2023 ~ Anxiety Road Podcast

ARP 344 Diabetes and Anxiety Resources

Anxiety, Depression, Education, Resource

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and anxiety or depression, you have to deal with both conditions at the same time.

It is a challenge but not impossible. There are resources and options to help you deal with treatment.

This is just a quick mention of some of those resources that could be of assistance to you or someone you know.

P.S. I had some kind of glitchy thing happen and I slapped some music to try to cover it up. I need to go to remedial audio school.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

American Diabetes Association Behavioral Health Toolkits for folks with Diabetes who might be experiencing anxiety.

American Diabetes Association Mental Health Directory

U.S. Centers for Disease Control page on 10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress and Diabetes and Mental 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.

ARP 343 Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families and Anxiety

Addiction, Food, Trauma

In this episode, a look at adult people that grew up in an addictive or dysfunctional family. Because if you did, there is a good chance you might have an anxiety condition or a related mental health problem.

How do you get to be an adult child of a dysfunctional family. There are many pathways.

Many are raised in an abusive or addictive family. Others are raised in a generational trauma system.

Some people are raised by adults who do not have a clue about how to be a parent because they were never taught or exposed to a healthy, stable or loving environment.

It isn't about poverty or wealth. Education is not a guarantee of being a good parent. Nor religion or faith. Or the lack of it.

It helps, but if you have taking a glance at the news, a Utah woman with a social media following pled guilty to committed serious crimes against two of her children.

In 2034 they will become members of Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo about her new book on the gut, brain food connection and nutritional psychiatry On that page you can find a link to the book at Bookshop.org or by visiting the doctor's website.

U.S. Center for Disease Control page about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with definitions and additional resources.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation post on Adult Children of Alcoholics information page.

Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families World Service where you can get more information about how it works, resources and virtual and real world meeting community fellowship experiences.

Therapy Dave has a article about ACDFs and an information sheet that list some of the core beliefs dysfunctional behavior that can happen in adulthood.

Kati Morton is a licensed therapist that has a YouTube channel. She has an episode about 10 Effects of Growing Up with an Alcoholic or Addict Parent

Disclaimer:

ARP 342 Adverse Childhood Experiences aka ACEs

Awareness, Causes, Resource, Support

I did an episode about ACEs a long time ago. It was okay but I know a bit more now.

At the time I said something to the effect, "Childhood isn't easy even in the best of families, but what if your family of origin contributed to your current condition? I'm not saying that it has, but what if it did?"

That part was ok but listening to it now I did not fully define it or give examples.

When you know better, you do better. This is probably a three part series about childhood events that might have contributed to an anxiety condition.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has Fast Facts: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences

ACEs Awareness is a California project to screen children for indicators of ACE events. There is a Healthy Way to Manage Stress pdf handout that offers suggestions on how to manage stress, such as be kind to yourself, set goals and start small.

Therapist Erik Bohlin handout list of Symptoms from Dysfunctional Families.

Disclaimer:

ARP 341 Sour Candy and Symptom Management

Brain, Food, Panic

So in this episode I wanted to put a bit more context as to why sucking sour candy could work to stop panic attacks. Or not. Or not for the long term.

Here is how it started. I have news feeds for anxiety. This story popped up.

Delish is a food recipe and kitchen gadget website. I've seen videos on YouTube. I was confused when I saw the story about sour candy and panic attacks.

It didn't match their usual beat. Sometime that can lead to good stuff. Like a fishing website that reviews a movie about Vets, fishing and PTSD.

It isn't an instant reject for me unless it is one of those way past NC-17 websites, but my radar is on high alert.

Publisher these days they need to draw people to the website. Delish saw a fit with there mission. They did have a series called Suck It Up. They would ask celebrities questions and if they refused to answer they would have to eat an increasing strong sour candy.

So this was in the Delish wheelhouse. Kinda. They got the story from Tik Tok.

USA Today did a story with more info from mental health professionals. That is how Delish found out about it.

