Anxiety Road Podcast

There was so much chatter about the fear reactions to current events I felt that I needed to put my two cents in. I'll continue the treatment plan episode next time, but in this moment I ask you to even more so take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself. Control the amount of garbage you ingest from certain media sources. Pick up a bottle of ginger ale.  I leave the brand to you personal choice, in case you do feel a little grippy.  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 Mindful.org A Meditation on Working with Anxiety - this is a 30 minute practice that can help you get grounded and relaxed. Don Weyant's 15 minute meditation podcast episode with a transcript of the recording. From Stop, Breath and Think a 3 minute mindful breathing meditation on YouTube. To learn how to make an home emergency kit visit the Build a Kit page at Ready.gov Disclaimer:  Links to oth

This time a look at the research part of creating a treatment plan that works for you. This next phase involves researching and learning your options. Two of those options that might be presented to you are taking medication or seeing a behavioral health professional. Nothing wrong with those options. Well there could be if you don't have the money to access professional services. Or you don't want to take medication.  Or see a therapist. I would say that you need to be aware of what the options truly are before you shut any of them down. What does it mean to take medication, for a short period of time? Are you more suited to short term skill building therapy than long term talk therapy. And is there anything else that you can try? (Yes, there is!) So the research part of the plan is important. 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:  Science Insider video on taking CBD

Many people have an opinion about treating anxiety conditions and disorders. Most of them are not medically qualified to take out a splinter from a toe. Myself included. Each person is unique and different and there is always a little something that gets left out when people try to sell you a cookie cutter approach. So what does it mean to have a treatment plan? What goes into it? In this episode a question, and it is a dilly. 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:  Pop Sugar article about the difference between anxiety and panic attacks/disorder. Texas A&M University Wearable Technology for Mental Health Insider article about Jake Paul, anxiety and more than one path. https://www.insider.com/jake-paul-defended-tweet-saying-anxiety-is-created-by-you-2020-2 Very Well Mind has a post on Understanding the Panic Disorder treatment plan, they talk about the traditional t

Very short - being alone on Valentine's Day and making the best of it.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading and the abbreviation EMDR is coming up in many documents and websites. I don’t know what that is so I wanted to do a quick episode to learn more about it and find out how it can be helpful as a treatment option. This is a quick episode on the definition of the treatment and some resources you can check out and follow up 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. Resources Mentioned:  The American Psychological Association has a page about EMDR, what it is, who is it for and the treatment process. The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association has a resource page for therapists and people interested in the process. Every Day Therapy Podcast episode #60 has an interview with Jessica Callahan, LPT-C about EMDR This link is to the Apple podcast version of the podcast. If you are interested in finding an EMDR trained therapist, there is

This is the second episode about trauma and the connection to grief and anxiety and how some of the symptoms of trauma and grief are similar to anxiety. The goal of the podcast is to share what I have learned and continue to learn about having an anxiety condition or disorder. I am not a medical or mental health professional. I am a fellow traveler who has experienced some of the frustrations and blocks to treatment. I want your path to be a bit easier than mine. If you need support 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. Resources Mentioned:  Sacramento Bee news article about the training of mental health nurse practitioners CBS Denver has a story about a proposal to require annual mental health checkups as a part of having insurance. California Health Care Foundation's fact sheet about the mental health nurse practitioners training. Hospice Foundation of America page on What is Grief? and An Introduction t

For some but not all of us, our anxiety has a root in trauma. So in this episode a look at trauma, the definition(s) and some of the various forms. A few housekeeping items. I’ve recently applied to be on Spotify. If you happen to listen or hear the episode on the service there may be ads before, after or during the podcast. I have no say in it and I don’t get a flipping dime for being on that service. Many long-time listeners know that I choose not to accept advertising. I think it would presents confusion and unintentional conflicts of interest. For example, if I’m saying yes, no or maybe to medication and then a pharmacy ad appears for depression. I don’t want to give the impression that I’m endorsing or boosting a specific drug or product. It is what it is. Until there is another way to reach more listeners without ads I gotta roll with 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. Resourc

A short episode but a necessary one in these times of palpitation. I want to talk about breathing apps and helpful breathing videos. It doesn't matter what the external world is doing, you need to focus on taking care of yourself. Breathing is one way to do that. 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. The company that created this lovely two minute breathing videos seems to have gone out of business. I'm getting a 404 message, but it is still posted on YouTube and it is visually helpful. Posting it on the blog and other places that will allow it.   Resources Mentioned:  Breath Ball Breathing app has practice modules for anxiety, sleeping COPD and Asthma. It is available on Windows PC, MacOS, iOS and Android. Breath Easy is a free simple app for Android and iOS, breathe in, breathe out.   Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endors

In this weeks episode, a caution about using Facebook as a health journal or health locker and what are symptoms and the ways that they show up in the body. Your body. This time out I'm probably asking the equivalent of looking at your own personal boogie man. Identifying your symptoms. Not an easy thing to do when you are trying to deal with them. It is important to know what you are dealing with because you can waste a lot of time pacifying a symptom when you could be dealing with the larger problem. (There are exceptions to this, don't take it as gospel.) 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 (Not) Mentioned:  National Institute of Mental Health overview about anxiety disorders. National Institute of Mental Health page on social anxiety disorder. Verywell Mind Revised post about anxiety disorders, symptoms and treatment options. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: When Unwanted T

Little bit of everything in this episode, being broke, meditation tips from Sparrow and understanding some of the causes of an anxiety disorder. And to treat yourself with loving kindness. Now and into the future. 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:  Article on BrainFact.org on How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Personalized Mental Health Care. The Sun Magazine Essay Sparrow’s Guide To Meditation in the January 2020 issue. Podium Runners 2017 article about 10 Mental Health Benefits of Running. Medical News Today article on What Causes Anxiety? New York Times 1619 podcast at Listen Notes.com National Center for Biotechnology Information, via the U.S. National Library of Medicine The Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders: Brain Imaging, Genetics, and Psychoneuroendocrinology. American Physiological Association Answers to Your Questions about Panic Disorder. Disclaime

As I like to mention in the podcast, I have a long list of things that I am not. At the top of the list is not being perfect. I got lost inside of my head. Anger and depression can do that to you. KWOL is an adaptation of an educational outline used for K-12 students known as KWL, knowledge, want to learn and learned. The O in my version stands for option, what are my options going forward.  So yeah I got lost on the road a bit but I found a way to help me get back. 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:  December 2019 NPR story about thousands of Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Care workers are picketing due to the overwhelming demand of patient work loads and wait times for seeing patients. The FCC Proposes 988 for Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Hotline, currently the national number is 1-800-273-TALK but the goal is to have one centralized easy to remember nu

Like the song says, sometimes we need somebody to lean on. Or talk to, human to human. In this episode a look at telephone support lines. Also in this episode, my brief look at the movie Honey Boy, I can't say if it is a good or bad  movie because it spiked into some vintage pain for me and I had to leave. I explain more in the podcast. I can say that if you are triggered by verbal or emotional abuse then this might be a flick that you might need to watch in segments. Or not at all. Then again, it might resonate with you and give you a lot to think about. 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 Amazon Studies, a movie written by Shia LaBeouf which is a fictionalized account of his experiences growing up with a dysfunctional dad. ADAA Online Support Group app is available to iOS users via the App App Store. You can also access the group via a link on the ADAA's we

You are the only one that can decide what will work for you as you map out your path to wellness. So as I get up off of knees and work my own process, there are two apps to check out to see if they will be of assistance to you. 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 Breathing App helps you to slow down your breathing - good for symptom control. It is available for iOS and Android devices. If you would like more info about the process you can visit the creator's website. Wysa Chatbot App to help you handle your symptoms, record your journey and learn about taking care of yourself using CBT. The app is available via iOS or Android. The basic level of service is free, however there are fee based options for upper levels of service. Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.  Always seek the advice o

There is a lot of marketing hype about the blankets. There are dozens of stories, but is there anything to support the popularity of the blankets? And, should you get one? 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 Cleveland Clinic article on can weighted blankets banish nighttime anxiety? Mayo Clinic News Network story about the use of the blankets. There is a short video on the site talking about the findings or you can watch the YouTube version. Harvard Women's Health Watch has some cautions about using the weighted blankets if you have sleep apnea, respiratory problems or chronic medical condition. Sleep Junkie also has a page on how to wash blankets. They do not recommend washing weighted blankets. You might also want to check out their pages on Can Weighted Blankets Help with Anxiety and Insomnia? This site does have affiliate links but they are honest enough to

Whatever causes flight or fight response pay attention to the part that it takes a while for your body to rev down. You have that energy in the body. You have to do something with that energy, that is the focus of this episode. Very basic. Simplistic. No barbells are involved. 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 Institute of Stress website definition of How The Flight or Fight Response Works. Five Minute Stretch Video from Diet.com Walk at Home by Leslie Sansone official website and YouTube Channel. Billy Idol's Dancing with Myself Official Music Video Harvard Health post on Can Exercise Help Treat Anxiety? Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This blo

I am not being metaphorical. What are your rights when a person, relative or police officer decides that you need to visit your local mental health hospital? For most of us with mild symptoms chances are this is a very small possibility. But it can happen. It did to one woman. For those of us with extreme symptoms or have family members that don't understand our symptoms then it could be a problem. The purpose of this episode is to help you consider how you want to handle this situation. If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  National Public Radio story about woman held in the Emergency Room for 20 days. Mental Health Declaration of Human Rights is a statement by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights Mental Health America position statement about mental health care. There is a link on that page about a psychiatric National Resource Center for Psychiatric Advanced Dir

In this episode,  I want to share specific analog paper-based apps known as books or workbooks that might help you with your anxiety symptoms or help you manage your condition. Not all anxiety books and workbook are the same or are intended for everybody. Some are academic, some are low brow and some are task specific.  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:  Hard Core Self Help F'ck Anxiety by Robert Duff, PhD. is for people that don't want to read self help books. F-bomb will be dropped but there are touches of humor as well. New Harbinger Press version of the Anxiety & Phobia Workbook. There are ePub and PDF versions of the book. Stress Management Workbook: De-stress in 10 Minutes or Less by Ruth C. White, Phd, MPH, MSW, this one is more functional and there are specific things to work on as you travel through the workbook. Soothe Your Nerves; The Black Woman’s Gu

I kinda like the up, up and away part of travel. I don't necessarily like doing it in an airplane. And to be specific, that turbulence thing is nerve wrecking. But I have what I need to deal with it and in this quick episode I'd like to share what might help you deal with actual fright of flight sensations. 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:  Lauren Juliff is a travel writer who know what it means to have panic attacks and want to travel. She offers understanding and some tips on making the journey. Melissa at Mindful Minutes gives meditation advice about handing the trip.   Check with your airline. Headspace is available on Delta, Jet Blue and United. Calm is available on American Airlines. The Hilarious World of Depression has a mini episode that gives a lot of good travel tips and suggestions to make it on through to the other side.   Disclaimer:  Links to other

Last time I talked about Solution Focused Brief Therapy; basically, it is a goal focused short term therapy that looks at the problem, the tools that the patient or client has to deal with them and then a planned progressive goal to make solutions happen. This time out it is a quick look at Humanistic Therapy. If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  National Institute of Health Wellness Kit - suggestions and strategies on improving your emotionally health. Everyday Health has a 2017 article on 10 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Health Through Improving Your Self-Esteem and Helpguide.org has a page on building better mental health. Psychology Today definition of humanistic therapy. There is a short Udacity video that explains what humanistic therapy is and the goals of the treatment. This video is located on YouTube. Cornerstone Counseling in Canada has a video about Exist

This is a quickie cuz life is a bit to vivid today. I'm working on the Humanistic therapy episode and I hope to have it ready soon. In the meantime, I'm struggling with compassionate acceptance and I bet that you are too. So I have three resources that might help you and me hold on as we rest up on the anxiety road. 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 Hachette Audio UK come a ten minute mediation from the Book Mindfulness for Health by Vidyamala Burch and Danny Penman. From Greater Good in Action a three minute self-compassion break. You can read the text or head toward the bottom of the page for an audio recording by Kristen Neff. And from Mindful.org Three Breath Meditations to Connect to Your Best Self Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.  Always seek the advice of a qualified health