fair but it is the truth.

Resources Mentioned: 

From Helpguide.org Caffeine: How Much is Too Much? where they do address the relationship between anxiety and caffeine. 

From EBSCO, an explainer on Guarana's therapeutic uses, with a mention that if you are taking MAO inhibitors or other medication then you have to be especially careful. You must check in with your provider to ensure safety and minimize drug interactions.

National Center For Complementary and Integrated Health has a page on energy drinks. It was last updated in 2018 so it doesn't look like the current administration has got to it at this time.

Emergency Resources

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options. 

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.