ARP 384 Changes to 988 Suicide Hotline

I had a flashback. What generated it was that I watched a video of a congress person telling his constituents that only the truly deserving should have access to free health care. Those that work are worthy. That is my understanding of what he said. I could be wrong.

The example he gave was that a 28 year old person who refused to work. Once upon a time, I was truly ill. I had no savings. I owed bills. I couldn't work. The congress person would have deemed me unworthy. 

Just like the Department of Health and Human Services did with the removal of LGBTQ+ access to the 988 suicide hotline. In this episode, what has happened and alternative hotline options.

P.S. to the hot fingered. This is a mental health issue. 

Resources Mentioned:

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community.

 

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options.

 

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of 988 and users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact. There are also text/chat services available to folks in Canada, the UK and Ireland.

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 383 - Dealing with Intrusive Thoughts

I can talk about intrusive thoughts. Doesn't mean I don't still have them. Because I do. Here is the thing. Not only is the intrusive thought false but it is repetitive.

There are things and practices you can do to reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts. In this episode, a recent experience of an intrusive thought and three ideas on how to handle the little haters. 

I messed up the name of the song so I had to take it out. You can find it on YouTube. There is an official CartoonNetwork page. I don't know how long it will last. A lot of cable channels properties are going to be sold or terminated. 

So much is changing. 

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 non-profit Helpguide.org has a full page on Intrusive Thoughts and how to handle them. One of their suggestions is adjust the perceptions of your thoughts and let them be.

From the cartoon Steven Universe, the best musical example of what to do with an intrusive thought. 20+ million folks and counting. Here Comes a Thought. You can find the song on YouTube.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a page on Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts. One of the suggestions is to continue what you were doing before the thought.  

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 382 What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Trying to get back into the flow. I still don't have a desk or recording equipment. My phone will have to do the job. This is a quick pebble in the road on what is a mental health disorder.

Mental health disorders can affect a person's mood, feelings or become intrusive thoughts.

Most of us have experienced high stress periods or feeling like it's too much or way too much, or you really can't stand it anymore. 

For those of us with continuous anxiety symptoms, it leans more toward being a disorder. 

Or a condition.

Now, it's really important that you don't self-diagnose. You really should have a thorough workup by your doctor because there are so many physical health problems that have the exact same symptoms as an anxiety symptoms. 

I just want you to have a better understanding of what those terms mean. 

Bottom line, you have anxiety, you have anxiety symptoms, and they seem to be going on for a long time. It could be a condition. It could be a disorder. 

Or it could just be something that you're dealing with and you're learning how to handle.


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 World Health Organization has an information page on mental disorders. 

The American Psychiatric Association has page on What is Mental Illness?. The site uses condition and disorder. 

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 381 - Smiling Mind App for Meditation and Mental Fitness

After a few minutes of an life update, I talk about the Smiling Minds app, a free resource designed to help practice meditation and also helps to build mental fitness.  

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 Simply Noise app can help you with finding the right sound for your needs, that could be a frequency noise or a sound of nature. Windows users can go to the download section of the website and select the items that will give them an audio balm.

Smiling Mind app provides mindfulness and breathing resources but has evolved into a mental health support and fitness app. There are 700+ mindfulness items that you can use. There is also a mood tracker and other resources.

You can find the app on the Apple App Store  or the Google Play Store.

On the main website you can find an explainer page on how to use the app and some of the features.

One of those features is closed captioning.

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.

Pebble in the Road - Journaling Memory 2002

A brief update. I'm still going through chaos. I'm having to throw away a lot of things and re-organize my life. 

This is a brief pebble in the road on a memory that I wrote down in 2002. It was a bad time. 

There are ups and downs with having an anxiety condition. I was scraping cement at that time.

I'm grateful that is this a memory. I'm going to shred this page but I've memorialized it so there is no loss.

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 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 380 When Panic Hits Home

In this episode, I talk about my process on handing a problem and four resources that might be helpful to those with panic attacks and panic disorder. 

Some of the resources are informative but dry. 

Other offerings are written in a more conversational form, accessible but might not explain a concept or two.

I get a little more personal than I like but I wanted to share with you my panic response to some bad news. 

There are a lot of changes that I'm experiencing at the moment. 

Those changes need attention. I'll do the best I can but it is going to be a challenge to deal with it, work and get out an episode.

I'll do the best I can.

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: 

NAMI is the National Association of Mental Health narrative from Yasmina Rebani-Lee that does a good job of explaining her experience and her process of working through it. It is called Unpacking my Panic Attack.

