2021 ~ Anxiety Road Podcast

Show 270 Bad News But We Can Deal With It

This podcast has always talked about treatment options and resources. I always will.

And sometimes that includes talking about uncomfortable things. Or boring things, things so boring they make your eyes glaze over.

This is definitely true cuz I have been known to go long winded. But if this helps you in your treatment process or understand possible resources process, I'll do it.

Because that episode that you cut off after four minutes might be the one you come back to a year from now. It happens.

My intent is to be respectful. I might slip up on that. If I don't catch it in the editing process then I will have to own up to it. I have my own opinions and biases.

My intent is to be informative with viable, and authoritative sources. You can agree with them or disagree. That is your choice.

I need to do this because someone I don't know needs to know this information. If you don't need it or think it is a waste of time, then tune out.

In this episode, some news items about accessing treatment. It isn't good news but you do need to know why trying to find help is even harder than before the pandemic.

Resources Mentioned:

Column from the Washington Post called The pandemic could drive another national health crisis, GAO warns: Anxiety. For our oversees folks, the GAO is the Government Accountability Office.

The actual report from GAO Highlights GAO-22-104437 goes deep into who and what populations are affected.

The New Your Times Well section "We Surveyed 1,320 Therapists, and the News Isn’t Good" The story is behind a paywall.

From California Take Action 4 Mental Health site, downloadable Understanding the Spectrum of Mental Health PDF about how to have a better idea if you are in trouble or in the danger zone.

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.

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 269 - You Don't Choose Depression

Depression

No sane or crazy person would. But that doesn't stop the market place and the uninformed from saying stupid stuff.

This is a pebble in the road about what is depression. I'm thinking if I make enough pebbles, I'll get an episode out. It is hard when you have to fight for every single word.

There are people writing articles, books and podcasts. Many of those people want you to spend money on thinking yourself out of the diagnosed version of depression.

It doesn't work like that.

One way to think about depression is being enveloped into a fog life of no highs, no lows just gray.

Everything is gray. And that voice in the head that is telling you it will never get better because you aren't worth getting better.

And you have to fight through that fog and that awful voice just to stay alive and prove it wrong.

There are people you don't know who are doing wonderful things but they are fighting through the fog too. Some of them have stated they have the condition. Others keep it on the down low. Either way, it is a struggle.

One of the resources that I mention in the episode is for the National Institute of Mental Health booklet on Depression. You can read it on their website or download the PDF version.

Resources Mentioned:

Helpguide.org post on Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs

National Institute of Mental Health booklet on Depression.

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.

Disclaimer:

Not In A Grateful Mood

Culture, Dental, Relaxation, Worry

There are going to be a lot of tips, suggestions and survival posts about dealing with mental health problems the holidays. I don't normally do it because everyday to me is a struggle.

Some days it is very minor. Other days, it is a big deal.

And then there is navigating life problems during a time of enforced hypocritical joy and happiness.

The episode is about acknowledging the feelings. It is looking at what we can do even if there isn't anything we can do about the triggering situation.

Yes, I have "issues."

Here is the thing. They are my issues. I get to say to myself, "I am not feeling well. I don't like this. Corrections need to be made."

Long time listeners know that I have dental phobia. I have to go to the dentist. No choice. No wiggle room or discussion. That makes me more anxious.

I have to make decisions on how I need to do this that is safe for me. I have to let go of that which I cannot control.

I can control who does the treatment. Knowing my options. Is it right for me? If so, make that appointment. If not, keep looking.

I can be anxious and still reclaim my power.

So, yeah. This episode is about doing what you can to reclaim your power. Even when you feel sad, depressed or anxious.

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:

From NAMI, a post on Surviving Painful Holiday Emotions

Very Well Mind post on Coping with Generalized Anxiety Disorder During the Holidays

ADAA.org write up on Managing Holiday Anxieties

Dental Phobia Resources

Tips from Mouth Healthy, from the American Dental Association.

Dental Fear Central is an international non-profit organization for those that have dental fear and phobia. There is information, testimonials and a forum for asking questions. It is also a resource for dental professionals who would like to know more about how their patients feel about entering their office.