As far as our neck of the woods is concern, this could be thought of as a form of grounding or interrupting the signals that generated the panic attack.

There are a lot of them. It is not treatment.

Nope. Not at all.

But it might give you time to breath, get out of the room or recalibrate.

So in this episode I wanted to put a bit more context as to why it could work and how there are limits to how effective it can be.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Anxiety and Stress Disorders and a guide on Stress Management from Harvard Health Publications.

Tips to Manage Your Stress and Anxiety from ADAA.org

The company that produces Warheads is called Impact Confections. You can get an idea of some of their candy products. This is not an endorsement, there are other companies that have sour and extreme sour candies and drinks.

Disclaimer:

ARP 340 Cannabis and Cruising Do Not Mix

Botanical, Herbal, Marijuana

I don't know if I'll ever go on a cruise ship. The only part that really interest me is tasting a wide variety of food in a short amount of time.

Plus my anxiety about riding on a human petri dish would get the best of me and cause all kinds of embarrassment. Not to mention that there are hundreds of people around and having to move as a pack once you arrive for an excursion.

Gives me the shivers. Anyway, there is a recent news story about a person kicked off a ship because of CBD Gummies.

Those of an anxious nature need to know that you cannot travel on cruse ships that have a U.S. port with any form of marijuana or medicinal products derived from that substance.

Under U.S. federal law, it is still illegal. And federal law supersede your local state law.

You can be fined.

You can be arrested.

Or worse, lose all that money you paid to cruise in the first place.

And that is just in a U.S. port. Don't even think about doing it oversees.

In this episode a heads up about not bring cannabis products on the ship.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Carnival Cruise Lines Tobacco and Smoking Policy $500 fine per incidence and the possibility of being kicked off the ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line Guest Conduct Policy Illegal drugs or substances will be confiscated and appropriate action taken, which may include removal from the ship and involvement of appropriate authorities.

Royal Caribbean has a Guest Health Safety and Conduct Policy in multiple languages. Way down at the bottom is the prohibited items section. Marijuana, even in its medicinal form or for medicinal purposes, shall be prohibited.

Virgin Voyages Prohibited Items List.

Prior Episodes:

ARP 297 What is Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?
ARP 298 Uses of Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil

ARP 299 Buying CBD Oil via Retail Markets

Disclaimer:

ARP 339 - You Need to Change Your Ways

Culture, Symptoms

You made it over the first hurdle. You know you have a problem.

You might have even gone to the doctor or your health provider to obtain help. They might have set you up with pills or talk therapy.

And that is a far as you got. You take the meds but you are still drinking.

Or eating high sugar or caffeinated beverages.

Babe, you gotta make some changes. Ones that you do not want to make but you have to do it.

The resource this week is a movie that covers a lot of anxiety topics. It is a primer on how not to handle your symptoms.

Sometimes a fictional movie about a real man can be very informative. And can help you stay out of the hospital.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

1979 All that Jazz movie trailer - if you don't like musicals or you don't have two hours to invest in the movie. It is a good movie but for some people, the just don't have the time.

Disclaimer:

ARP 338 Anxiety in Your Guts and Symptom Tracking Apps

Anxiety, Apps, Symptoms

There is a term called visceral anxiety. According to various sources, it isn't a medical term but more of a description of feeling anxiety in the lower center of your body. We are talking about the gastrointestinal track.

For some with anxiety it is a persistent problem of pain in the stomach, being gassy or bloated. Or feeling queasy each and every day. (Pregnant people excepted).

Now life happens, you get sick and have those symptoms. Or something you've eaten truly does not agree with your body.

That isn't necessarily anxiety related.

However, if you have constant problems in your gut area AND you have been reviewed by a medical doctor to rule out other health problems then it could be anxiety.

It could be anxiety. And no amount of Maalox or Pepto Bismol is going to fix it.

