Show 249 Self-Calming or Self-Medication

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 Documentary on Apple TV or possibly as an addition subscription on you media services. If you have a recent device purchase form Apple you can get a free year long subscription (In the U.S.). There is also a free seven day trial period, not saying you should do that, but it is an option.

App that Attack

Mental Health America has a screening test for a variety of mental health issues.

Resources Mentioned: 

A Therapist's Journey, Learning the Art of Self-Soothing. A post on NAMI.org.

Over at Psychology Today there is an article on Turning a Vice Into a Virtue Through Healthy Self-Soothing.

And at Loner Wolf a few words on 7 Self-Soothing Techniques to Relieve Anxiety and PTSD

The Self-Medication Theory of Addiction from Very Well Mind.

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 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.

Show 248 - Is Anxiety a Sin?

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 free app that gives basic instructions about meditation. There are also tips to help you sleep and a module for people that have stress and anxiety issues.

Christian Based

Writer Anita Ojeda post on I'd Rather the Church Remain Silent

Sarah J Robinson's Book I Love God but I Want to Die: Finding Hope in the Darkness of Depression. 

Mental Health Grace Alliance page on 6 Reasons Why Depression and Anxiety are Not Signs of a Weak Faith or Sin.

The Faith & Mental Wellness Podcast with Brittney Moses. On her web site there is a list of Christian specific mental health resources.

Christian therapy services in the podcast are Christian Therapist On Demand and MyCounselor.Online.  

Pastor/Minister Based:

Mental Health Access Pack is a resource for churches to learn about mental health conditions and provide spiritual resources to assist and access treatment options for there church members.

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 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.

Show 247 Benzodiazepines Medications for Anxiety Disorders

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 on the possible side effects of medication.

Consumer Version of Merck Manual Overview of Anxiety with links with information about  the anxiety anxiety drugs, uses and side effects. 

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 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.

Show 246 - Awareness

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.

Pharmacies Could Soon Offer Customized, 3D-Printed Medication on Demand from Courthouse News and Fortune Co-Design page on Future pills will be personalized and 3D printed, just for you

CVS Minute Clinic Virtual Clinic, no insurance required. Designed for non-emergency care or rapid care that doesn't rise to an emergency.

Walmart Care Clinics provide non-emergency care but they also have counseling services in Arkansas, Georgia and Texas.

App that Attack

Mindful Special Edition Vol. 7: Your Guide to Mindful Living or if you want to check out the Mindfulness Magazine for their content.

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 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.