Disclaimer:

Show 267 Misdiagnosis - Physical Symptoms

Awareness, Depression, Doctors, Panic, Stress, Treatment

Last time I gave a very brief description of misdiagnosis and an example or two. This is a follow-up to last week’s pebble in the road.

If you have a health, medical phobia or descriptions of medical conditions make you anxious, you might want to skip this episode. If you have cardiophobia, stop, do not go on, this is not the episode for you.

Honestly, I got overwhelmed with the number of similarities between mental and physical health issues.

Talk about information overload. So I thought about it and decided to break it up in manageable parts. Why didn’t I think about this last week?

Because my tendency is to want to give the whole pizza pie instead of a slice. Except it isn’t pizza pie but lots and lot of words. It can be a bit much.

Anyway, this time a quick look at the physical illnesses that can mimic anxiety symptoms.

Resources Mentioned:

CNET video on a possible new treatment for severe depression via a brain implant.

2015 Psychiatric Times, Managing Anxiety in the Medically Ill.

Dr T. Jared Bunch, MD post on Everyday Health on Is It Anxiety or Heart Disease? Sometimes It's Hard to Tell the Difference.

From ADAA.org is a post on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with info about the interrelationship between the two conditions. Very Well Mind has a lot of information about panic attacks and IBS

Creeky Joints on Anxiety and Arthritis: What Causes It, and 14 Healthy Ways to Cope

U.S. Centers for Disease Control page on Diabetes and Mental Health

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.

Disclaimer:

Show 266 Misdiagnosis - Pebble in the Road

Awareness, Doctors, Symptoms, Treatment

This is a quick pebble in the road about misdiagnosis. Ran out of time and have too much to talk about to do a half ass job. So think of this is just a short introduction to the topic of misdiagnosis.

Misdiagnosis can mean a couple of things. Like having a physical health problem but your doctor thinks it is an anxiety condition.

Or you are treated for a physical problem and it really is an anxiety condition.

Or you hit the trifecta of having a physical problem and you also have an anxiety condition.

But wait, there is more. You could have a food allergy. You might be going through hormonal shifts (hello menopause!)

Or a medication you are taking over the counter is producing a side effect.

I could go on and on but like I said, I want to find a way to present the information without overwhelming or yakking on for too long.

I'll figure it out.

Hopefully.

Resources Mentioned:

Determining Cause and Effect With Anxiety and Hemophilia by Shellye Horowitz via Hemophilia New Today

Never let the dark voice convince you of that the dark is better than the light. Please 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.

Disclaimer:

Show 265 - Social Anxiety Disorder aka Social Phobia

Anxiety, Phobias, Social Anxiety

This is the podcast sharing the medical, behavioral health, meditation/relaxation and x=the unknown treatment options for those of us on the anxiety condition or disorder spectrum.

Everything is a story. If you listen to enough marketing people, the story is what makes the sale. Craft a good story and then herd them doggies down the sales funnel to rake in the dollars.

That concept isn’t necessarily wrong but it is being seriously corrupted by the venal passions of the money obsessed.

Everything is a story. The story can help, hurt, heal or bring a sense of adventure. Sometimes all of it. And more. No amount of money can be more valuable than a story that heals and provides paths to understanding.

Which is why in this episode, a look at social anxiety disorder also known as social phobia. Through the fictional lens of Mr. Arthur "Boo" Radley.

Resources Mentioned:

From the National Institute of Mental Health, page and brochure to download Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness.

On the National Social Anxiety Center page there is a quiz that you can take to determine your level of social anxiety. On that site, there are also self-help videos about aspects of the condition.

Succeed Socially seems to be folks with mild to middling social anxiety. There is a lot of good information on the site but it might be more geared to develop skills not acquired in the past.

However, there is also a specific page about social anxiety/phobia with the clinical definition and treatment options.

The Social Skills Guidebook: Manage Shyness, Improve Your Conversations, and Make Friends, Without Giving Up Who You Are by Chris MacCleod, MSW.

Perhaps this is good for folks Chis is generous, he/she/they do let you know that almost everything in the book is on the main website. However, if you find value in the information, chuck a tenner into the e-book coffer.

The Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety has a YouTube channel that contains interviews with people dealing with the condition and professionals offering tips and advice.

ADAA.org has a seven-page brochure on Social Anxiety Disorder.

Anxiety Canada has nine-page toolkit on Self Help Strategies for Social Anxiety.

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.

Disclaimer:

Show 264 Quick Look at Sleep Pod

Alternative, Sleep, Support

Hi folks, this is a pebble in the road about finding helpful aids for a better sleep. Being the anxious folks that we are, sleep is not always obtainable or consistent. Especially if you are living the chaotic life.

So there is this product called a Sleep Pod by a company called Hug Sleep. (I think, there may have been a name change) Oh, by the way this is not a sponsored or promotion product. Really more of my first look about product that claims to help people sleep.

How to describe this thing. To me, it looks like is a giant snuggly body sock for sleeping.

So this is a quick look at the product.

Resources Mentioned:

First off you might want to check out the original commercial for the product to see how it works. You can find it on YouTube.

There is a Freakin Reviews of the Sleep Pod, and he didn’t like it.

Fast Company has a review of the product and loved it.

Then there is a on Gizmodo, not so much.

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.

Disclaimer:

A video about Depression via WHO and Mathew Johnstones

Depression, Support, Symptoms, Treatment

Repetition is important. Not just via text or someone telling you about what to do. There are many things in this video that I have mentioned as a resource or an option. I'll keep on doing it.

But when you are in deep it is hard to hear or believe it. What is true? Is it true for me? The black dog of depression will probably lie to you and tell you no.

I hope that this video by the World Health Organization (WHO) will help more people to understand that there can be colors again in your life besides blah and soulsucking.

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.

Disclaimer:

Show 263 - What Is Critical Thinking?

Apps, Awareness, Book, Education, Resource

I don't know if you have experienced this but either people are telling you that you are overthinking, underthinking or not thinking in the right way. There are reams of books about how to think the "right" way.

Especially if you have an anxiety condition. And I know the depression folks catch double hell on it too.

And let's not forget that freak flag that get's waived when someone expresses and opinion as fact and then when you try to educate or provide sources they accuse you of not having critical thinking skills.

Or they really might not have a process to think critically. And they get pissed off that you do.

Critical Thinking has been used as a weapon or a savior when it comes to anxiety treatment treatment.

Most of the time by people who don't know jack about either one. In my opinion.

The basic process isn't hard to understand.

The implementation depends on the person, your circumstances, education, and life experience.

Critical thinking is a way to evaluate information and make an informed decision or find a solution.

Resources Mentioned:

Who You Were Before Trauma: by Luise Reddemann. English language version published by The Experiment, a division of Workman Publishing. To those of you that are hip, the ISBN is 9781615196166

Critical Thinking definition at Plato Standford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

On the Dummies.com website you can find the book, Critical Thinking for Dummies.

If you don’t want to buy the book there is a cheat sheet article that will give you the headline version.

For those of you on the academic tip that cringed in my simplification, there is Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy description for a more academic version of the process.

The Center for Critical Thinking is a non-profit organization that wants to add a fairness, empathetic aspect to the process. The center has where to begin page that is a good entry point.

Brianna Weist has a post on Medium called Logic Lapses Are Giving You Chronic Anxiety

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.

Disclaimer:

Show 262 Depression Negative Talk Symptoms

Depression, Resource, Symptoms

There is a study reported by the medical journal The Lancet about the increase in levels of anxiety and depression during the pandemic. The first sentence in the report got me thinking.

Mental disorders are among the leading causes of the global health-related burden

I have to look up the meaning of burden because I've never thought of my anxiety as a burden. A thorn, a pain in the ass, or at best, this thing that I have, but not a burden.

It has two meanings. a load, typically a heavy one.

Or the main theme or gist of a speech, book, or argument.

The Lancet is a UK publication and I'm an American bringing other meaning to the words used to describe mental health issues.

At first, I took it as the world was burdened with people who have a mental health condition. Then I thought, maybe they mean the people that have a mental health condition that have the burden?

I might be wrong about this, but I think this is the UK's English way of expressing a thesis statement.

In this episode, a definition of depression and negative talk (or cognitive dissonance) symptoms when it comes to depression.

Negative talk symptom isn’t the opposite of so-called happy or positive thoughts. It is a pattern of thinking that is designed to invalidate the worth of a person or their value to other people.

Resources Mentioned:

Ad Age Mental Health is the Monumental Brief that Needs the Power of Our Industry.

American Psychiatry Association explanation page What is Depression?

Downloadable booklet – What is Depression? from the National Institute of Mental Health Also by NIMH, Signs and Symptoms of Depression.

How Does Social Media Play a Role in Depression? a post by Very Well Mind

Social Media and Mental Health via Helpguide.org

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.

Disclaimer:

Show 261 - Tips May or May Not Help You

Failure, Road Map, Support, Symptoms

There are thinking people on the planet and that gives me some hope. I recently learned about turning a pot pie upside down on a plate or bowl.

This is some genius level thinking that I aspire, to but will never have it the way I want it.

Because the gravy part will seep down to the back of the lid or the top of the pot pie. Then, depending on how fast or slow you eat it, you got gravy and a crunchy lid.

It is also a willingness to see something differently.

F--k the absolutes. Ok we need a few of them but man, we need some mental lubrication that is non-toxic to the body.

In this episode, a short bit of verbiage about how tips may or may not help you and some fellow travelers on the road who really do know how you feel.

The short version is finding your form of acceptance. Adapting a tool or technique that could work for you and factor in some grace for handling what you are facing on the day to day.

It is a lot.

Resources Mentioned:

Author and blogger Jenny Lawson knows a thing or two about having public attacks. She wrote a post about it called The world is changing and that is a good thing, I think.

The Mack Files – Its okay not to be okay part 1 and part 2

From Anxiety Canada there is Kathleen’s story about having a mile high panic attack in a plane.

And from National Association of Mental Health aka NAMI, Never be ashamed of seeking help.

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.

Disclaimer:

Pebble in the Road - Alcohol and Serotonin

Brain, Exercise, Fear, Food, Symptoms

This is a transcript of my pebble in the road about using alcohol to help manage your anxiety.

I'm not here to judge or wave the finger at you. There are a lot of people who use booze to relax with or as a reward after a hard day.

But you are not one of them. Because you might be using liquor to handle your anxiety symptoms.

Let me give you two good reasons to consider alternatives.

One, alcohol dehydrates your brain. Your brain wants water. Doesn't really care if it is warm or cold but your brain really wants water.

So drinking alcohol does the opposite.

And no, the ice cubes do not count.

The second reason to consider an alternative to booze is that it messes with your hormones. And what is the hormone we want to nurture and propagate? Serotonin.

And if that wasn't enough. Continue drinking they way you do might increase the level and severity of your symptoms.

There are alternatives to drinking it up and living it down the next day. I really encourage you to seek those out. In the Serotonin episode, I mention some of the ways to boost serotonin in your brain and body.

There are many alternatives to knocking back a few. Especially if you are using alcohol to try to appear normal or not freak the hell out.

Resources Mentioned:

Verywell Mind has a post on The Risks of Using Alcohol to Relieve Anxiety.

ADAA.org post Social Anxiety Disorder and Alcohol Abuse.

2012 Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder, Comorbidity and Treatment Considerations. Retrieved from Pub Med.

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.

Disclaimer:

Show 259 What is Serotonin?

Brain, Depression, Food, Stress

I was reading an article that said I should eat pineapple to increase my serotonin level. I also seen other articles about kiwis, avocados and other foods.

In those articles you might find something about serotonin ability to calm you down.

Or to help with anxiety. Or depression.

This one got me a little twitchy. Because the article mentioned the pineapple should be inside of a sugar cake of delight.

This is like a person pointing to the ice cubes inside an alcoholic drink. And trying to convince themselves they are hydrating with water.

This is the short version:

Which brings up the hackles in me about so-called superfoods.

The special formulas. And buzzwords on parade.

I think what ticked me off was the implication that the implication of a fruit inside of a sugar based cake becomes a healthy alternative.

In this episode, a look at what is serotonin and what it does to the mind and body.

This is the longer version:

Resources Mentioned:

San Diego Union Tribune article about men ignoring their mental health issues.

The Dana Foundation is a non-profit that provides information about the brain and brain health for kids and adults. Has a good explanation of Neurotransmitters.

The Hormone Health Network is a website connected to The Endocrine Society, the world’s largest organization of endocrinologists, representing more than 18,000 physicians and scientists.

