Anxiety Road Podcast

There are forces that have us in a state of stress and unbalance. It is intentional. Our stress levels are way too high.  In this episode, I'm talking specifically about stress but those of us with anxiety still need to pay attention.    We still have the ability to decide how we want to go forward. You might need a personal support system to help you deal with the days, months or however ever long we survive this moment in time.   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:  Stress definition and tips to handling it from the World Health Organization. The American Psychological Association has a dictionary style definition from their point of view. The non-profit American Institute of Stress also provides information about stress. There is a stress questionnaire that could help you figure out your stress level and provide information on handling it. There is a fee for ac

Social anxiety is not about being shy or people not wanting to be social. People with social anxiety beats up on themselves before others get a chance to do it.  It is a condition where an excessive amount of fear is generated by the anticipation of rejection.  Either way, it can be harmful to the spirit. In this episode, a quick look at the book How to Be Your Self by Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D. 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:  If you need information about Social Anxiety Disorder, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a free PDF on the condition and suggestions on treatment options. The Insight Timer app has a course by Dr. Hendriksen called Rising Above Social Anxiety.  The Yale Medicine website has an explainer page on Social Anxiety. Bookshop.org is a way to support independent bookstores. You purchase the book online via the website and an

Yeah, it is a real thing and we are existing in it. From the looks of things most of us are struggling and that is never a good thing. An infodemic is a smash up between too much information and a pandemic. I didn't invent this term. Goes back to 2001-2003ish.   There is a pandemic of bad, worse and toxic levels of disinformation. People are getting sick or at risk of ingesting poor quality information sources.    I'm not being hyperbolic here. I stopped monitoring local and national news. All of it and cut back on social media too. And I actually turn off my phone at night.    In my limited defense, I did not want constant notifications of dubious statements and horrifying facts. I've mention this in the podcast. It is ok to take a break from the firehouse of news.   But there is a cost.  One morning, I woke up, turned on the phone and found out about not one but two wildfires.   We need safe and viable ways to monitor the news without crushing our spirts to dust. I have an idea or two.  This are just my id

In this episode, a brief explanation of cognitive behavioral therapy and then an overview of the mental health apps that claim to provide treatment or support resources. There are a lot of companies that are trying to convince insurance companies, private businesses and consumers that their app is the one to help treat mental health issues.  Just one problem. There is only (at this time in January 2025) that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows the smartphone Rejoyn app to be recognized as a treatment for depression.   And you need a prescription for it.   Everything else in the mental health market place needs to be seriously evaluated by consumers to see if what is offered is acceptable to you and supports your treatment goals..   This is an overview of some of the things you should know if you decide to use an app. 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 medical term for this is called bruxism. It is when a person grinds, gnash or clench your teeth and jaw bone. We are going to have a lot more people doing this in the year to come.    This is a pebble in the road on the condition and resources you can use to help you make decision about your health. 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 Johns Hopkins Medicine site has an explainer about Bruxism that talks about who is at risk, the causes and treatment options.    American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has a page on Understanding the relationship between bruxism and stress.    Open Path Psychotherapy Collective helps folks locate therapists that agree to a sliding fee payments for services. You can filter for those things that you would want in a therapist. Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute e

Agoraphobia is the fear of being away from a safe place. People with agoraphobia have trouble being in certain types of public places. They also have problems with enclosed areas that don't seem to have an escape path. There are people that do just fine traveling only to a home, the store, work and maybe the church. Anything more than that causes them distress.    There are people that cannot ride a bus or the subway. It is the fear of being trapped without an escape. Then you have people that cannot leave their homes or they can only do so with someone accompany them.    In this episode a quick look at the condition, some of the symptoms and resources to get you started on your recovery journey. 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 Library of Health MedlinePlus page on Agoraphobia   National Institute of Mental Health booklet on Panic Disorders HelpGui

We have to be a lot more careful about the apps we put on our phones and tablets. In the entrepreneurial app space, there are a lot of apps that claim to be mental health or wellness apps. Many now have AI slapped on their covers.  At this time, AI is a collection of words, stolen data and snatched public domain text to make it seem like it can answer a question.   It can't. The response you get is a gussied up form of pattern matching. There is no intelligence or thinking from the app. That doesn't mean that the contraption can or can't help you.   It does mean that you need to be aware of your needs. You should start to have a baseline of what a mental health the app can do for you.     There are going to be a lot more apps being released in 2025. We need to build an understanding of what is and is not acceptable in a so-called mental health or wellness app.   In case you are new here, I do not accept advertising, affiliate links or other forms of compensation. This is my subjective opinion of what I perce

Once upon a time I had this guy call me on Thanksgiving day to sell his carpet cleaning service. He probably thought is was a good idea, everybody would be home. Probably had that 100 calls mentality.  I was not joyful or merry when I got that call. I did not curse him out. I reminded him that it was Thanksgiving day. The call ended shortly after that statement.   For some of us, this is the start of enforced joy and merriment. The imperative to buy, buy and buy some more.    I want for you a different imperative. To take care of yourself as best you can. Watch what you eat and drink. And if you are prone to having alcoholic drinks, make sure you also gulp down plain water for brain hydration.    Or you could, embrace the mocktail life. Just a thought.   Balance your sweets with actual veggies and fruits.  Don't indulge in toxicity from media or other sources. Say "Thank you" if it helps you to get out of the store faster.    Our goal is to get to January 2, 2025. And then we get ready to meet the next cha

EFT Tapping, that takes me back a couple of years. Back when there was limited 240x 120 size video on websites. My symptoms were really bad that that time. I tried to make sense of it. I couldn't. Not with a 56k modem.   I quickly moved on to other possible help sources. About a year ago, I saw a EFT Tapping video. I tried it out. It did work for me if I was on the edge of an attack. Not so much if I have a big hella whopper of one, but that might be just me.    This time, I went looking for answers.   I did find some. Not enough to satisfy folks on the medical evidence-based  side of the fence.    But in-between the hooey and the functional components is a way of feeling better without risk to the body or the wallet.   This technique has been infused with cognitive therapy, meditation and affirmations. Those things do work. It might not work for everyone. But there are folks that have found relief practicing FTF Tapping.   You couldn't get some of those same people go to a meditation class but they are doin

It has been a few days and some of us are struggling hard. I want to give just a few ideas on how to deal with Class A, what the heck kind of pain is this?   For this space in time, find a moment to just be. For some of us, disassociation is not a bad thing. I don't recommend it for a day-to-day experience but if it gets you to the store and back, score.   For other, you might have a crying jag or two. It is okay. I understand.    When you are ready, we will start again and work our way to better health. In the meantime, don't be ground down.    Don't give your time and attention it to the assholes. Keep it moving in a positive direction.   Monitor your news flow. I'd suggest you go cold turkey on it, but that is just me.   Stay with the basics, eat, bathe and find your internal safe place.   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. Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for infor

Seems like everybody is catching a little hell. We need to do something about that. Chip at that rock. For folks that are going through Postpartum Depression, there are resources that can help you get through the challenges of having this disorder. This is a short episode that list two or three resources, depending on how you count them on contacting assistance. If I find more, I'll add them to the resource lists or create another 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:  Postpartum Support International has a helpline, a provider directory and community to assist folks with the condition.   PSI also has a page for Queer/Trans parents experiencing postpartum depression.     The site has an app that provides access to information, the helplines and the a community that truly understands the problems of folks that experience PPD or miscarriage.   PSI App via the

With attacks on mom and non-mothers, it is easy to forget there are dads that might need assistance too. Giving birth can be a challenging experience.  There are anxiety conditions that can occur because of pregnancy. In this very short episode, I have a resource from Postpartum Support International (PSI) that might be helpful to the fellas that are finding themselves on the Anxiety Road. 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:  Postpartum Support International (PSI) has a page specifically for dads needing assistance with anxiety or depression generated by pregnancy or birth of a child.   There is also a telephone helpline in English and Spanish 800-944-4773, or you can text help to the same number. The helpline is operational from 8am to 11pm Eastern time.   I also has an app that can help parents access help and support as well as a community that understands

There are a lot of books about anxiety, stress and related conditions. There is junk, AI junk, books that don't work for you and the ones that can change your life. The book You Will Get Through This; A Mental Health Tool Kit may or may not work for you.  But you won't know until you first know about it and read a sample chapter. The book is written by two psychologists and a licensed professional counselor.   The style is clear and they get to the point with good suggestions.  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:  You Will Get Through This; A Mental Health Tool Kit—Help for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and More by Julie Radico, Nicole Helverson, Charity O’Reilly published by The Experiment Publishing.    You can read the table of contents, introduction and a sample chapter that I found on the book page at Kobo.com  Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided

In this episode, I want to do a dive into what you should know before buying a book on anxiety support or treatment. Depending on how and where you get that book, there could be a certain amount of misrepresentation.    The topics in this episode include Private Label Release/White Label books, personal narratives and self-help/support and workbooks. One of my goals for 2025 is find current books that help specific populations.    The music for this week's show is from Logan at www.musicformakers.com. I mispronounced the name of the website and had to take it out.   Wee bit of housekeeping.    I am a real person. This is a 95% human generated podcast. I do use search engines. Many of them now have embed AI features. I write my own scripts and use an image editor that to my knowledge, doesn't use AI (yet). I use a company called Auphonic that does have AI sound cleaning features.    Long time listeners know I need all the help I can get in regard to sound quality.   I need to say all of that because there is

