Anxiety Road Podcast

This is a pebble in the road about the fear of change. Specifically, the phobia about the fear of change. It has a name. Metathesiophobia. It is much easier to say the fear of change. That is the topic of this episode.  There is a lot of fear romping around these days. I think it is important to know what you are dealing with but that is just me. I can see that for a lot of people, getting back to "normal" overrides anything else. They want and need that structure.   They want it the way it was. Even if there is sufficient information to warrant a change, even temporary. Or permanent. And that is ok, if it doesn't impact your or another persons life.    Not being political here. Let me give an example.   Ralph goes to work, then goes home. Does not go anywhere on the weekends.   Does not like being alone so somebody has to be in the house with him.   Does not take vacations and doesn't like it if the family wants to go. So they don't go anywhere as a group.    Ralph knows this isn't right but he can't tolera

Some of the people with an anxiety disorder have excessive negative thoughts. They come at you like a Tommy gun. Obsessively repetitive negative thoughts.    The kinds of things that would get a birth pessimist shook up. There isn't one type of negative thought. These things have a pattern or an intensity that can internally terrorize person in their own body.   The good news is that there are ways to control and maybe even stop them. That is the topic of this episode.   PS: This is not about positive thinking. This is about controlling one of the symptoms of having a medically diagnosed anxiety condition.  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:  At ADAA.org a post on Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts and how to understand them.   Melli O'Brien at MrsMindfulness on The Four Keys to  Overcoming Negative Thinking for Good.   I can't let this go, Steven Universe clip on Just A Though

There was a news story about people putting on the masks. People mentioned symptoms about heart palpitations, can't breathe and feeling disorientated. Those are some of the symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack.    You might have to go through a process to be comfortable wearing a mask. There are a lot of things you can do. In this episode, a look at some of the things you can do to make peace with the mask, if you want to.    What am I talking about? Well, some of the things that cause problems is the fabric of the mask, or how it feels on your skin. It could be too light or to heavy a fabric.    Or you have feelings that you can't quite express but you don't like it. And that is ok to acknowledge that. Well, maybe not on Twitter. But it is also ok to find ways of making it work for you.    As I mentioned in the podcast, I'm not looking to help anybody not wear the mask. This is an adult decision. The reasons have been presented by other sources for and against.    But if you want to wear one and are havi

When you have certain types of anxiety conditions, you could experience an increase in the number of negative thoughts.  Or you already have an abundance of negative thoughts and the anxiety or depression is make it worse. In this episode, a look a three types of thoughts that could be romping around in your head. And some of the resources that might help you to understand and bring order to the chaos. 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:    Body Dysmorphic Disorder and the Impact of COVID-19 and Quarantine from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.   Cartoon Network a clip from Mindful Education episode from Steven Universe: Here Comes a Thought.   ADAA.org post on Thoughts Are Just Thoughts: How to Stop Worshiping Your Anxious Mind From the University of Wisconsin UW Health information page on Stopping Negative Thoughts   Disclaimer:  Links to other sites

If you are curious about sound bath and sound meditation and want to know if this is something that could help you maintain sleep, be comfortable in your body or need a soothing sound sensory experience, then this might be an episode of interest 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:  National Alliance page of Mental Illness on Understanding Your Diagnosis. Really good article about the process and what to be aware of when you get a diagnosis. My Safe Zone is an app for those that have active symptoms or have panic attacks. It is  available on both the Android and iOS app stores. Or you can also visit the web site for additional support information.  Very Well Mind's information page on What are sound baths? Ambient Sound Podcast with Matt Borghi where you can listen to soothing music. There is also a Spotify list for short clips or extended sound experiences.  S

In this episode, a look at a particularly pesky symptom of depression, hopelessness. And a look at some of the resources you can use to help you understand what is going on and resources for treatment.   When you have depression as part of your anxiety condition, being told to think happy thoughts probably isn’t gonna do much for you.    You may have to process that info in a different way that does not include the word happy. And you probably need the help of a professional behavioral health person to do that. In my opinion. 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:  Depression Basics brochure from the National Institute of Mental Health   Anxiety vs. Depression: Which Do I Have (or Both?) from the Health Essentials via Cleveland Clinic   There is an excerpt at PychCentral of the nine types of hopelessness a person can experience.  The excerpt is from the book, Hope in the Ag

When I read some of the posts and articles about how to deal with depression, I often encounter content that states that "if only you would change your thinking." Or the reader is being told to employ positive thinking techniques. Or is being given the f*ck up bunkie, nobody cares but you pep talk. Or "Pour more faith into it, that will fix it." I have no doubt that some of the above works for a specific set of people.    I think the most important thing to understand is that there are multiple forms and levels of depression and there is treatment available. Your task might be to find the right treatment for you.   If you can't read or think your way out of your depression there might be a reason for that; like an internal body problem. You won't know that unless you get evaluated and remove the possibility that there could be an organic problem inside of your body.   In this episode, I want to look at the definition of depression and some of the resources to learn about the condition.    If you need support

Yeah, best laid plans and cucumbers. You know for certain what you are gonna get with cucumbers. But not to leave you totally in the lurch, I have three resources that you might be interested in checking out.  First is a free meditation resource and then two books, one is a short e-book on Worry and Anxiety and the other is about having an anxiety condition and a relationship. 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:  Self-Compassion Guided Meditations and Exercises from Kristen Neff's Self-Compassion web site.  The Sheldon Short Guide to Worry and Anxiety by Frank Tallis, this is a 64 page guide that is available at many of the online book vendors. You can read a portion of the book at Google Books. Anxious in Love: How to Manage Your Anxiety, Reduce Conflict, and Reconnect with Your Partner by By Carolyn Daitch and Lissah Lorberbaum · You can read an except of the book at

It is like waiting for the other shoe to drop. I enjoy the rest period, but I’d just assume we’d all get instant enlightenment and be done with it.    Since that isn’t going to happen, I do have actionable resources for you to help get a grip on your symptoms and your condition.  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 report about how All Women Should Be Screened For Anxiety Disorders.   Screening for Anxiety in Adolescent and Adult Women: A Recommendation From the Women's Preventive Services Initiative   KevinMD post about We need improved mental health care for physicians.   Brightside is a remote treatment service for people with depression and anxiety. The FAQ page on where the service is currently authorized to offer services.    Main website of Overdrive.com; you will need to have a library card from your library system to access the collection o

I tried to write through it. I tried to be pity or intelligent or something.  For 10 hours I tried to try to communicate something that would not be a waste of time.  I couldn't do it. So, I had to step back and look for some of the help I needed. That is what I want to share in this episode.  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:  2015 Clinical Psychology Review #36 Burnout–depression overlap: A review access via Community College of New York. The Liberate Meditation app has content specifically for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. There is a free version and you also can purchase a subscription.   Food vs. mood: Eating for physical and mental health during COVID-19 by Dr. Uma Naidoo From the Center of Mindfulness and Compassion there are audio recordings to help you get int a mindful state. You can listen on the web page or download them to your device.    Sittin

Agoraphobia is not just the fear of going outside; many agoraphobics do just that. It is the constant feeling of fear and possibly, but not always, the fear of having a panic attack in public.  In this episode, a look at treatment resources for those that have this condition. There is a strong link between agoraphobia and a panic disorder. 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:  BoosterBuddy App can help you to remember medication and appointment, has a journal feature and tips on self-care and motivation. You can download the app via the Apple App store or Google Play Apps. U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus definition of Agoraphobia and treatment options.   Another resource is from the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy page on Panic Disorders and Agoraphobia.    You can also check out therapist Kati Morton's video on agoraphobia.   Dr. Julie Conner's p

I feel like I am between a wall and a hard place. I want to describe options that you have when it comes to treating the diagnosed version of an anxiety condition or disorder.  I really don’t want to tell folks what to do with two exceptions, don’t give up and don’t kill yourself.  But this is a bad week in a string of bad weeks. We need some re-enforcement. So here are some emotional self care tips to hold us as we intentionally move forward. 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:  Jo Burgess from Life Sorted suggest monitoring your internal dialogue in a post called Simple ways to practice emotional self-care and transform your life.    A Compassionate Guide to Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic Part 1: Understanding Why We Are so Anxious Right Now School Library Journal has #BreakTheStigma: 14 Nonfiction Mental Health Books for Children, Tweens, and Teens    There i

We don't just talk the talk about these parts, this is a living on-going learning process about how to exist in this time with an anxiety disorder.  In this episode, how I headed off a panic attack with a can of frozen orange juice. And more to the point, adjust your symptoms management to the 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:    https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/may/13/act-now-to-get-ahead-of-a-mental-health-crisis/ From the Psych Hub website there are two videos of interest, the first being a video explaining what compassion fatigue is and some of the things folks can do to handle it.    There is another video about what is anxiety, the types of anxiety and the availability of treatment. These videos introduce the concepts and give you initial information.   The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association (SAMHSA) also has a fact sheet on compassion fatigu

In this episode, a look at a disorder that is commonly mistaken for shyness. It isn't about shyness or being bashful. Social Anxiety Disorder (aka Social Phobia) affects a lot of people.   According to the Andrew Kukes Foundation, that is 1 in 8 people or 15 million people.    Social Phobia is an irrational believe that a person is being observed and judged. The belief is so strong there are physical symptoms and the disorder has the ability to disrupt and impact the quality of a person's life. So let's take a look at the disorder and look at resources that can help folks deal 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.   Resources Mentioned:  The National Institute of Mental Health has a fact sheet on Social Anxiety Disorder AKA Social Phobias.  The Social Anxiety Association has an information page with definitions and treatment options.    Anxiety and Depression Association has a page or

Perhaps there is a better way for both of us to have what we want, occasionally, and eat better 90 percent of the time. We gotta pay attention to both mental and body systems. We have to focused on taking care of the brain and brain functions. One of the ways we do that is by making better food and nutritional choices. So in this episode, a really simplistic definition of oxidative stress and some of the foods and supplements that can keep the free radicals in our bodies from gunking up the works. 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 has a page on 7 Tricks to Manage Anxiety. Author Veronica Roth has an opinion piece in the New York Times about going off her anti-depressant medication under stay at home orders The Breethe (double ee) app is available via the Apple and Google app stores. There is also a Breethe YouTube channel that answers so

In this short episode, a look at some of the resources you can use to understand how creativity can help you get an understanding about anxiety, or help you cope during isolation or remind yourself to have something to look forward to. We all need that. We really do. 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 Boing Boing, a trip back to the musical past of 1969 with Tom Jones wailing with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Céline Terranova post on "Don't let anxiety kill your creativity" from The Part-Time Artist. Artist, author, dad and blogger Austin Kleon e-mail newsletter has pulled me out of a depressive dive or two. There is a 2014 TEDxCharlotte talk from Sharon Dowell about Anxiety as Fuel for Artistic Creativity. There is also a 2015 TEDxProvidence talk from Jeffrey Sparr on Using Art to Combat Anxiety. Felt Magnet How can I be more creative as an adult? There are

In this episode, a look at affirmations. Not as a linguistic vending machine. Or a means to be financially powerful. I'm viewing affirmations as a tool to support healing. Not the only tool to be used but as a means of support, nourishment, encouragement and self-care. We are humans. And are hard wired to seek certain things in order to be functional and stable. We don't have those things and we get a little crazy. And then a lot more crazy. Affirmation are not for everyone. There are people who are task or function specific. Speaking words of encouragement to themselves isn't comfortable to them. They view it as a waste of time. Easier to take a pill. Some people do believe that there is a separation between the mind and body and only want to focus on their symptoms. Whatever you believe, I hope that you would try to see affirmations as option to be kind to yourself. 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 “S

It is a mess. It is a time and wowzer, every day a pip. Trauma is waving the freak flag and there are people that are hurting. This includes you and me. What should have been and what's going to be are not something that can be predicted. We have been changed. We are in a state of change and along with the bad stuff is the potential for some good stuff too. But first, we have to recognize that we are fractured and need some healing invisible Spackle to get ourselves in a better place. 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 an article for Prevention Magazine, Carson Daily talks about having general anxiety disorder and how he treats with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. From Zagat Stories, Chef Eric Ripert uses meditation as a tool to run his kitchen and bring calm to his life. Leslie Sanson has a series of videos for walking at home. To get a sample of what that is like

I go between being rock solid to a quivering mess. Especially when people are making economic decisions about my worth on the planet. I don't know, something about it just doesn't sit right with me. We do things differently around here. Inconsistent as well as predictable.This time out it is a look at certain music videos that might serve as reminders of some self-care techniques. This time it is a look at specific music videos that might speak to the anxious in the ways that the normals might not make a connection. But you might. And it might help you remember a self-care technique that could help you feel more comfortable. 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:  Voices in the Head and/or Existential Dread Falling on Deaf Ears: When Others Don’t Honor Your Voice, blog post by Kristina Kelly Til Tuesday Voices Carry Gnarls Barkley's Crazy from the album St Elsewhere. Depres

I feel like it has been five years in this one week. It has been a pip of a time with more to come. But we got work to do. This is the next episode on organizing your thoughts to come up with a decision grid to help you see what you want or need to do about treatment. 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:  BBC post about protecting your mental health during these times. Really good advice for reducing your news intake and strive for quality resources, reduce your social media and find ways to stay connected. From Maxwell Software there is the Pocket Meditation app for iPhone and iPad. There is a free and a paid version. Buddify offers you a selection of options that meet your needs. There is a guided and unguided modules, the ability to track you meditation time and other features. It is available on Android and iOS devices. Resources for researching medication options: