Anxiety Road Podcast

An iceberg belief is a self-limited thought. And one of the strange things about it is that some of those self-limiting thoughts can come from your family, broadcast and social media or your culture. Anxiety and anxiety symptoms can amp up or bring to the surface some of those embedded thoughts.   Those thoughts can pop up as you watch a video. A car racing down the street. A song that brings up a memory. Or it is 1:57pm and you got a way to go before the end of the day.   You are whipping on yourself that working, doing, being isn't enough. You feel mediocre or less than you think you should be. Sometimes a bunch of commercials try to reinforce that statement.    "Just buy Cranko and you will feel or live better."    The iceberg belief can add fuel to your anxiety about a situation. That may or may not be true.    In this episode, a definition of a self-limiting thought, some examples and a few resources to ponder.   If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the

Still in vacation mode but have plenty to talk about. Part of today's episode deals with digital and health literacy. Well, truthfully I try to sneak it in whenever I can.    Digital Literacy is "is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills."   Health Literacy is "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." Part of today's episode deals with both digital and health literacy. There are dozens of apps for anxiety and depression users. There are some crappy ones, that steal content from other creators and providers.  The meditation apps that charge you a subscription to access content from another website. That is free to download and listen too. Those burn me up.   Or apps that connect to another content creator's website. It does provide information. It also is harves

So many people do not accept that athletes and entertainers are real people with issues. Being an athlete or rich person does not exempt you from being human.   You have to deal with like depression, anxiety or being an introvert being in the public realm. Broke or rich, having an anxiety disorder is rough.   Depression is also no joke. But both are treatable.    And I truly want to do an episode or two about the American Medical Association and their roll or lack of it when it comes to recognizing their part about access to physical and mental health care.   And it isn’t just America. Other folks from other countries have issues with their primary and general care physician. That don’t recognize mental health as part of their health care system.    Or there isn’t a physical health care system in place. At all.   And one more thing. I have noticed that some people who think they have power call other people that use their power, a snowflake, or some other pejorative term.    So in this episode I talk about mo

In this episode, a quick look at what is self-calming and self-medication.   Words are tricky. In this context, I’m speaking about a psychological concept of self-medication to seek relief from emotional or mental health symptoms.   There is another meaning of the term about the necessity of self-treatment when you do not have access or can't afford healthcare services. That isn’t the topic of this episode.    I've touched on that aspect in other episodes but that requires a deep dive for another time. 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. In the News Very Well Health has an updated post on how How Phobia Is Treated.    Literary Hub except called. The Toll of Perfectionism: On the Physical and Mental Health of Ballet Dancers     It comes from the book, Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers Is Saving Ballet from Itself. The publisher is Bold Type Books   The Me You Can't See Documen

The short answer is no. It is a medical condition. It can be treated 99.5 times out of a 100.  But many people do not know that they have an anxiety disorder or seek treatment. Some of the reasons for this is what they are being told in certain houses of faith.    The good news is that is slowly changing. More faith based institutions are working with mental health professionals. There are practitioners that have both spiritual and mental health license credentials.   This episode lightly touches on some of the statements that are made and factual information about anxiety and anxiety conditions/disorders.     For the record, I am a heathen, second class. Working hard to see if I can make it to third class. 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:  In the News:   Article on Vice.com on What to Do if You’re Barely Keeping It Together Right Now   App that Attack:   Medito is a f

Medication is one, but not the only treatment option when it comes to anxiety. In this episode, a description of what Benzodiazepines Medication are, some of the names and resources to check out.    In housekeeping news, thank you all that have stuck with me. I found out that the new software and microphone I was using  had a distortion.    I couldn't hear it on my side but I was checking an episode on a podcasting app and oooh, not what I intended. If you didn't hear the distortion, I'm glad.    If you did then I'm really sorry.    I'll find a solution. Seem like the story of my life. Find the problem. Find the solution. 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:  ADAA.org has a page on the various types of medication for anxiety disorders and some of the questions you might want to ask your doctor. HelpGuide.org is a resource for mental health information. They do have a page o

They say it is Mental Health Awareness Month 2021. It is also National Barbeque Month, and so many more affinity items and groups.  It is the things that we pay attention to that can define us. Or not.   There is a New York Times article about research being conducted about talk therapy and MDMA for sever PTSD cases. Much more testing need to occur but it seems promising.    There will folks that will be thrilled about this news. And others that will thump up on some book that proves the end it near.   Still a matter of perspective.   In this episode, a variety of news stories regarding mental health concerns and mental health services at CVS Pharmacy.    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:  In the News   American Broadcast Company (ABC) news story about folks having vaccine anxiety after getting their shot. CDC finds some COVID-19 vaccine reactions actually due to anxiety.

