Show 282 - A Rock and Health Literacy

This episode is about a rock, actually a crystal, that caused me to think about the multiple times a day someone is trying to sell me something.

A thing they think I want.  Or need. 

And if I am vulnerable, like I might just want that scoop of designer ice cream as an adventure in tasting, I'll go along with the bit.

Men's shaving and grooming kits. Not so much. That happens if I'm watching a wood crafting  or male garden videos. Or non-political preppers. 

There are such people and what they are doing is important. But I don't need to see a bunch of fear based ads on the collapse of the world unless I fork up money for dehydrated food.

Anyway, there are people and companies salivating about the mental health marketplace. I get pitches all of the time from drug rehab companies, therapists from other countries, and public relations people who prove that seven out of ten times they are not reading or listening.

It seems researching is not a fundamental part of their profession. 

Maybe that is a bit harsh.

 

Let's put it this way. The competent ones know not to send me a pitch for an interview.

Dancing at the headbanging ball, I tell you.

Anyway, this episode is about being cautious about the claims of products, services and entities claiming to aid you in your quest to do something about your anxiety symptoms. 

Don't let the Instagram fool you. Just cuz you see it on Esty does not make it a safe purchase.

One major point I'd like to emphasis; count the number of condition the product claims to treat. Are they related? Most time it claims to fix everything from foot pain to face acne. 

And you know that isn't possible. You don't go to the foot doctor for a sunburn on you face.

At least, I hope you don'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.

Resources Mentioned: 

Wired article about How to Navigate Online Mental Health Resources. It is rough but doable. But still a pain.

From the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission there is Scamwatch. Does a good job of explaining how a scam works.  One of the items mentioned is that the treatment is effective against a range of unrelated conditions.

From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there is a page on 6 Tip-offs to Rip-offs: Don't Fall for Health Fraud Scams.

There is also a FDA there is a searchable database on known fraud products. You can type in a search for anxiety, depression or almost any health condition and a list of problem products will appear.

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.