2026 ~ Anxiety Road Podcast

ARP 434 Rucking or Backpacking for Health

Well, you learn something every day. The words of the day is Ruck as in rucksack and rucking as it is known in the UK. Around these parts most people refer to a rucksack as a backpack and rucking is walking intentionally with a heavy pack.

I bring this up because there was an article about rucking to help with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

To my limited understanding, this is also a training activity for soldiers or for people that want to be closer to nature so they head out with a bunch of survival gear and walk into the wilderness.

But you don't have to. You might be rucking and not know it. In this episode, a definition of rucking, does it help with PTSD or anxiety and what role does exercise play in symptom control and mental health.

Resources Mentioned:

Military.com has a page on a small study on veterans who walked in both natural and urban centers. There is also a link to the original study and their process of evaluation.

Men's Health has an article about the practice of rucking and some of the things to be aware of should you decide to get started.

The Cleveland Clinic is more specific about what is needed and other items to known.

Harvard Health has a post on Can exercise help treat anxiety? As a solo treatment, no but it is an important part of the treatment process.

Emergency Resources

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 the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimers

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 433 Quick Look at National Alliance on Mental Health

Awareness, Education, Resource

In this episode, a look a the non-profit website of the National Alliance on Mental Health. What does it offer for those of us that have mental health challenges? There is good stuff at NAMI.

Eh, there is a problem in the episode: I said the word of when I should have said on. I've fixed the visuals but... yeah I goofed.

There are websites that claim to provide mental health information. Many of them are commercial for profit websites. Nothing wrong with that but you have to look at the product and what they sell.

Often it is you.

Not just cookies any more there are trackers, bugs and algorithm fences that round you and your information up for profit.

Some websites provide a surface level information that is connected to affiliate links.

Even those sites that originally have nothing to do with mental health issues.

I've seen mental health related articles on tech websites, hardware websites, and so called consumer-ish type sites that are nothing but link farms for products that are being sold under the guise of a review.

So I want to start doing more about describing the legit sites, the tolerable ones and hopefully over time, this will help folks stay away from the more skanky sites.

Resources Mentioned:

NAMI Information page on Mental Health Conditions.

NAMI Connections for Peer Support Group.

NAMI Support page for Families and Caregivers.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 432 Life Lessons and Rancid Peanut Butter

Affirmation, Conflict, Food

This is a story about how a bad jar of peanut butter reminded me of some basic life lessons. The ones we say we know but don't implement. It is like when Cab Calloway sings St. James Infirmary Blues.

Cab gets ahold of a note and pitches it to the heavens before bringing back to earth. You might need to do your own pitching. Maybe it will come back to you. Maybe not.

I like both the cartoon animation and him singing it in person. If you need a mind balm, you can't go wrong watching either version. Take a deep breath, reassess and carry on.

Resources Mentioned and Implied

National Peanut Board with information about how long peanut products last.

From the 1947 movie Hi-Di-Ho Cab gives a spirited performance of St. James Infirmary Blues.

The Fletcher Studios used Cab Calloway as the template for Koko the Clown dancing in a segment of their 1933 version of Snow White. Basically the filmmakers traced Cab and his dance moves onto Koko the Clown.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 431 Social Anxiety AKA Social Phobia

Social Anxiety, Treatment

This is a short episode that briefly talks about social anxiety and three resources that might be helpful when it comes to making decisions about treatment.

Resources Mentioned:

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a brochure on what the disorder is, the symptoms and treatment options

The Social Anxiety Association is a non-profit that specifically helps those with the condition.

On the website with a fact sheet, a link to an updated test for Social Anxiety, and a forum for those that want to communicate with others.

The National Social Anxiety Center has a current blog about issues related to having social phobias.

There is a post on shy bladder conditions, social anxiety and the hangover and on on developing conversational skills to reduce social anxiety.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 430 Inflammation and Immune Health Book

Book, Health Literacy, Resources

In this episode, a simple definition of inflammation and the book Immune Health, A Myth Busting Guide. One of those myths is about the relationship between inflammation and mental health.