The Mayo Clinic has a page on Panic Attacks and Disorders. 

The World Health Organization PDF on Panic Disorders

2022 brochure Panic Attacks, When Fear Overwhelms from the U.S. Department of Mental Health

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 379 Drinking Water Temperature

The three main point I want to make are drink water, build and refine your information gathering process and for goodness sake, find ways to have fun, relax or grab a giggle. 

That last suggestion is not in the show but bears repeating. Don't let them steal your joy.

In this episode, a response to two commercials about drinking water temperature and word or two about  how to find viable, authoritative resources. This could help you confirm if the information is factual. 

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: 

Water/Dehydration Sources

Mind.org.UK has a post on food and mental health. It is a good starting point on the things you need to consider when you are trying to take care of your body and brain.

Cleveland Clinic has a dietician respond on Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Hot Water?

The Mayo Clinic has their point of view on How Much Water You Should Drink Every Day?

Some Examples of Viable Health Resources:

American Medical Association has a YouTube channel. The AMA provides information to doctors and the general public. The information will be science based through their perspective as medical doctors. 

The Dana Foundation has a section on their website where they talk about brain information. They have videos and fact sheets for children and adults.

KFF Health News reports on news stories with a health focus, U.S. government policies and interviews with those involved in this space. The site operates independently from the non-profit Kaiser Health System.

There are also the mental health non-profits like Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Helpguide.org, International OCD Foundation and similar groups.

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.

ADAA Webinar on Psychiatric Medication in Pregnancy and Lactation

I get a lot of stuff via email that I can't share in the podcast. It just occurred to me that I could post items that will have eventual homes on YouTube or on the Anxiety and Depression Association (ADAA) website.

Per the press release, 

In honor of May and Maternal Mental Health Week, ADAA is delighted to present the free, live public webinar "Psychiatric Medication in Pregnancy and Lactation: What Can Women Take?" with Barbara Byers, MD, MPH. 

Dr. Byers reviews what we know about the treatment of psychiatric disorders in pregnancy and lactation from a medication standpoint. We will review our knowledge of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. 

The date of the free webinar is  Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 12:00PM ET and 9:00am PT. Sometimes the webinars are ported over to the ADAA YouTube channel. 

Just a head's up. Sometimes the webinars are directed to a professional audience. Peer to Peer type communication. Other times, it is more of a general audience type of presentation.

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 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.

News Anxiety Resources - AllSides.com

Another option for those of us with the information jitters is AllSides.com.  It looks at how a news story is covered via a bias lens of left, center and right from the reporting institution.

The site also has a misinformation page that looks at how a specific story as been distorted or looks at a specific claim of a politician or corporation are being promoted in the public.

Here is an explainer video created by AllSides.com

AllSides.com is a public benefit company.  This means that it operated as a corporation but the focus is on serving the public good as the primary focus of the company. 

There are still shareholders but the focus is to be of service AND then make a profit.

This is different from a non-profit corporation. 

Allsides.com could sell cars, candy or anything else (they don't as far as I know). They don't get any special benefits and they have to follow standard corporation reporting.

A non-profit corporation must be aligned to their stated mission. 

Anyway, consider this site an option. 

You can use it to know what bias or filter the story is being reported. Or that help you understand what the other side is seeing in terms of coverage of a particular story.

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 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 378 Gatophobia or Fear of Cats

We all have that thing that gets under our skin. The thing we can't stand and won't abide in any form. That at best is an irritation. But for some of us, it can be a problem if it impacts the quality of life.

Those four-legged poof balls called cats can be a problem for people with a phobia about cats. In this episode, what it is, the symptoms and treatment resources.

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 Cleveland Clinic has a page on ailurophobia, another name for the fear of cats.

If you want to go learn about the condition, there is a HelpGuide.org page on Phobias and Irrational Fears.

Psychology Today has a directory of mental health providers. You can search by city or zip code.

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.

 

News and Anxiety Resources - Courthouse News Service

There are gems in the muck of 2025 journalism access. Courthouse News Service is one of them.

Courthouse News reports stories in plain English.  It leans toward factual, non-interpretive reporting.

This is a commercial subscription service that provides court information to law firms, businesses and journalists. However, the site has a free to access public website that contains the doings in federal and state courts.

Front Page of Courthouse News Service

And if you need more that politics to fill up your news fix, there is also other areas of interest. To get the full range, you got to click on the hamburger thingy on the left side of the website.

