ARP 256 Do You Know Your Why About Medication?

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: 

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 255 Sleep Resources and Six Years Running

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: 

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.

From ADAA - Roadmap for OCD Treatment Options Webinar

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: 

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 253 Screening and Diagnostic Test

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.

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.