Some days it is a struggle. Facing your known mistakes and dealing with current ones. Not what the episode is about but the name of the book is Immune Health. I said the correct name all but once in the show. I'm past deadline so I have to live with it and accept it.

Gotta say, there is acid churning in the stomach. Facing your true self is rough. Not being perfect is a drag. Or the positive version, why drag yourself down, you are human. Stand up and get on with the day.

Resources Mentioned:

The original Guardian article about inflammation and Daniel M. Davis book.

The UK publisher, Penguin has the sample chapter of the book.

Amazon UK version of the Ebook with an option to add the audiobook.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 429 When You Are Extra Jumpy

Food, Sleep, Symptoms

In this episode, a look at what you can do if you have excessive startle response or you are extra jumpy around certain sounds or experiences.

This is for people that have a confirmed anxiety condition and being jumpy is one of their symptoms.

Resources Mentioned:

What to Eat for Better Mental Health on the Sutter Health website.

Cleveland Clinic on Eat These Foods to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

The Mayo Clinic FAQ on coping with anxiety.

Harvard Sleep Medicine page on Sleep Hygiene and a page on Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Sleep.

For U.S. Armed Forces service members, the Red Cross has a PDF on setting up a sleep routine

Australian Center for Clinical Interventions web page on Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 428 How Do You Cope With Reactive Thinking

Panic, Resources

This is our third example of how some people think when faced with a problem. Max, who just found out that he has a panic disorder. He accepts that he's in trouble. Yep, time for action. Max is gonna solve this problem. Shouldn't take more than a week or two.

Reactive thinking is certainly goal focused. Skim and plug in the proper words so that you sound like you know what you are talking about. Except you don't. You are moving so fast that you don't really allow time to let it soak in. Even symptom management takes time and you are going to need a lot more than a week and a half.

Resources Mentioned:

The US National Institute of Mental Health also has a page on panic disorders. It talks about the difference between a panic attack and a panic disorder. On that site there are listings for the various treatment options

TED-ED animated video on Panic Attacks and How to Prevent Them

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 427 How Do You Cope With Overthinking

OCD, Resources, Shame

When a person has OCD there can be a lot of questions. Sometimes there is overthinking which can lock you into a loop.

This is part two on a few of the ways that people deal with problems with a resource that might help you to find your path to treatment.

Resources Mentioned:

The International OCD Foundation website. has information about the different types of OCD, the treatment options and possibly connect to a therapist that has experience in treatment people with this condition.

TED-Ex has a lot of animation videos on mental health topics. If you are not a reading person, this is another way to get the information on basic concepts of OCD.

Dr. Ali Mattu has a video on OCD explained for beginners - how I wish I was taught

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 426 How Do You Cope With Denial

Anxiety, Education, Symptoms

In this episode, a look at how a person with an anxiety condition might deny they have a problem but wants to take care of their symptoms.

When there problem to solve, there are a few of us that walk down the road of denial. This is a defense tool, a bad one, but designed to give the illusion of being safe.

This isn't a criticism of people who are in denial. Sometimes it takes time and experience to learn that it isn't an effective tool. But this isn't about perfection. It is being where you are in the moment.

And if a person wants to focus on symptom control first, that is ok. We all have our paths. We do what we can.

Resources Mentioned:

There is a three page anxiety toolkit on JSSA.org about what is anxiety and some of the things a person can do to manage symptoms.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 424 When We Worry Too Much

Symptoms, Treatment, Worry

How much worry and gloom can you stand? To the point where it becomes expected. This is what we call in the biz erroneous thinking. It doesn't have to be this way. In this pebble on the anxiety road, a look at generalized anxiety disorder.

Resources Mentioned:

The non-profit Helpguide.org has a page explaining Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks

The World Health Organization as a downloadable four page fact sheet on generalized anxiety disorder, the symptoms and what you can do about it.

Licensed therapist Kati Morton has a YouTube channel that talks about mental health issues. This is an episode on Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 423 Anxiety Treatment and Naturopathic Doctors

Resources, Symptoms, Treatment

There are medical doctors, osteopathic doctors and naturopathic doctors. You don't hear as much about the NDs but they are a part of the healthcare system. The question is, can they help or assist you if you have an anxiety condition?