Partial list of topics that the service covers.

Minor Con: there is opinion on the site. The editors do have opinions. 

They do express those opinions in the Op Ed pages. 

Sometimes forcefully. Many times with a touch of humor. More like a subtle smile.

Unless you don't agree them and then it is a grimace.

If you want straight news, stick with that side of the site. 

I'm balancing this as a minor con because visitors have full access to the news stories without nag screens or ads. This is very rare and I don't know how long it will last. 

One more thing. There is the Walt Girdner photo of the day. Many of the photos are lovely and take the stink out of 2025. The photo is usually toward the bottom of the main page of the site.

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: 

There is an app available via Google Play or the Apple App Store. It appears that the app is free to use on phone and tablets. 

I tried it out on my phone. There doesn't seem to be ads or nag screens. It is easy to navigate and read the news stories. 

I'm not endorsing or promoting the service. But I do use it when I need an understanding of what is happening with the conversations between the judicial and executive branches of government.

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.

News and Anxiety Resources - DW News

There are international broadcast news networks that have English language reporting. DW News is a German broadcaster that reports on what is going on in the world. 

This includes the United States national news that would be of interest to a global audience.

DW News is owned by the German government. Think of it like their version of PBS but with a hell of a lot more financial support and independent from constant threats of being shut down.

Pros:

Exposure to international and Germen specific news. There is a lot of content but it will be different than the current crap we are getting here in the United States. 

Global view of events and a different perspective of what is going on in the United States and the world.

The network is paying attention to disinformation and how to deal with it. There is a portion of the website that called DW Academie where they talk about the global problems of mal-information and disinformation. 

Scroll down the whole page, there is some very good stuff here. Probably should check out the DW Academie YouTube channel. 

Cons: 

There could be cultural difference that could lead to misunderstanding what is happening in a particular American news story. 

DW News is going to report from their point of view. There are going to be biases. We all have them. U.S. folks might be disturbed about how we as a country and as people are perceived overseas. 

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but at the moment our roses smell like poo-poo.

Lots of ways to access their content.

 

• English language version of the website is https://www.dw.com/en/top-stories/s-9097 
• DW has a 24-hour live news feed on their website.
• There is also an English audio version that gives the daily briefing of what is happening in Germany and the world.
• DW News YouTube Channel.

For those that have an interest, there is a section of the website that will help you to learn German or refresh your ancient high school skills. In case you are planning a vacation trip or thinking about, oh I don't know, relocation?

Hey, it is just a thought. 

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 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 377 - Stress Management Tips

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 accessing the questionnaire and guide.

Mindful.org has A 4-Minute Practice to Clarify What’s Important Right Now.

If you would like help in getting started with a mindful practice the free app Healthy Minds provides lessons and practice session to help you learn how to do it.  https://hminnovations.org/meditation-app

The American Heart Association has an infographic that you can download to help you remember some of the techniques of stress relief and management.

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.

News Anxiety Resources - APNews.com

Those of us of an anxiety nature need to feel safe. Avoiding news is a thing and many have embraced Ostrich power. 

However, as I have learned from recent real life experience, that can be quite dangerous. I'm not being dramatic here. 

I turned off all news notifications from my phone and reduced my social media consumption. I certainly felt better.

But fire doesn't care. Earthquakes don't care. Floods are proactively destructive. Then there is that whole social upheaval and change in government thing. Just makes a person gassy.

Logo of the Associated Press

So we can be anxious but not willfully stupid. And with the daily infodemic flow of content, we need to have a strategy on learning what we need to know and filter out the gunk.

Find a way to stay informed but mentally healthy. One way to do that is to find viable resources.

Hard to do in the United States of America. We are being bombarded with fake news, twisted news and things that are not even remotely news in profiteers clothing. 

The ability of using AI to map another persons un-consenting voice to an AI generated body is spooky.

The other day, I viewed a video about how good AI avatars are getting. You can still spot the goofy but it is harder to do. 

So what can we do?

Plenty. One option is to visit known trusted as possible resources.

The Associated Press (AP) is a non-profit organization that gathers and reports on the news. They have their own reporters, camera crews and staff. 

The AP also has customers and cooperative agreements to provide their content to broadcast news and media outlets. AP goes out and gets the news. 

It then distributes those stories to a feed that print and broadcast media use in the their news stories.

If you want to access AP content as a consumer, then you will need to visit APNews.com

What You Can Find on APNews.com

For the most part, APNews, doesn't embellish or add spin reported stories. They talk to everyone liberal, center and conservative. 

You might not like the news story, but you will receive factual information known at the time.

Example of the cover page with menu options and the current story of the day.

Pros and Cons

Pro:

It is free to access apnews.com and ready any story.

Exposure to international, regional an and sometimes local news. There is a lot of content. 

Now more than ever, U.S. folks need to understand how we are impacting other countries. AP News gives you that opportunity.

Con:

It is a legit non-profit. You will be asked for a donation. Not once but each time you visit a new page. You can sign up for a one-time donation or become donor to remove the nag window. 

There is an APNews app that you can download. Bad news is that doesn't seem to have good ratings for functionality. You can access the web version on your phone or tablet.  

More bad news, I found that on phones and tablets devices there is more of a mixture of ads and news content. That is a problem. You have to look hard to make sure you are clicking on a viable news story.

APNews is not perfect. No person, business or corporation is. But it leans more fact based that most of the print and broadcast media outlets.

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 public version to find news stories is APNews.com.

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.

News Anxiety Resource - Reuters Fact Check

Some times a person can be their worst enemy. Or their systems and internal little haters can keep a person from doing something different. It takes a lot of effort to move away from severe self induced harm.

What I am trying to do is not perfect. I'm not a designer or social media creator or artist. Trying real hard not to use AI. 

But I do have ideas that can be shared. This is one of them.

The text version:

If you are dealing with news anxiety or infodemic levels of queasiness the Reuters Fact Check page might help you get the straight scoop.

Reuters is a business-to-business news service that sells primary reporting to media outlets like newspapers, broadcast TV and publications. 

I want to direct you to the fact checking page that focuses on visual or social media questionable stories.

The site has about three or four stories a day that are researched and evaluated. The team will look for where the story started or try to confirm or deny the statement made in the social media item.

Reuters is a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

That means that as a fact checker, they promise to uphold certain journalism standards. 

So if you need to double check a social media post, meme or video this could be a good place to start.

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 fact checking page can be found on the Reuter’s website. https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/


The International Fact-Checking Network is a project of the Poynter organization, with multiple participants. 

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 376 Quick Look at Book How to Be Yourself

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 independent store will benefit from the purchase. 

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 375 - News Anxiety and Surviving the Infodemic

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 ideas. We can build something better than what we have. 

Doomscrolling will not get us there.

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: 

I strongly recommend a safe browser to visit websites. I'm thinking stuff like Duck Duck Go, Vivaldi or using an app that blocks tracking cookies.  

Possibly set up a limited use account for your on-line and researching needs.

APNews.com, this is a non-profit news organization. It reports the news but does not interpret the story. They don't make the news palatable. They tell you what the news story is and the known facts at the time. AP Fact Check, looks at stories that might be questionable true or false.

Reuters News is a business to business commercial news company. Similar philosophy to the AP, gives the story but generally does not embellish. Reuters news also has a fact check page to evaluate social media and visual images to provide verification on who created it and is it the truth.

FactCheck.org is a project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center. Also includes SciCheck for science claims.

The Poyter Institute has Politifact which has fact checking in English and Spanish.

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.

WAVY News Segment on AI Chatbots

This is a story from a television station in Virginia. It covers some of the concerns I mentioned in my episode on CBT and AI Apps. Only with a lot more stock footage. Some of that AI generated.

Minor quibble.

I'm glad that it mentioned that AI chatbots cannot diagnose or pick up on social or verbal clues to trouble. This story will reach older folks who do not know about apps, or are searching for help and didn't know this was an option.

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: 

Psychology Today post on AI Chatbots for Mental Health: Opportunities and Limitations

The Conversation page on Your AI therapist is not your therapist: The dangers of relying on AI mental health chatbots.

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 374 - CBT and AI Apps

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: 

Psychology Today post on AI Chatbots for Mental Health: Opportunities and Limitations

The Conversation page on Your AI therapist is not your therapist: The dangers of relying on AI mental health chatbots

NPR Report on Rejoyn

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 373 - A Look at Jaw Clenching aka Bruxism

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 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 372 - Agoraphobia Definition and Resources

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

HelpGuide.org page on Agoraphobia, this will be a long and detailed account of the condition.

Psychology Today has a directory of mental health providers. You can search by city or zip code.

ADAA.org has an online Peer to Peer support portal. It is a meeting place for people with a variety of anxiety conditions, including people that have agoraphobia. You do have to join the group and abide by the group guidelines.  

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.