Endocrinologists look at the things that effect hormones and glands. Not only do they have a page about Serotonin, but they also have a page about the relationship between hormones and stress.

They also have a little something about dark chocolate. 1 oz. a day will help mood, A1C levels, stress reduction and heart health.

The National Health Service in the UK has a post on how to get Vitamin D for those living in the United Kingdom. It is different than what folks in the US need to consider.

From Harvard Health: Serotonin The Natural Mood Booster. The have a series on the feel good hormones.

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.

Disclaimer:

Neuroscientifically Challenged Video on Serotonin

Brain, Stress

Each one teach one. Working on a post about Serotonin and I saw this video.

For some people it is not simple. For others people, there will be grousing that something was left out or it didn't go into detail about how all the ways it affects the body and the brain.

It is two-minute video. It is in the title. Always baffles me about people that see and don't read.

Marc Dingman, PhD is the creator of Neuroscientifically Challenged and has a website full of information. Also has a book called Your Brain, Explained.

Does prove one human trait. You have a concept or idea. You do the work, figure out how to communicate your idea and the share it with the world.

Most will appreciate it. Others will have valid constructive criticism.

Some will hate it. And that is okay. Not everything presented is going to resonate with you. Feel the same way about okra. I understand the value of the vegetable. Can't stand the sight of it.

But there are a special few that just have to get the shives out and poke.

A lot of them can be found on social media. It is best to ignore them and carry on.

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.

Disclaimer:

Show 258 - All or Nothing Thinking

GAD, Shame, Stress, Treatment, Worry

This episode was inspired by my real life experiences. Of which I have a bunch of them.

So, so many of them. One of the things that I've learned it to not to be dragged down into a spiral.

I still have negative thoughts but I don't have to hug and kiss up on them. 97.4% of the time, it is just a thought. It isn't a measurement of my worth.

I am still in the remembering that thinking error are not me stage.

There are all kinds of thinking errors that can affect you mood or ways of your thinking existence. The overall name is Cognitive Distortion witch can involve about 15 different types of jacked up thinking.

The one I want to talk about today is All of Nothing Thinking. Also known as black or white thinking.

No matter what you call it, it is thinking in extreme. Usually involves reinforcing that you have failed. That you aren't worthy or that once again, you did not perform with absolute perfection.

Which is probably not true. Or just a little bit true. Or it can be true in one situation but shouldn't define your entire reason for being.

In this episode, a look at resources that can help you deal with on eof the cognitive disorders called All or Nothing Thinking.

Resources Mentioned:

App That Attack:

University of California at San Diego (UCSD) playlist of meditation recordings.

Resources for All or Nothing Thinking:

Psychology Today post on How to Break the Painful Habit of All or Nothing Thinking

Mental Health America has a worksheet on stopping stupid thoughts.

Tati Garcia has a podcast for high functioning anxiety folks. She is a licensed therapists and has an episode on All Or Nothing Thinking Is Ruining Your Life.

Tati also has a free master class on her site Let Go Of Overthinking & Self-Doubt.

Disclaimer:

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.

Show 257 - Using Meditation Beads for Grounding Practice

Breathing, Grounding, Meditation

Grounding is a way to help you calm down. To get a grip on whatever caused your symptoms flare up. Meditation beads could be a way for you to have a tactile or touch means of centering yourself.

You can use it to remember an affirmation, incorporate it into your breathing practice, or to remember that you are not defined by a random thought. You are a person in the here and now.

There are all sorts of meditation bracelets in the marketplace. There always has been.

The Catholic rosary, Mala beads, Reiki meditation bracelets.

Some people call them worry beads. You name it and somebody, somewhere has a beaded bracelet with a specific meaning attached to it.

In this episode, a look at some of the ways a beaded bracelet could help you with meditation or symptom control.

Resources Mentioned:

Helpguide.org has a page on Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief where they explain about the different grounding techniques. There is also a link on that page to a recording to help you practice deep breathing meditation.

Positive Psychology.com has an post about what is grounding and some of the techniques used to help center yourself.

The music for this episode, Waterside Harmony from Purple Planet Music

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.

Disclaimer:

ARP 256 Do You Know Your Why About Medication?

Medication, Support, Treatment

In this week's episode is a look at some of the reasons why we need to look at taking medication. What is the reason? Number one has to be symptom management and control.

Them SOB's have made me do things I'd never thought I'd do. Pour water on my head in a parking lot? Yep. And don't think that won't get folks attention. It will.

Being clear about taking or not taking medication is a process of education. You have to learn what the medication is, what it does for you, what effect it could have on the body?

Need to know what your options are what are the alternatives?

So, as I mentioned last week in the podcast, I'm trying out new things and approaches. I need to up my game. Be better.

So they say. They are probably right.

But I can't do everything when everybody wants me to.

I'm going to try to put out an episode each week. Hopefully. One of the ways for me to do that is alternative between shorter episodes and the long ones.

Not that I go that long. Cuz I don't.

But I think I want to make sure folks get what they need. So I want to try different things. More pebbles in the road. Maybe an audiogram for Twitter every now and again. I like doing deep dives but they take time to research and write.

But I also have to balance the work life, the play life and the anxiety that is generated by being in this life at this time. It is a pip.

So yeah, I'm working on stuff.

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:

On the ADAA.org website, there is a seven page brochure Treating Anxiety Disorders that discusses options, both counseling/behavioral health and medication.

Over on Very Well Mind, there is an article on The 4 Major Classes of Anxiety Medications, and a second post on What You Need to Know to Take Psychotropic Medications Safely

Disclaimer:

ARP 255 Sleep Resources and Six Years Running

Sleep, Support

This is the sixth year of the podcast. Nothing like I envisioned it would be. The podcast was inspired by a lot of things.

Many years ago, I went searching for a podcast to help me understand what was going on. I found one but the gentleman was ending the show because the anxiety of creating and producing was too much for him.

I found others that were created by doctors using medical language I didn’t understand.

Or ones selling books, cassettes for treatment. Or really pushing medication as the only option.

It took a long time, but I finally got what I needed; a therapist who supported my desire for a more expansive view of treatment. That is the episode with other stuff thrown in as well.

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:

American Sleep Association page on What is Sleep so much more information about the process.

Join Scooter at the Sleep with Me podcast; you get at least an hour of a voice that might send you into the dreamscape.

For original storytelling there is Boarders of Sleep.

And if you are musically inclined there is the Deep Energy Podcast where you can get a taste of ambient and new age type music inducing slumber.

For those that want to experience something different, there is Moving Poems, a visual approach to poetry for those that are starved for poetry, don't have the time to pick up a book and need that balm of literacy. No, it isn't anxiety related but sometimes you have to jump off the grid.

From Harvard, an old school page on how to Assets Your Sleep Needs.

Disclaimer:

From ADAA - Roadmap for OCD Treatment Options Webinar

Anxiety, OCD, Treatment

Almost ready to jump back into the saddle. Hopefully, with some changes and improvements.

In the meantime, this is a webinar from Anxiety and Depression Association of America about OCD treatment options.

It about an hour or so but if you have the will to want to learn about your treatment options, you can find the time to watch it.

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:

The ADAA.org page that I found the webinar. The full name is A Roadmap for OCD Treatment Options: Outpatient, Intensive, and Residential.

Also hippity hop over to the International OCD Foundation, they have a bunch of resources about the various forms of OCD and help you find qualified professionals experienced in treating the disorder.

Disclaimer:

Show 253 Screening and Diagnostic Test

Road Map, Sleep, Support, Symptoms

I'm still in vacation mode until September. One of the things I hoped I’ve emphasized in the podcast is that you should have a medical evaluation and diagnosis from a health care professional.

The symptoms for anxiety are very similar to other physical health conditions. Having a medical examination would help to take some of the load off your shoulders.

That is the topic of the show.

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:

For those folks having trouble going to sleep, there is Snoozecast.com. Fiction, non-fiction or whatever floats your boat.

There is also the long time champ of them all, LibriVox with hundreds of public domain audios that are free to download and listen. I recommend The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope, read by Andy Minter.

Mental Health America Screening Tool

ADAA Screening Page - contains screening for a couple of anxiety conditions

Canadian Here to Help Screening page.

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Why We’re Dreading a Return to ‘Normal" Video from NYT

Culture, Fear, Worry

I remember it being so quiet. No horns honking. No place to rush to. The virtual meetings weren't in full force so you had space to be. You didn't have to deal with the a-hole of the day.

You still had to face you stuff but on your terms.

This is a video essay, they call it an opinion video of three people that talk about how going back to normal isn't all it is cracked up to be.

I know part of the answer but why are we rushing back to the way it use to be? Not saying be a hermit. I am saying there are ways of making space and inclusion that we haven't considered.

This is an opportunity to think about it. But being dumb as cluck Americans, probably won't.

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.

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Show 252 Anxiety and Iceberg Beliefs

Culture, Depression, Phobias, Resource, Support

An iceberg belief is a self-limited thought. And one of the strange things about it is that some of those self-limiting thoughts can come from your family, broadcast and social media or your culture.

Anxiety and anxiety symptoms can amp up or bring to the surface some of those embedded thoughts.

Those thoughts can pop up as you watch a video. A car racing down the street. A song that brings up a memory. Or it is 1:57pm and you got a way to go before the end of the day.

You are whipping on yourself that working, doing, being isn't enough. You feel mediocre or less than you think you should be. Sometimes a bunch of commercials try to reinforce that statement.

"Just buy Cranko and you will feel or live better."

The iceberg belief can add fuel to your anxiety about a situation. That may or may not be true.

In this episode, a definition of a self-limiting thought, some examples and a few resources to ponder.

In the News:

Washington Post article about how men ignore their mental health issues.

U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Brochures and Fact Sheets page on mental health conditions. You can download a pdf or even have a copy of the brochure mailed to you.

There is also a NIMH brochure about Men and Depression, it explains what depression is, causes and treatment options.

Resources Mentioned:

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brené Brown. You can find the book or audiobook at almost any book vendor. On her website there is a page with a Brave and Brokenhearted manifesto.

Mark Manson's page on What are limiting beliefs?

Meg James from Australia has a worksheet on Limiting Belief that you can work though.

On the InsightTimer website there is a course from Meg on Simple Tools for Self-Acceptance. The first section is free and gives you an idea of what to expect.

Pickthebrain.com worksheet on self-limiting thoughts with an action step.

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.

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Chipping Away at The Anxiety Rock

Anxiety, CBT, Medication, Relaxation, Therapy, Treatment

And it is a big one. Getting people to believe that mental health problems are health problems. That they can be treated. And there is no failing for having one. Not a scorecard kinda thing.

So it is lunch time. I'm about to rustle up some grub and then I see a video from TED.

Talking about Anxiety? I'm surprised and wondering where is this going?

Dr. Jen is saying all the right things. Good explanations that folks can understand. Taking the stink out of it.

TED has 19 million subscribers. Some of those folks have anxiety disorders. If the video helps folks to understand what they have and seek treatment that would be a very good thing.

The bad thing is that about 2% of that 19 million will click on the video and maybe .01% will be inspired to seek treatment.

I'm greedy. I want everybody to know. But that isn't going to happen.

But after the video is over, what do the .01% folks do?

This is partly why this podcast and the resource list exist. To give people on-going options and resources about how to find help, resources and options on treatment.

Resources Mentioned:

There is a lot of information about the various forms of anxiety and depression on the ADAA.org website.

National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI) description page on some of the various types of anxiety disorders, symptoms and treatment options.

Nationals Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has downloadable booklets about specific anxiety conditions.

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.

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Show 251 Redefining Crazy

Apps, Music, Phobias, Symptoms, Therapy

Still in vacation mode but there is plenty to talk about. Part of today's episode deals with digital and health literacy. Well, truthfully I try to sneak it in whenever I can.

Digital Literacy is "is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills."

Health Literacy is "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions."

Part of today's episode deals with both digital and health literacy. There are dozens of apps for anxiety and depression users. There are some crappy ones, that steal content from other creators and providers.

The meditation apps that charge you a subscription to access content from another website. That is free to download and listen too. Those burn me up.

Or apps that connect to another content creator's website. It does provide information. It also is harvesting information from your phone and contacts.

Or the ones that honestly provide content - bare minimum but they did create it. And you do get to access it for free. But you are bombarded with ads that may or may not be appropriate for you to view.

I personally can go a lifetime without seeing or hearing about men's lower level grooming products.

So in the episode, I go a little long winded about what is and isn't a medical app. Because when I hear about an Erectile Dysfunction provider trying to provide medication for anxiety it gets me a little more anxious.

Fellas, I understand that the malfunctioning plumbing issues can cause anxiety. 100% . Not even up for debate.

But an on-line service for a physical condition, that also handles hair loss and now wants to provide psychiatric care and pill dispensing is a problem.

And a red flag.

And from a health literacy stand point, multiple questions should be asked:

Why is an ED vendor also treating hair loss?
Does hair loss lead to ED?
Don't dermatologists handle hair loss? (Why yes, they do and the AAD can help you find accurate info.)
Where is that medication coming from?
Is is legal where I live to buy or obtain medication on-line (in the U.S., Nope.)

Don't be uninformed or flat out stupid. Do your research and homework.

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.

In the News:

Washington Post article about Olympians and Mental Health Concerns

There is a video documentary on Vimeo about ED called Let's Talk About It. Seventeen minutes could help you can save yourself some aggravation and keep some of your hard earned money.

App that Attack:

In a Murky Sea of Mental Health Apps, Consumers Left Adrift from the California Health Foundation

2024 Update. One Mind PsyberGuide is closed. The non-profit could not obtain funding to continue. You can still access the archives at this time. One Mind PsyberGuide - Resource to help you determine if a mental health app is worth your time and money.

Resources Mentioned:

U.S Food and Drug Administration examples of what is not a medical app.

Music

Pasty Cline with The Jordanaires version of Crazy.

Gnarls Barkley from the album St. Elsewhere version of Crazy.

Postmodern Jukebox version of Crazy.

Anxiety Resources

For teenager and young adults there is DoSomething.org 11 Facts About Anxiety.

From Anxiety Centre there is Fear of Going Crazy

Anxiety Network's page on What You Fear Most Cannot Happen

VeryWell Mind page on Dementophobia or the fear of going mad or crazy.

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Quotation from Turning Pointe, How a New Generation of Dancers Is Saving Ballet from Itself

Awareness, Book, Causes

On Literary Hub there is a very good excerpt called The Toll of Perfectionism: On the Physical and Mental Health of Ballet Dancers by Chloe Angyal:

In 2003, researchers at Duke University surveyed students about the campus culture, particularly as it was experienced by young women. What they found was that Duke women felt enormous pressure to be socially active—party, drink, date, and hook up—while also getting high grades, participating in extracurriculars, and being beautiful.

They were supposed to do all of this without seeming to try at all, without showing the strain, without breaking a sweat. Failure was unacceptable, but so was the appearance of trying to succeed. The researchers dubbed this set of absurd and gendered expectations “effortless perfection.”

So at the beginning of the 21st century women were still expected to be antiseptically perfect and freaky-deaky at the same time. Some things never change. Hush-hush still in effect.

Sound like the beginning to a long-term anxiety experience to me. And that is just a part of the introduction. It goes on to talk about the expectations placed on professional dancers and how that can lead to all kinds of mental health issues.

I also learned that there are different types of perfection, and yes, there is a destructive form of perfectionism. And it is no secret that the world of professional ballet is not body inclusive.

The actual book is called Turning Pointe, how a new generation of dancers is saving ballet. You can get more info about the book at the Bold Type Books website. There are also multiple places to get an audiobook - check out Hatchette Audio for alternative sources.

There is a review of the book at the New York Journal of Books web site.

Some of you are gonna ask, "what has this got to do with anxiety?"

Legit question.

Legit answer: locking an art or experience into a small segment of performers damages people.

Those that view the performance and think this is the only way that dance, specifically ballet, can exist.

The other people that want to participate, have the talent and are told, "No, you don't fit the artificially constructed frame work."

You do not need a tutu to dance. And the freaking Nutcracker isn't the only ballet that has ever been created.

The business and gate keeping function of ballet has produced a crap ton of anxiety and eating disorders. Not to mention keeping women and other creators out of the decision making process.

So yeah, if we want to recognize that there are multiple sources for anxiety in our society, which includes sports and the arts, then there is much work to do.

Just in case:

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.

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National Institute of Mental Health booklet on Depression.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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