In this episode, a brief look at gut symptoms and symptom tracking to monitor what is ginning you up.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

ADAA.org page on How to Calm an Anxious Stomach: The Brain-Gut Connection

MySymptoms app that can track a wide variety of symptoms. This app was originally created for people that have Irritable Bowl Syndrome but has features that can apply to some anxiety conditions.

Bearable app to help you track your symptoms.

Disclaimer:

ARP 337 - When the World Is Crazy We Worry

Worry

Worry is powerful, it can dishearten you and have you see nothing but shades of gray. There are techniques that even anxious people can use to reduce the amount of worry and get on with the business of the day.

I've been around a few spins around the sun. There have been very few times when things haven't been crazy on this planet. Especially with humans having access to weapons.

Gasses me up just to think about it. The only people and industries happy about current events are profiteers and weapon makers.

Which is why you have to be careful about making global statements. Even in the bleakest of times, somebody on Earth is happy.

Many of us with anxiety conditions have excessive amounts of worry. In this episode, a very basic look at some of the tools we can use to help us take it down a bit so that we can function and get on with the day.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Paradise Paradox Movie Trailer and the Home page of the movie website.

From the UK NHS, a video from Every Mind Matters on how to process worry. Good suggestions and techniques like the worry tree example.

From Helpguide.org How to Stop Worrying and End Anxious Thoughts with more techniques you can use.

Mayo Health Clinic Symptoms page on 11 Tips for Coping with an Anxiety Disorder because we need to actively deal with it.

From Adams Media, The No Worries Workbook, 124 Lists, Activities, and Prompts to Get Out of Your Head—and On with Your Life! By Molly Burford. Adams Media is a imprint of Simon and Schuster.

Possible Alternative to What Was Once Known as Twitter

Mastodon and Spoutible

Disclaimer:

ARP 336 Anxiety Symptoms and Nicotine

Addiction, Awareness, Brain

You can be a smoker that has anxiety or a person with an anxiety condition who smokes. Either way it is a bad deal that can not only make your symptoms worse but cause long term harm to your body.

In this short pebble in the road episode, some resources to help educate yourself about the problem but some viable resources you can check out to separate yourself from the cigarette or the vape.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse page on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco products.

Smokefree.gov helps folks kick the tobacco and vape habit by providing information and resources, including a page about stress and smoking.

The American Lung Association has a number of options about quitting smoking. There are groups, online version and self-directed guides.

For California residents only, there is kickitca.org, this is a state of California website that can help users transition from smoking and vaping.

Disclaimer:

ARP 335 Beans or Knowledge

Food, Nutrition, Supplements

I try to keep episodes short and to the point. But sometimes I need to talk about conceptual things that at first, doesn’t seem to have anything to do with anxiety treatment options. But it does.

I need to talk about beans or knowledge. Or the do before the why. Which I like better but it isn't grammatical. I take comfort that I'm pissing off an A.I. generator.

I know that many people that listen to the podcast like the give it to me straight and let me be on my way aspect of the show.

That is not going to be this episode. I have to talk about non-anxiety things to show the anxiety examples. Might take me a while. There are anxiety specific resources in the episode.

But I gotta talk about beans first.

So yeah, if you want a short one, wait until next week or dive into the archive.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Supplement Resources:

U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) consumer page about magnesium and on Vitamin D.

There is also a newsletter from NIH called Digging Into Vitamin D.

And the Office of Dietary Supplements FAQ page explains what they are, do you need them and the pro and cons of them.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has a post about magnesium and Vitamin D and why they work well together.

Tyler Westley Tik Tok video about taking a friend's suggestion concerning magnesium.

Dry Beans and Lectin Information:

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health page on Anti-Nutrients. There is also a link to the problems with Lectins.

Samarian Health Services page on Are Lectins in Plant-based Foods Your Friend or Foe?

Disclaimer:

ARP 324 - Explaining Depression via Games

Anxiety, Depression, Symptoms

The American Psychiatry Association defines depression as loss of interest of activities once enjoyed, and that the symptoms must last longer than two weeks before an official diagnosis.