A quick pebble in the road on those in the population that know what a party line is, not to be confused with the groove line and the collective horrors of swallowing Cod Liver Oil. Anxiety does not have an age limit or time out feature. Age doesn't necessarily protect you from having an anxiety condition.    This is just a brief look at some of the things you should consider if you are take a swig to deal with your symptoms.   P.S, really not a good idea.   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. National Institute on Aging has a facts information page about aging and alcohol.   The (UK) Royal College of Psychiatrists on Alcohol, Mental Health and the Brain   The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Mental Health in Canada page on Alcohol Use in Older Adults   And from the U.S. Veterans Health Library, Unhealthy Alcohol and Drug Use and Mental Health, th

This is a quick look at the Healthy Minds Program App and what can do for you to help you chill out. One way to think about mindfulness it is an intentional period of time that you practice of grounding yourself in the moment.    Meditation is a method that you use to help you get to a mindful space.  Some of those tools include breathing, movement, or a specific mental practice to create healthy pathways and move out the muck.   What can it do for you: Meditative practice Audio education on training the brain and understanding the mind. Tracking your wellness level. Helps to reduce anxiety levels. There is no charge to use the app but they would not mind if you made a donation to support the non-profit that created it.   This app is available on Android and iOS devices. Just a reminder, I do not accept advertising or have affiliate links. I seek out the resources and products.    In eight years, I have never done an interview. I don't want to. I'd rather have a conversation.  But not necessarily via the

Those of us that want to find solutions or treat their anxiety have a lot of things to think about. We also need resources and practical things that can help us deal with our symptoms.  You might need a centralized place to keep track of treatment, apps, concepts and skills to improve your health. A toolbox is a container for those items that help you with a project. An anxiety toolbox is a real or metaphorical container for the things you need to help control your symptoms and treat your condition.    In this episode, I want to talk about the idea of what an anxiety toolbox could be. I can't define what your toolbox would look like. But I can tell you, especially when you are at high tide, it could be very helpful. 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:    KFF News story about a non-therapist spouse providing mental health session via an on-line service. CCI Fact S

This is the second part of a look at some of the mental health treatment options in 2024. There have been changes since the creation of the podcast in 2015.   For example, in 2015 there were limited telehealth options, no entrepreneurial mental health apps and service providers. No A.I enhanced apps. And mental health services was primarily provided face to face or in a group setting. There have been changes in technology and access to care.   For my overseas listeners, I'm sorry but this one is going to be U.S. centric. There are cultural, governmental and way too many differences in access to treatment.  Please continue to listen and glean from it what you can.   Before I get to that, it helps if you know the terms, vocabulary and some of the science based options for your anxiety.    One of the resources that is accessible is located at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health - Booklets and Fact Sheets. Consider this a starting point in your treatment, so that you have a understanding of what is go

I'm coming up on the anniversary for the podcast. I started in 2015 because even with the internet at the time, it was hard to find accurate information about having an anxiety or mental health condition.    I also felt that limiting treatment just to medication or therapy didn't necessarily take into consideration the needs of a diverse group of people with the disorder.    There are people that have symptoms and just want them to stop. Those folks need to know you might stop one set of symptoms but if you don't address the problem, they will come back.   I also have folks that will not, cannot and should not take medication. Therapy can help but you might have to do other things, like learn to meditate, breath for symptom control and manage you sugar intake.   Movement is important. Proper amount of sleep is essential. Work/Life balance isn't a dirty concept, it is what our bodies need to function and thrive.   So I'm breaking this up into a series of post. The first one is about Medication in 2024.   If yo

Nutmeg has been around for centuries being used for good and for evil. The evil part comes in when traders who couldn't get their hands on the actual spice would make wooden balls out of anything and sell it .    The TLDR is that you have to be careful with nutmeg. You can have it in small amounts. And I do mean small. A pinch, a dash or maybe just a quarter of a teaspoon.    Anyway flimflam goes way back. And it does move forward.    My email got flooded with news about nutmeg for anxiety symptoms and treatment. The truth is out there but with AI writing blog posts and SEO spamification it is getting harder to know if you reading accurate information.   So in this episode I want to present to you some information you can use if you come across an ad for a website stating this spice is a viable for anxiety symptoms. There is no medical proof that it does but that won't stop a lot of people from trying it. If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevo