Show 169 To Medicate or Not to Medicate

Medication is often promoted or given as a treatment option. Yet within that option, there are choices and decisions to make.

It is ok to decide if medication is right for you.
It is equally ok that you don't want to take medications.

In this episode a look at some of the reasons why a person might decide to medicate or not and some resources to learn about anxiety medications.






If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

National Institute of Mental Health page about Mental Health Medications.

U.S. National Library of  Medicine pages about Lorazepam, Alprazolam and Clonazepam.

For the non-readers among us there is a 2013 ADAA webinar video about Medication for Anxiety: Benefits and Side Effects by Dr. Beth Salcedo.

Consumer Version of Merck Manual on Anxiety Medication. Know that Merck is in the business of selling medication. Doesn't mean that the information isn't correct. They will recommend medication and or psychotherapy. There are additional options to consider as well that are not mentioned on the website.

Helpguide.org page on Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks. This site will provide you with information about anxiety disorders, the types and some alternatives to taking medication.

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.

Dr. Beth Salcedo ADAA webinar about Medication for Anxiety

In episode 169 I'll talk about making the choice to take medication or not to take medication for anxiety. This is a resource that I mentioned in the podcast that might be helpful to some of you.

I know that it is easier to access YouTube than some of the podcasting apps. This is a 2013 ADAA webinar by Dr. Beth Salcedo talking about Medications for Anxiety.

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.

Show 168 Abdominal Bloat Blues With A Side of Anxiety

One of the thing you might experience with an anxiety condition is the bloat. Specifically abdominal bloating. And one of the ways that you get the bloat is by sucking in too much air or your have a combination of air, fermented food or gas in your stomach.

How did that air get in there? There are some possible reasons:

For some of us, it is that choking sensation and you are trying to get in enough air and you are taking it in via your nose and mouth.

Another possible cause is emotional eating. For some of us, it is woofing down our food to feel better at a high rate of speed. So in this episode, what you can do about the bloat.






If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

Abdominal Bloating Medical Encyclopedia page at Medline Plus, gives definition and a list of causes for the bloat.

Harvard Health page on Gas and Flatulence, the foods that can cause it and what to do about it.

SoYummy's page on 7 Surprising Ways Drinking From A Straw Could Be Ruining Your Health

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.

Show 167 - Apps for Anxiety and Mental Health

I was reading an article on US News and World Report about the number of people that have some sort of a mental health condition. The TLDR versions is that approximately 42 million people have some form of an anxiety condition.

Many people don’t know they have anxiety condition and for some people that do acknowledge they have anxiety they do not seek treatment.

Those of us that do want help that it is a challenge to find affordable, capable help. You can check out episodes 160 to 163 about considering therapy, how to find a therapist and making sure you have a good match.

Many people are turning to mental health apps to help with their symptoms or as a way of accessing some form of treatment. In this episode, a look at mental health care apps.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

Wired article about how a company, Hims and Hers, are trying to bypass current FDA regulations concerning advertising and off-market use of medications.

US News and World Report article on What Mental Health Statistics Can Tell Us.

2024 Update: The website One Mind PsyberGuide is closed. The non-profit could not obtain funding. At this time you can still access the site, but there will be no updates. One Mind Psyber Guide a resource to help you find and evaluate mental health apps. The project looks at on-line, Android and iOS apps. Some of the mental health apps have an evaluation of their performance.

Food and Drug Administration instructions about Mobile Medical Applications.

Federal Trade Commission Interactive Mobile Health Apps Interactive Tool. This will give you an idea of the criteria the FTC uses to determine if an app comes under the jurisdiction of the FTC

Woebot App walked you through an attack or anxiety situation, applies cognitive behavioral therapy to help you learn skills on handing an anxiety attack. Android and iOS devices.

MoodTools can help track depression levels and provided you with coping ideas to keep you safe. Available for Android and iOS for a subscription or in-app donation.

Sleepzy, Sleep Cycle Tracker to monitor your sleeping habits. This is for iOS users. The device tracks your sleeping by microphone so there is no direct contact with the body.

My Noise Interactive Sound Generator Also the home of the Cat Purr Generator.

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.