In the episode, I mentioned that your symptoms are not the enemy. They ain’t your friend either. Symptoms are a way for your brain and body to communicate with you. Your symptoms do not use words. They do not do that noun conjunction verb.  They are good at telling you there is a problem. They are lousy at telling you why there is a problem. They try. They really do.    Like if you really don't like riding in elevators your body will tense up. Could be because work will be hectic. Could be that you don't like small boxes filled with people.   So this is just a basic reminder of the general categories of symptoms and some of the things that could occur on or in your body. 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:  Depresh Mode with John Moe from Maximum Fun.org There is also a YouTube channel. And if you want to stay in the know about the doings at the new show, there is the pod

If your symptoms or your condition plays havoc with your ability to function you have a problem.   It does help to know. Truth is, It doesn't matter how it got started.   How you are going to handle it or get it treated is your decision. In this episode, a look at some but not all of the causes of an anxiety disorder.    Knowing what you have can take the stink out of it.    Just a heads up, there is a ADAA.org free webinar on How to Overcome COVID Re-entry Anxiety. Just because you got vaxed doesn’t mean that there aren’t going to be issues. Link in the Resources section.   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 ADAA.org, a free May 7, 2021 webinar on How To Overcome COVID Re-entry Anxiety    ADAA.org also has a YouTube channel to catch up on prior webinars and topics of interest.   From the U.S. Office of Women's Health information page on Anxiety Disorders.    Natio

I truly don't know what to say. There needs to be some healing infusions and I don't have any.   But I can say many of us are trying not to be overwhelmed or discouraged by hate based carbon units.   It is hard.  But we can do it. Are ancestors taught us that and we have to hold on waiting for our time to make changes.   Not to wait on them. Make them. In this episode, a few words about why the podcast exist and in App that Attack, a few words on Apollo Neuro. 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:  Apollo Neuro wearable device for stress and mood adjustment. Jon Kabat-Zin meditation app for iPhone and iPad 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

I had wanted to do a show about writing anxiety.  Then I got hit with a wave of brain fog. Pea soup thick. Three full days of trying to think around and over it.  No can do. I can find items for the show. I knew what I wanted to talk about. I just couldn't put the words together.  So this is a pebble in the road with a book recommendation. Dr. Brewer has self-declared he was a traveler on the road. He has the medical chops and it is a different approach to treatment.

I generally don't talk about famous people unless they self-declare their illness or there is a compelling reason. Not in a million years did I think that I would have something to say about Ernest Hemingway.  I knew he was a writer. I knew that he seem to love adventure and liked the ladies both within and outside of the bonds of matrimony. And that he was thought of as a manly man.    So when I heard that there was going to be yet another documentary about Hemingway, I couldn't drum up any reason to watch.    Until I learned more about the man. There are multiple levels to his physical and mental pain.   You got family trauma. Not to mention an undiagnosed hereditary disease attacking his organs. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Bipolar Disorder with two other mood disorders s riding in the backseat.   Arthritis. Depression and anxiety. Self-Treating with alcohol.    Indeed he was a messed up man. Who wrote great books. Who was given the Nobel Prize for Literature.  He was a pip but he was also human. So

You can find ways to deal with your symptoms. For some of us, there is medication. It isn't for everybody. Or you may choose to use a coping skill or relaxation technique. it isn't for everybody.    What is important to know is that you have choices on how you want to handle your symptoms.    In this episode, a look at some of my process and a few resources to check and hopefully use to make yourself more comfortable.   You don't have to suffer.  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:  BetterUp Coaching website provide a matching service for people that are looking for support in their personal or professional goals. It is not a therapy site but some folks do not read beneath the headlines.  Harvard Health Publishing has a post on Progressive Muscle Relaxation and other exercise based relaxation tips.    For those that prefer audio, there is a progressive muscle relaxation

One of the great things about WandaVision is that there was a shared communal place for joy, life and grief. Now the comic book nerd in me is huffing and puffing about conflating three different story arcs in the series. I normally don't like it but WandaVision gets a special dispensation for just how well it can be done.   This episode is about grief. Anxiety can be a dance partner with it or make it presence know. But grief is a powerful thing. Do not disrespect when it walks into the room.    Have all the feelings. Yes.   Don't ignore it. Don't pretend like it isn't there and life goes on.    It will find you and make you listen. 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:  Social Anxiety Kyle is a website that has some free resources, a link to the Social Ninjas podcast and a course for those of you that have social anxiety. My father was famous as John Le Carre, my mother

So, I’m going to lay out a more realistic approach or tips to help folks deciding to walk out the door. I got my sources. I got some real-life experience and not much more than that.  There are folks on Twitter who are struggling on how to make the right decision for them. As it often happens, there are jerk faces who will pop in and state that you gotta man-up and stop being what they perceive to be weak.    Or they will share that they never put on a mask. They never stopped living their lives. To that I say, Ok. Good for you.   But your experience is not mine. I and others made an informed choice based on the information we had at the time and the rising number of people dying. Some of those people we knew and loved.   In this episode, a look at a few tips on how to prepare for re-entry. Those of us that have pre-existing conditions are going to find it a bit hard. Not impossible. Just hard. If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866

There is a lot going on. People are going to need to start thinking about re-entry into their world.    Those those of us that have anxiety conditions and disorders that can be ruff. What you want to do might conflict with what you are able to do.   If you've been on long term lockdown, your brain might put up a fuss about being outside.   I speak from experience. I'm zero for three on it. I did it, but there was a commotion from deep inside about it.   I have a link to a musician's "audiogram" video by the name of Buddy Miles.  Classic thumping track of Them Changes.   In this episode, a suggestion to try to look beyond what you currently know or do about your anxiety.  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:  Them Changes from Buddy Miles. How two or more truths occupy the same space. Helpguide.org has an article on the role of medication in anxiety treatment. The website

Not having a great time but I'm ok. Not like I don't have stuff to do but currently in that vortex of when is the other thing that I think is gonna happen? And in the middle of the vortex are the old symptoms making a bum rush for the gate.    So this episode is a bit more narrative. It is about an experience that I had when I though I was doing the right thing for me.   And it was. But I still ginned up an attack.    It happened for a lot of reasons. Many of which I wrote down and then cut out of the show.   Want some of the truth?   Don't like wearing facemask. I do it. I'm even doubling up on it. But my face and skin don't like it. I do it because it is the right thing for me and other people.   The fear of am I gonna catch it this time? Did I need to do this? Could I have waited one more week?   What if I have another panic attack in the store?   There are dozens more but you get the idea.   One the one side you do the right things. One the other side, all of the combustibles are gaining fuel.   What do y

Loneliness is a 365 day thing but it stings a bit more on February the 14th. Chronic loneliness is when you have long term feelings of isolation.  You ain't go nobody and you feel it in your soul. You don't have to be a natural sad sack to feel this way. Some of the loudest party animals are also chronically lonely.   For some people it is longing for more than superficial conversations.  Or it can be persistent feelings of not being worthy, not being enough or dare I say it, not liking yourself very much. In this episode, a look at some of the things you can do to help you cope or exchange loneliness for something better. 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:  Queen Official Channel video Somebody to Love.    Post on Verywell Mind that lists the risk factors of loneliness can experience.   Emily from Therapy in a Nutshell has an except from her course about Emotional C

A few years ago, I read an article about the tradition of the prisoners' last meal. And then how it ended in many states.     One of the stories involved a man requesting a single olive as his last meal.    That is all that he wanted. He looked at it, held it and then consumed it.   To me, that is an example of a mindfulness practice. In this episode, I'll define what it is and a few resources for you to check out.    I may not be the best person to talk about mindfulness. I'm getting better at it. And I know it does work because better people than myself do it every single day. 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 Mindfulness Workbook for Anxiety: The 8-Week Solution to Help You Manage Anxiety, Worry & Stress by Tanya J. Peterson. Published by Althea Press. Multiple versions available on Amazon.com One Minute Mindfulness by Simon Parke is a a group of stories

Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting. That fear can be so strong that it dictates where you go, what you eat or who you trust to handle your food.    Some mental health professionals think that it could be connected to obsessive compulsive disorder.    In this episode, a look at some of the resources you can access about the phobia and what you can do about 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 Emetophobia Manual is a guide to learning about the phobia and the steps necessary to move toward being healthy.  Very Well Mind has an information page on Causes and Treatment for Emetophobia   From the International OCD Foundation Emetophobia: Fear of Vomiting as an Expression of OCD, a bit more information on how they are connected. What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? There is also a downloadable 24 page booklet on What You Need to Know About OCD and the many symptoms