Anxiety Road Podcast

Lots to share in this episode. VR being used for exposure therapy, a commercial that features a person that has phobia and resources to learn about Agoraphobia.    Resources Mentioned:   NIH information sheet on stress reduction. LA Weekly Russell Simmons Yoga Studio Article  Virtually Better website  VR Project Information   MedLine Plus pages on the condition https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000956.htm and https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000923.htm  Chase Bank Slate Anxiety Phobia Commercial   Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Software and Possibilities for Use Oculus game called Itsy Psychology Today article on Agoraphobia Anxiety Coach blog post on Agoraphobia, specifically on the problems with avoidance If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Disclaimer: Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Always seek the advice of a qualified he

A lesson from an escalator and resources to help you find a soothing place or relaxation moment.   Resources Mentioned:   NIH information sheet on stress reduction. From Beyond Blue Australia, inforgraphic on Relaxation Techniques  Helpguide.org detailed page on stress management.  Helpguide.org page on 12 Ways to Use Music For Stress Reduction. CC Village at Buffalo Simple page on Stress Management. UCLA Meditations to download, play or read the transcripts.   If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 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 podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medic

In the news, CA SB 562 is a proposal to have single payer healthcare in California and two hardware/apps for breathing and symptom management.   Resources Mentioned: Gothamist interview with Dr. Barbara Fisher about election anxiety and things you can do to re-center yourself in times of change.  Lena Dunham being interviewed by various media publications about her anxiety and depression condition. She spoke with the The New Yorker, The Fix and Vogue Magazine. Houston Chronicle article about loss of access to mental health services if the Affordable Health Act is repeals and not replaced. There is a possibility that single payer healthcare is coming to California. SB 565 the Californians for a Healthy California Act has been introduced.  The Los Angeles Times has a write-up about the first rumblings about the bill.  Leif Patch Breath Monitoring device.  There are two official web sites The Touchpoint Solution and Buzzies. There is also a Buzzies YouTube Channel.   If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact

This episode is about how both over the counter and prescription medication can affect your sexual responses. If you are taking an over the counter medication for insomnia you might be removing your ability to perform the horizontal mambo. Resources Mentioned: Anxiety Disorder Association of America - Fact and Statistics page. Consumer Reports article on taking over the counter sleep medication long term. MedLine Plus information sheet on Diphenhydramine which is found in sleep medication, cold and flu medication and other similar products. Did James Bond have tremors due to the amount of alcohol consumed?  Maybe. National Institute of Health page on Mental Health Medication.  Musician Moby's four hour relaxation music experience. If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).   Disclaimer:  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This p

Special shout out to reducing your social media time. You don't need to sit in front of the funnel. Take a time out and do something in real space. And check out the resources below if you need tips on setting up your personal boundaries.   References Mentioned: IBM Research 5x5 with the possibility that an AI will diagnose certain mental health conditions. Choose Muse Meditation device http://www.choosemuse.com NAMI tips on Opening Up to Other People about Your Mental Health Charlene Richard on the The Benefits of Setting Boundaries PsychCentral on The Importance of Personal Boundaries Tiny Buddha's post on How to Set Healthy Boundaries in 3 Steps The Art of Charm podcast special edition with Kimberly Seltzer on How to Set Boundaries Quick and Dirty Tips on the Psych Side with Setting Healthy Boundaries    If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).   Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for information purposes

Agoraphobia is an intense fear and anxiety of being in places where it is hard to escape, or where help might not be available. Let talk about it in the open. Resources Mentioned: Peaceful Cuisine is a vegan cooking site but even if you are an omnivore you might find a meditative quality to the music and non-music meal assembly videos. You can also watch the videos on Ryoya's YouTube channel. The podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking will take you on a journey. Sometimes from the darkness to the light and some times standing at the brink of survival. New York Times article on Kitty Dukakis experience with alcoholism, depression and her Electroconvulsive Therapy. Former Massachusetts governor Michael and Kitty Dukakis have a information website about ECT with a FAQ page for those that would like more information. Agoraphobia  information at MedLinePlus Bullying connection to anxiety conditions via StopBullying.org Helpguide.org page on Phobias and Fears MedLine Plus page on Phobias Talkspace App for iPhone an

I have always found that knowledge, accurate information is the foundation for a good treatment plan. I want to reduce the fear with information. What you do about this information is up to you. Resources Mentioned:    A Better Way Speaker of the House Paul Ryan's website on alternative to ObamaCare/ACA A Conservative Approach to Better Health Care - John Kasich Health Affairs Blog  What Would Republicans Do Instead of the Affordable Care Act? The Commonwealth Fund Donald Trump's Health Care Reform Proposals: Anticipated Efforts on Insurance Coverage, Out of Pocket Cost and the Federal Deficits The Heritage Foundation  Impact of ObamaCare The Hoover Institute Instead Of ObamaCare: Giving Health-Care Power To The People The Rand Corporation The Effect of Eliminating the Affordable Care Act's Tax Credits in Federally Facilitated Marketplaces. You can download free pdf from the site. Disclaimer:  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental he

Some folks need the rough side of the path; it is what they know.  Per Wikipedia:  "Research into the hypoalgesic effect of swearing has shown that the use of profanity can help reduce the sensation of pain. This phenomenon is particularly strong in people who do not use such words on a regular basis." If this works for you there is a video and/or an app that might speak to your soul.  Resources Mentioned: Jason Headly at F-That A Honest Meditation on You Tube The iOS app for extended NSFW meditation in the Apple Store, search under H*onest Meditation because you can't say bad words in the Apple App Store Elisha Goldstein on 3 Simple Ways to Settle a Busy Mind. Mindful Direct catalog of meditation and mindfulness videos. Inner F-cking Peace and Let that Shit Go Meditation by Power Meditation Group Choose Muse Meditation device http://www.choosemuse.com Tech Crunch video on Brainwave Sensing Eyeglasses If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help:

For those folks with an anxiety disorder learning about conflict resolution is a two-fer, learning to being comfortable within ourselves.  to express what we want and need AND being able to navigate the wants and needs of other people. These are some of the resources that are accessible on the 'tubes. Resources Mentioned:  Scientific American article about the stagnation of mental health treatment. John Moe's The Hilarious World of Depression Podcast The Seven Drivers of Old Habits of Thinking at Mindful.org Conflict Resolution Skills from Helpguide.org Naomi Drew has a list of techniques for relationship based conflict resolution on her website, Learning Peace. Dr. Jennie Bryne video on 6 Steps on Conflict Resolution Life Care Work4Life Conflict Resolution Guide accessed via NOAA.gov If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Disclaimer:  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have r

This is a short episode due to the holidays and my inability to move out of Grouch mode. Ok, I'm not a total grouch, just the freaking music all the time.  Bah, humbug. The main point I wan to say take time for yourself, be kind to yourself and keep your anxiety tool kit handy.   

You know you have a problem with the symptoms. No question. But what is causing the symptoms? That takes a bit of detective work to find that out.  Resources Mentioned:  Anxiety BC Treatment Diagram on I Feel Really Anxious, What Should I Do?  Positively Coping with Health Conditions by the Canadian Consortium for Mental Healthcare Helpguide.org on Therapy for Anxiety Disorders http://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/therapy-for-anxiety-disorders.htm Mindful.org Remedies for Your Anxious Mind Hyptalk.com downloadable audio for Anxiety and Stress conditions Chel Hamilton hypnosis and meditation site. If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).   Disclaimer:  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for pro

It might not be quite ready for prime time but in this case I think you might want to get a head’s up about this innovation in exposure therapy. And you can't talk about the future without understanding the present form of exposure therapy treatment.  Also a look at some of the goodies over at the ADAA site; i.e. webinars and podcasts. Resources Mentioned:  Nature.com journal of Nature Human Behavioral somewhat accessible version of Hacking the Brain to Overcome Fear Academic version of the study in the journal Nature Human Behavior, Article 0006 (2016) Anxiety and Depression Association of America page on past webinars, these are recorded information sessions that you can access at any time.  ADAA.org also has a podcast on anxiety and depression topics.  Good Therapy.org has a full page on Exposure Therapy The Conversation's article about What Is Exposure Therapy and How It Can Treat Social Anxiety??  Brainline Military has a post on Exposure Therapy with a focus on veterans that have PTSD. If you're havi

What causes a panic attack? Some say bio-chemistry, some say certain people are genetically pre-wired for a panic attacks. Some of the known causes could be from abuse, trauma, substance abuse, life changes or another health problem. In this episode, a quick review of panic attack symptoms, some grounding tools and a couple of things to do when you body muscles tense up. Speaking of tensing up, I'm coming down with a cold. You will have no doubt when you hear the episode.   Resources Mentioned: Stress Free Mama on relaxing shoulder or trapezius muscle pain.  Michael Reed Gach video on acupressure point touch of the shoulders and neck area. University of Louisville Information Sheet on Progressive Muscle Relaxation Power of Positivity post on 5 Minute Massage You Can Do Yourself Trailer for Eegah! on YouTube and if you need a laugh or mind distraction. Disclaimer Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. This podcast is not sponsored. Always seek

It was Howard the Duck that said Anticipation over Expectation = Zero.  And that is what you are going to have to remember if you have to deal with Anticipatory Anxiety. Stay in the here an now. That is challenging enough. You don't have to go looking for future trouble.    Resources Mentioned:   VeryWell.com has a page going into more detail about Anticipatory Anxiety  De-castastrophizing Worksheet from Counseling Library, this can help you figure out what to really focus on. This is another De-castatrophizing worksheet that really breaks down the process from fear to stability. Sophie at The Panic Button Blog gives her take on living with ramped up anxiety. Alan from Bullying Recovery talks about how being bullied as a child influences his adult thinking, constantly watching for danger. Good Therapy on 12 Strategies For Coping with Anxiety and Stress   Disclaimer:  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This podcas

California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Maine, voters decided that recreational cannabis use is now legal. Kentucky shuts down two mental health facilities and a look at non-woo woo meditation music options.   Resources Mentioned:  CalmSound.com where you can sample the sound of the ocean at night. There are other sounds that might be equally as relaxing. Jason Shaw’s Music at Audionautix  Jazz and Meditation Music; there is a YouTube channel or you can listen via Amazon Prime Music. Buddha Tribe has a large amount of music. They also have a YouTube channel.   Disclaimer:  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This 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.

This is a special episode for those of you having a profoundly bad day. It is a simple meditation to use when you are deep in symptoms, trouble or flat out trouble. It is a simple breathing exercise with some tips on how to get back to center or at least a tolerable state of being.   The foundation of the meditation was inspired by a quote from psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. You can learn more about him at the Viktor Frankl Institute   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 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

In this episode what to look for in a therapist. Your goal is to find the person that has experience with anxiety, depression, trauma or phobias that align with your needs. I have some questions you need to ask and a look at a therapy hook up app called Talkspace.   References Mentioned: Anxiety and Depression Association of America Find a Therapist page Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist about Treatment via AADA Tracey Cleantis Psychology Today article about Selecting the Best Therapist Good Therapy.org Ethical and Other Guidelines to Seeking A Therapist  Helpguide.org on Finding A Therapist Who Can Help You Heal State of California Booklet on Empowerment Brochure on Selecting A Therapist   Ofer Zur List of 22 Questions to Ask about A Therapist - really good questions. Talkspace App for iPhone and iPad  Talkspace App for Android   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

Self-medication is the practice of using a substance or resource to make you feel better or reduce your symptoms. It is one thing to take the edge off; it is another to go off the edge.  These are some things to think about if you practice self-medication.   Resources Mentioned:   Dual Diagnosis page on Self-Medication The Myths and Facts on Self-Medicating for Anxiety via Healthyplace.com  MedLine Plus has a detailed page on Lorazepam    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 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

There is trickiness in the advertorial world. Be on the look out for freebie health magazines that want you to buy their products. Also a look that Constructive Living Therapy. Resources Mentioned: Constructive Living by David K. Reynolds Ph.D via a Kindle book, paperback or audio cassette. Sounds True Audio Recording of Constructive Living  There is an interview with Dr. Reynolds via an archive at New Dimensions Radio. Robert J. Caffrey, MA, JD 2009 thoughts about Morita Therapy which is a strong anchor to Construction Living therapy.  Australian Well Being Magazine has a lengthy post about Morita Therapy I'm not sure but these seem to be the official web site of Dr. Reynolds Constructive Living 1 and Constructive Living 2 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 podcast is intended for informational an

You as a health care consumer have to know what you are taking, the possible side effects and interactions with the foods you eat and other medications you have know that the good stuff does not necessarily come cheap or is high priced. There are resources you can use to help you make an informed decision.     Resources Mentioned: Johnny B. Truant's The Universe Doesn't Give A Flying Fuck About You University of Chicago Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research page on Kava  Harvard Health Publications Women's Health Watch page on Kava and Inositol Carrie Ramsdell's Kava Information Graphic NCCIH page on Kava National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements -  What you need to know before your buy FDA warning about Kava if you have a liver condition Dietary Supplement Label Database you type in your herb or mineral of choice; it will show you various vendor products and you can drill down to what you want or need in a supplement   Disclaimer: Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider w