ARP 333 Two Simple Meditation Techniques

When things go wrong and you need a break, like when none of your audio software will record and you have to use your phone, you need to take a moment. 

Or two. Maybe have dinner as well. Some days you have to find ways to roll with it. 

A meditative break can help. That is the topic of this 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: 

Dharma Homies Virtual Meditation Groups

From the website Self-Compassion.org, Changing your critical self talk. 

Tea Meditation Resources:

Gabriela Green post on Tea Meditation: Breathe And Purify Your Mind

From a Buddhist perspective, How to Drink a Mindful Cup of Tea on the Lion's Roar website.

Eye Restfulness Exercises

Annie Thoa Eye Palming for Clear Vision and Deep Relaxation YouTube Video 

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired page on five eye exercises that prevent digital strain.

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.

ARP 332 - Dealing With Jaw Clenching aka Bruxism

Many of us hold our tongues or clench our teeth to protect ourselves from saying what you really want to say. Or feel.

And for most of us, that works and we go about our day. But if you are clenching and grinding your teeth on a daily basis there is going to be a problem. 

Sometimes with your jaw. Or wearing away your teeth. Or having headaches or something worse.

In this episode, a look at what jaw clenching and teeth grinding and some of the things you can do to reduce the symptoms. The medical term is called bruxism. 

I do want to mention that I did not make any references to medication. That is because there can be non-anxiety related forms of bruxism. There can be structural problems with the jaw or mouth.

If that is the source of the problem, then that is more of a dental treatment issue. I'm looking at jaw clenching and teeth grinding from a stress and anxiety point of view. 

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: 

No Time To Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks" By Matt Gutman, who is an ABC news national chief correspondent. You can listen to a sample of the book at the publisher web site.

National Public Radio 1A podcast interviewed Matt Gutman and talked about his experiences having panic attacks on the air. It is a 36-minute conversation. 

The Journal of the American Dental Association page on Bruxism has a patient PDF that you can download. It explains what it is and what you can do about it.

Colgate Bruxism Exercises to Reduce Teeth Grinding.

All about BRUXISM  via Dentalk! on YouTube. 

Sleep Foundation page about Bruxism. Sleep Foundation is not associated with the non-profit National Sleep Foundation. This company is in the business of selling sleep products. That being said, they do have factual information regarding sleep issues.

Healthline jaw exercise post with gifs to show you how to do it.

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.

ARP 331 Medication Options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2023

I’ve done a couple of episodes on generalized anxiety disorder, sometimes referred to as GAD. However, there have been changes to some of the medication treatment options.

And there are new options that did not exist in 2016 or 2018 so I thought that I’d catch everyone up on what is going to be current for the foreseeable future.

That is the topic for today's 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: 

How to Tell if Shortness of Breath Is From Anxiety and How to Treat It from Livestrong.com

Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a four question screener to help you figure out if you have GAD. The site also has a brochure about what the condition is and some of the treatment options. 

The National Institute of Mental Health has a web page and downloadable booklet on Generalized Anxiety Disorder aka GAD.

Consumer Version of the Merck Manual pages on General Anxiety Disorder with a short video about GAD. 

Prior episode on Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

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.