There isn't just one kind of depression and they don't all generate from the same source.

For people that have not experience depression, it is really hard for them to understand. Or they try to related to something that has no relationship to the actual condition.

You can tell they don’t know about when they offer responses like, “you just have to get out of yourself.

So this episode is a two-fer. It is for people that have an anxiety condition that may or may not have a side order of depression. You'll need info on what is is and some of the treatment options.

And, if you need a friend or loved one who doesn't connect with what you are experiencing, there are games and simulations that can help them get a glimmer of understanding.

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:

There is a story from New Hampshire Public Radio about a meeting at Dartmouth University with the current and prior Surgeon Generals meeting to talk about the need for ‘stronger communities’ to address mental health crisis.

The Verge article about Google shutting down the podcasting app. Option 1 is to move over to the YouTube Music App. Option 2 is to find another podcasting application.

The American Psychiatric Association has information about depression, the various types and some of the treatment options. There is also a short explainer video to help those that take in information visually.

Helpguide.org post on Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs.

Celeste is a game where Madeline journeys up Celeste Mountain with her anxiety. There is an 8-bit version that can be played on the website. The modern version can be found on various playing devices.

Actual Sunlight, a game/narrative about the experience of depression. You also can find it on Google Play, Nintendo, Switch and other gaming platforms

Depression Quest, old school web based HTML journey of depression and discovery.

The Braaains podcast if you want to know more about that tasty organ known as the brain, mental health issues disability representation. The podcast also shows how the topic is reflected in tv, movies and media.

Disclaimer:

ARP 333 Two Simple Meditation Techniques

Meditation, Relaxation

When things go wrong and you need a break, like when none of your audio software will record and you have to use your phone, you need to take a moment.

Or two. Maybe have dinner as well. Some days you have to find ways to roll with it.

A meditative break can help. That is the topic of this episode.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Dharma Homies Virtual Meditation Groups

From the website Self-Compassion.org, Changing your critical self talk.

Tea Meditation Resources:

Gabriela Green post on Tea Meditation: Breathe And Purify Your Mind

From a Buddhist perspective, How to Drink a Mindful Cup of Tea on the Lion's Roar website.

Eye Restfulness Exercises

Annie Thoa Eye Palming for Clear Vision and Deep Relaxation YouTube Video

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired page on five eye exercises that prevent digital strain.

Disclaimer:

ARP 332 - Dealing With Jaw Clenching aka Bruxism

Relaxation, Symptoms, Treatment

Many of us hold our tongues or clench our teeth to protect ourselves from saying what you really want to say. Or feel.

And for most of us, that works and we go about our day. But if you are clenching and grinding your teeth on a daily basis there is going to be a problem.

Sometimes with your jaw. Or wearing away your teeth. Or having headaches or something worse.

In this episode, a look at what jaw clenching and teeth grinding and some of the things you can do to reduce the symptoms. The medical term is called bruxism.

I do want to mention that I did not make any references to medication. That is because there can be non-anxiety related forms of bruxism. There can be structural problems with the jaw or mouth.

If that is the source of the problem, then that is more of a dental treatment issue. I'm looking at jaw clenching and teeth grinding from a stress and anxiety point of view.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

No Time To Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks" By Matt Gutman, who is an ABC news national chief correspondent. You can listen to a sample of the book at the publisher web site.

National Public Radio 1A podcast interviewed Matt Gutman and talked about his experiences having panic attacks on the air. It is a 36-minute conversation.

The Journal of the American Dental Association page on Bruxism has a patient PDF that you can download. It explains what it is and what you can do about it.

Colgate Bruxism Exercises to Reduce Teeth Grinding.

All about BRUXISM via Dentalk! on YouTube.

Sleep Foundation page about Bruxism. Sleep Foundation is not associated with the non-profit National Sleep Foundation. This company is in the business of selling sleep products. That being said, they do have factual information regarding sleep issues.

Healthline jaw exercise post with gifs to show you how to do it.

Disclaimer:

ARP 331 Medication Options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2023

GAD, Medication, Treatment

I’ve done a couple of episodes on generalized anxiety disorder, sometimes referred to as GAD. However, there have been changes to some of the medication treatment options.

And there are new options that did not exist in 2016 or 2018 so I thought that I’d catch everyone up on what is going to be current for the foreseeable future.

That is the topic for today's episode.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

How to Tell if Shortness of Breath Is From Anxiety and How to Treat It from Livestrong.com

Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a four question screener to help you figure out if you have GAD. The site also has a brochure about what the condition is and some of the treatment options.

The National Institute of Mental Health has a web page and downloadable booklet on Generalized Anxiety Disorder aka GAD.

Consumer Version of the Merck Manual pages on General Anxiety Disorder with a short video about GAD.

Prior episode on Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Disclaimer:

ARP 330 - A Quick Look at the Pulsetto VNS Device

Apps, Sleep, Technology

I try to stay off of sites like Kickstarter and Indigogo. Too much temptation and even more disappointment. Back in the day, I use to support the up and coming companies.

But I got tired of waiting sometimes month before the product arrived. I have been burned by companies that found out it was hard to be an innovator.

Few days ago, I got an email that I was about to toss in the trash. Looked like spam. Anyway, I found out that it is an actual company that claims to treat anxiety, sleep problems and helping to focus attention.

Supposedly, this is a device that you place on your neck, apply a gel to help you make contact with the Vagus nerve for a tingling session of calm and relaxation.

It has possibilities for some of us that want more non-drug based symptom options.

But there are hitches in the giddy-up.

In this episode, a quick look at the Pulsetto VNS device.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

There is a post on SciTechDaily about reducing the amount of social media consumption called Can 30 Minutes a Day Save Your Mental Health?

Excellent Crash Course explainer video on what the Autonomous, Parasympathetic and Sympathetic system is, what it does and how it relates to stress and anxiety.

Chris Haslam at Wired.com review of the Pulsetto device, really good article.

HealthInsider post on Pulsetto Review: Can It Improve the Quality of Your Life?

The official Pulsetto website can provide more information if you are interested in this device.

Trust Pilot Reviews of the device.

Disclaimer:

ARP 329 Cat Coloring Book as Meditation Practice

Book, Meditation, Mindfulness

The TLDR version: What I do know is that a coloring book could be an opportunity for those who have trouble with some of the traditional concepts of meditation or mindfulness practice.

But be careful about making a purchase. When possible, buy from a human creator.

The much longer version: I insist on being a human being so I still do my own research. Not saying I having dipped a toe or two into the new hyped up gizmo world of ask a question get a possibly faulty answer of A.I.

I have. I think I've learned more about human beings and the the decisions that they are making concerning the use of a service with a raft of ethical considerations tossed to the wind.

Which causes me to have certain types of additional anxiety about what humans do.

In searching for resources for this week's episode I discovered the world of Kindle Digital Publishing (KDP) and stress and anxiety coloring books.

For those that don't know, there is a group of people that produce low content books. These can be lined notebooks, journals, prompt books and yes, coloring books.

These books are very easy to produce. If you have a word processing program you are good to go. Create the book, slap a cover on it and send it to KDP.

There are people that make dang good money doing this. Some are crafts people and true artists. Others jumped on the trend early enough to make a profit with low quality crap.

This is nothing new. Mainstream publishers have been making low content books for years. As in centuries. If you have ever been in a TJ Max or Ross store, you've seen them.

What is new is two things colliding. A subset of people creating "stress or anxiety relief "coloring books for adults and A.I.

These entrepreneur folks are cranking out hundreds of these books using A.I. to make minor variations to name, cover and the appearance of content. There is a tsunami of very low quality book.

I can't tell by looking at the cover who is who. Or if it is a good book for actual use?

Does the coloring book have perforated pages to make it easy to work with?

Is it single or double sided?

Will there be bleed through?

I'm trying to say, buyer be aware and beware.

What I do know is that a coloring book could be an opportunity for those who have trouble with some of the traditional concepts of meditation or mindfulness practice.

That is the topic of this episode on the summer slowdown.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Blue Star Coloring Ocean Animal Patterns Coloring Book

Dover Publishing Fifty Favorite Birds Coloring Book By Lisa Bonforte

Rockridge Press adult coloring book Stress Relief Cat Coloring Book, I found this on the Simon and Schuster website.

Disclaimer:

ARP 328 Breathing and Humming Resources for Anxiety

Apps, Breathing, Meditation, Stress

I'm on the summer slow down vibe, but there are lots of interesting ways to handle and reduce symptoms.

One of those ways is combining a breathing practice with humming. To be clear, I'm talking about the sound that humans make with their mouths. Usually involves the sound "hum".

Take the human body, the Vagus nerve and an open mind and you just might have an additional tool to tell the body to relax, there isn't a danger or problem.

Might work for you.

Might not.

I do know that it is a free, no risk, non-toxic option to try.

This is a quick introduction to the topic and a few resources to get you started.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

There is a post on Verywell Health on Breathing Exercises for Anxiety.

If you need visual help in practice breathing there is the Breathe Easy app for iOS and Android.

Mayo Clinic Connect post on Humming Your Way to Relaxation.

Katie Morton explanation video on 5 Easy Ways to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve.

Video on Humming for Vagus Nerve Stimulation from Buteyko Clinic

Disclaimer:

ARP 327 - Is it Always Going To Be Like This?

Anxiety, Awareness, Treatment

As I mention in the podcast, it is the eight anniversary of the podcast. The need to connect people to the various mental health services is still necessary.

There have been times that my symptoms were stable and I could crank out an episode, no problem.

But there are times when I'm at high tide, the symptoms are showing themselves to the public and I can or cannot produce an episode.

Thing is, more often or not, I found a way. Making mistakes. Learning new ideas and concepts. Understanding that treatment is an ever expanding concept.

In 2015 I did not say anything about virtual mental health care. It wasn't on the radar or a minor blip accessible to some people, probably using Skype.

So I still do this podcast dance with my symptoms and my goals.

Which begs the question, Is it always going to be like this?

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

From the Mayo Clinic, the traditional approach to treating anxiety disorders.

Psychology Today, Why Do People With Anxiety Disorders Avoid Getting Therapy?

Via National Library of Medicine NCBI - Males and Mental Health Stigma

Helpguide.org detailed page about Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks.

From Travel & Leisure Magazine How to Support an Anxious Flier, According to Experts

Disclaimer:

Show 326 - More About PTSD Resources

PTSD, Symptoms, Trauma

It is the start of the summer slowdown where I'll post less often as I try to catch up on my sleep and elocution skills. I've been talking a lot lately and I can hear multiple imperfections.

Really a bad idea to do five things at the same time.

Anyway, last week's error has created this episode. As a standing warning. Never upgrade as you are working on a project. I've gotten away with it before but not last week.

It destroyed my audio file. Totally my fault. I knew better but didn't do better.

This week is the definition of PTSD and some but not all of the accessible resources you might want to check out if you don't know about the condition.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Mending the Line

Blue Sky Entertainment official movie trailer on YouTube.

Field and Stream interview with director Joshua Caldwell about the movie and the challenges in bring it to the screen.

PTSD Resources

Books

For African Americans, there is a book called The Pain We Carry, Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color. by Natalie Y. Gutierrez and published by New Harbinger Publications.

Very Well Mind List of Books About PTSD

National Institute of Mental Health information page about PTSD, you can download the NIH booklet. The Center has podcast called PTSD Bytes where you can get small audio chunks of information about the condition and tips for handling it.

Audio/Video

The Veterans Administration has a short whiteboard video that explains the basics of PTSD for military folk. Psych2Go has an explainer video on Complex PTSD or C-PTSD.

This is a link to the Audible.com search page on audiobooks that deal with PTSD topics.

The podcast Talking Later Veteran Stories of Late Life PTSD. You can listen via Spreaker or Apple Podcast

Informational

What are the symptoms of PSTD from ADAA.org. There is also a ADAA.org PTSD support group that you can join to ask questions or share concerns.

Helpguide.org page on what is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and your treatment options. This site also has veteran specific information and has info on the various types of PTSD.

Psychology Today post on Conquer Anxiety, One Small Step at a Time, A solution-focused approach to overcoming fear, worry, and stress.

Disclaimer:

Show 325 - Minding the Line Fly Fishing Movie and PTSD Resources

Alternative, Depression, PTSD, Therapy

After missing last week, I was determined to get an episode up. I recording and edited it.

The SOS software decided to garble my speech.

And then it stopped working.

So I turned to my phone and made something happen.

This is a quick look at the new movie called Minding the LIne, which is a fictional movie about fly fishing, PTSD and coping as best you can.

I'll get the rest of the episode re-jiggered and try again.

I might have to miss an episode or two, it is getting hectic at Amalgamated Salt and Brimstone and some times you have to yield to the sulfur.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Mending the Line

Blue Sky Entertainment official movie trailer on YouTube.

Field and Stream interview with director Joshua Caldwell about the movie and the challenges in bring it to the screen.

Variety.com review of the Mending the Line film.

RogerEbert.com review of the film.

PTSD Resources

National Institute of Mental Health information page about PTSD and you can download the PDF booklet

Department of Veterans Affairs National Center on PTSD The Center also has podcast called

PTSD Bytes where you can get small audio chunks of information about the condition and tips for handling it.

Helpguide.org page on what is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and your treatment options. This site also has veteran specific information and has info on the various types of PTSD.

Psychology Today post on Conquer Anxiety, One Small Step at a Time, A solution-focused approach to overcoming fear, worry, and stress.

Disclaimer:

Show 324 - Dealing With Symptoms

Breathing, Resource, Treatment

It has been a while since I’ve mentioned this; the focus on the podcast is for folks that have been medically diagnosed with an anxiety condition or disorder.

However, all are welcome. The over-stressed, the somewhat anxious or those that are up against it and don’t know what to do.

Everybody has anxiety. That is normal and necessary. We need it for our personal safety and awareness that there is a possible problem or danger. Anxiety’s job is to bring awareness. Not a good thing or a bad thing.

For some of us, our anxiety alert system is out of whack. Our brain is on constant high alert. There are symptoms that are hard to control. That is the topic of this episode. How do you deal with your symptoms?

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 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 definition page on Anxiety Disorders. They also have downloadable booklets on:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) FAQ page on Anxiety, the types of anxiety, treatment options and additional resources.

American Lung Association video on Pursed Lip Breathing technique.

Very Well Mind page on 9 Breathing Exercises to Calm Anxiety.

Harvard Health Page on Foods Linked to Better Brain Power.

ARP 216 has examples of books about the brain/gut connection aka nutrition.

Five Minute Meditation Practice via Greater Good in Action/UC Berkeley

UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) meditations exercises in different languages.

Disclaimer:

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Pebble in the Road - Acceptance

Awareness, Grounding, Mindfulness

There are days when we muck it up. And spend hours berating yourself that you were not perfect or you did not catch one of the dozens of bug a boos that you handle in a day.

On this day, I would like to suggest that you stop being mean, nasty or hyper-critical about being fallible. Practice your breathing, drink some water, move your body and actively be kind to yourself.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Katie McLaughlin six minute guided meditation on peace and acceptance

VeryWell Mind post on How to Embrace Self-Acceptance

Psychology Today blog post on How to Practice Acceptance

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Eye Restfulness Exercises

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Mending the Line

PTSD Resources

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Mending the Line

PTSD Resources

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