In this episode, a look at the licensed naturopathic doctors, the services offered and can they be another healthcare resource?

Resources Mentioned:

The U.S. National Institute of Health has an explainer page about Naturopathic Medicine.

The Council on Naturopath Medical Education has an information page on the type of conditions these doctors treat.

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians has a map that shows where naturopathic doctors are licensed in the U.S. and Canada and the current status of other U.S. states considering licensing these types of doctors.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 422 Older Adults and Benzodiazepines

Addiction, Medication, Resources

If you are a senior or elderly person taking benzodiazepines there are things you need to be aware and informed about. Not from a place of fear but of safety. In this episode, a quick look at how benzodiazepines can affect older adults and a few resources.

One more thing. There is a high number of AI Slop videos on this topic. Some of the presenters are not human. We have a new generation of graduates of the I-fleece-em academy.

You can tell by how much fear they projects and the image of a medical persona. The thumbnail is designed to hook you by engaging in your curiosity or concern about a medication you take.

Please think before you click.

Resources Mentioned:

Over on the Canadian side of the fence, there is a brochure from Canadian Coalition for Senior Mental Health. Simple, easy to read and packed with solid accessible information. Such as if you are taking Benzos, you should not be drinking alcohol.

There is a one-page handout that was created by Benzo.org.UK for World Benzo Day called Problems and Pitfalls. It explains some of the issues of seniors and elderly folk taking benzodiazepine and some options.

The Mayo Clinic has a list of medications that can cause some concerns in older adults.

The non-profit Benzoinfo has a page on the medication called Impact on the Older Adult Population

University of Alabama at Birmingham has a report on More than a million older Americans take benzodiazepines long-term. Here is why doctors want them to stop, and how a UAB psychiatrist approaches the conversation.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 421 Anxiety and Drinking in Airports

Brain, Medication, Road Map

People who are anxious or have an anxiety condition need to pay attention to things that harm their health. It does not mean you get to drink, get drunk and fly. I learned that there are a sub-genre of police body cam videos that focus on airports.

I gotta go cold turkey on those videos. They got me sympathetic to Spirit Airlines, may it rest in peace.

In this episode, a review of the anxiety medications, what alcohol does to you, environmental factors that could affect your consumption of booze and some of the repercussions of being intoxicated in U.S. airports.

Resources Mentioned:

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a section of their website on Medication and Other Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders and Depression

The Budget Savvy Travelers website has a bunch of tips and techniques to get you from point A to B.

Sky Sonar goes into a lot of details about being ok on the plane, such as getting an isle seat and pre-checking if this is a turbulent flight.

Emergency Resources:

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact

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ARP 420 Health Literacy Part 2

Awareness, Health Literacy, Resources

I'm still on summer slow down. I was more tired than I thought. But slowly getting back into the game.

It is one thing to know you need help but it is a whole other thing trying to get help.

In this episode, a few more tips on how to separate yourself from fraudsters non-human shams. The videos I posted in the resource section make some of the consumer health literacy process clear and easy to implement.

Resources Mentioned:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America. known as ADAA has extensive information about the different types of anxiety conditions and other mental health disorders. They also have a YouTube channel.

The Mayo Clinic has a section on their website with a listing of diseases and conditions.

Psychology Today a viable website with a bunch of mental health and mental wellness information.

It is a commercial site but they do have health professionals creating content. There is a US and UK versions of the website. A story I think we all should check out is AI implied health biases - how they replicate existing or prior historical views on health issues.

AI implied health biases - how they replicate existing or prior historical views on health issues.

There is a short SciToons video on the basics of health literacy for consumers and why it is important.

The PROVE It literacy technique, explains how to evaluate information, both health and non-health info that is presented to you. This info is intended for teachers but it is super clear on the process of evaluating information.

The North Carolina Medical Board created an instructional video on what to do to prepare for an office visit, and how to get better value from the visit called The Importance of Health Literacy

To beef up your health literacy skills, I do recommend the Trust it or Trash it website.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 419 Health Literacy Tips Part 1

Awareness, Education, Health Literacy, Infodemic

It is time for my summer slow down but the tricksters do not rest. So for a couple of episodes, I want to share with you some of the new fangled ways the underside of the bottom of the barrel will try to get you to read, click or share.

This time a look at busty thumbnails and Barney Google's type eyes in social media title cards and thumbnails. The TLDL is that there are all kinds of ways to get attention.

Attention sometimes equals clicks and then clicks equal cash or data harvesting.

When possible, avoid the Reaper.

Resources Mentioned:

The Trust It or Trash It website has tutorials on how to evaluate a health or mental health site for being a safe place to get information.

The National Library of Medicine has a section of the website that also has tutorials on health literacy topics.

On the PubMed page there is a on-line tutorial or you can download the PDF version of Evaluating Internet Health Information: A Tutorial

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 418 What is Mysophobia AKA Germophobia?

Fear, Phobias, Therapy

This brief episode is about mysophobia or germophobia. When I went to do my research, a lot of search engines wanted me to learn about misophonia.

The AI didn't believe that I wanted to learn about the fear of germs. It insisted that I wanted to know about the sensory brain problem where certain noise patterns are painful to hear or be exposed to for a person.

It is a very interesting condition but it is not an anxiety condition.

For those about to roast me for not spelling germophobia correctly, per the dictionary, both germophobia and germaphobia are correct.

It is getting rough on these internet streets. It was like, hey little girl, let me tell you something you didn't ask for but I'm going to give it to you anyway.

This is why you need a brick in your purse. But I digress. This is a short look at this particular type of phobia.

Resources Mentioned:

WonderMind is a website that writes about mental health and fitness issues for adults of a certain age, not boomers. They have a post called How to Do Life When You’re Scared of Germs.

The Cleveland Clinic has an explainer page about mysophobia aka germophobia.

The International OCD Foundation has an abundance of resources about OCD information.

Emergency Resources:

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ADAA Video on Borderline Personality Disorder

Brain, Treatment

There are so many topics that I can't cover effectively, but I do know where to find authoritative sources. This is a video from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America about Borderline Personality Disorder.

After viewing the video you might have more questions. Here are some resources that are safe to check out:

The National Institute of Mental Health has an information page about BDP that was last edited in 2025. It talks about the condition, symptoms and treatment for the condition.

Mental Health America has similar information about the condition, however they do add additional treatment options.

On the ADAA website, there are people that share their experiences with an anxiety condition. There is a page where are woman talks about she is learning to cope with BPD.

Sara Abbott, LCSW host the Bold Beautiful Borderline Podcast where she talks about the condition

There is also From Borderline to Beautiful: Hope and Help for BPD with Rose Skeeters, who is a licensed therapist, nutritionist and mind coach.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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ARP 417 NAMI Homefront

Military, Resources

In this episode, a pebble in the road on a NAMI resource for military folks. As I mentioned in the show, this day is the Memorial Day observance and the start of barbeque season. Well, for the rest of the country.

Around these parts the sun shines almost all of the time so anytime is a good time to fire up the grill. Unless you live in a fire prone area. Then it is bad, very bad.

It is also the time for making evaluations or decisions on how the next six month are going to go. Great opportunity to get your act together or let it fall the hell apart and rebuild.

Your choice.

Oh, one more thing. I need to juggle some work demands, vacation and other stuff. One of my ideas was to bank a few episodes on viable links of interest. I'm going to try to do that so I can keep my brain from turning into mush. So there might be a few more pebbles in the road as I try to balance the impossible concept of time enough.

I never have enough time.

Resources Mentioned:

Health.mil is the official website for active soldiers that need mental health resources.

The NAMI website has resources and educational programs for current military, family members and caregivers. https://www.nami.org/programs/nami-homefront/

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 416 Mindful Dishwashing

Meditation, Mindfulness

This is an episode on washing dishes mindfully. I have a pan that I've mucked up one time too many. I don't have patience with it any more. But maybe I need to slow down and care for it proper.

And by it, I mean me. Slow down and look at the pan. What does it need? Can it be saved from the land fill? Focusing it on being in the moment with that dang crusted up multi-ringed pan of hell.

Ok, I might need a bit more work on being in a kind and loving mode of mindfulness. We all have to start somewhere and it ain't going to be perfect. Doesn't have to be.

Just start. Do the best you can, when you can.

Resources Mentioned:

From Insight Timer, there is an audiogram by Michelle Tao that explains how to do a mindful dishwashing session.

The website Care and Self Love goes deep with the power of dishwashing mindfulness.

Mindful Exercises has a script that you can follow as you set your mind to the task of taking care of yourself and those dishes.

And trusted Consumer Reports has an article on how to wash dishes.

Emergency Resources:

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 415 Facts about Mental Health Licenses

Doctors, Resource, Therapy, Treatment

In this episode, I want to give an overview of what a mental health license is, why it is necessary and some of the types of providers that have a specific type of license.

Part of the reason the podcast exist is to provide accurate, verifiable information.

So when I hear a statement like, "a license is only for insurance purposes," I have flashbacks of being that girl in class with her arms waving as the rest of the class groans.

Resources Mentioned:

There is a simple version from Mental Health Foundation on the types of mental health professionals.

From NAMI, that is the National Alliance of Mental Illness is a PDF fact sheet on the types of mental health professionals, the titles and what they do.

Mental Health America also has a page on the various types of mental healthcare providers.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 414 Quick Look at Beyond Anxiety Book

Book, Education, Resilience

This is a quick look at the book Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck. I think most of us would like to be beyond it but our current reality is making that extremely hard to do.

There are ways to calm the mind. Creativity might be something you want to embrace or at least check it out.

Resources Mentioned:

I found two open chapters of the book Beyond Anxiety on Google Books.

If you are interested in author Martha Beck, there is her main website where you can look at some of her social media history and connections.

If you want to get a sense of her tone and point of view there is an 2025 interview on the Today show.

Emergency Resources:

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 413 Caffeine The Friend Enemy

Awareness, Food, Stimulants

Caffeine is one of those substances that can be a friend-enemy. We all know of or experienced the friend-enemy, the one that seems to be supportive while doing dirt in the background.

In limited use like period relief medications, I have no problem supporting that use. Taking caffeine daily when you have anxiety or depression, might not be such a good idea. It can amp up your existing symptoms or give you new ones.

In this episode, the foods and drinks you might find caffeine and a few resources on how to slowly and safely detox from the stuff.

Resources Mentioned:

Both Medline Plus and the Harvard TC Chan School of Public Health Nutrition Source have pages about caffeine. The following resources have information about withdrawing or reducing your intake:

Sutter Health on breaking your caffeine habit
Cornell University download flyer tips on Reducing Caffeine Use
The Cleveland Clinic on How to Quit Caffeine

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 412 - The Caffeine or Guarana Decision

Food, Nutrition, Stimulants, Supplements

There is a plant that is used for all kinds of herbal concoctions. The common name for it is called Guarana. Usually the substance is extracted from the seeds and placed into things like energy drinks, gums, and supplements.

The TLDL version is that caffeine and guarana extracts are placed in a lot of food items and health supplements. If you have certain kinds of physical health symptoms or you are caffeine sensitive, you can have amp up anxiety symptoms or a really serious health problems. Read the label. Ask questions before you consume.

For the rest of us...

There is a suggested limit of 400mg of caffeine a day. And for most people that is doable and they don't normally exceed that amount of caffeine. Knowingly.

8oz/240ml of coffee has between 80 to 200mg.

8oz/240ml of Matcha tea has between 50 to 70mg, depending on brand and brew intensity.

Again, most people will be fine.

Unless you are buying the extra large size or you have super sized with black tea and lots of sugar.

Guarana extracts tends to be used in certain types of energy products. Supplements, gummies, some meal replacement bars. A lot of the extract can be found in energy drinks that can have as much and 250 to 300mg of caffeine or Guarana extract.

We're talking anything from those small bottles found at gas stations, (please don't buy herbal drinks from gas and convenience stores). Certainly there is the "Bull" inspired line of energy drinks,

In supermarkets there are whole aisles that are dedicated to drinks with some form of claims to boost your energy. Usually in large cans. More size, more caffeine.

16oz/500ml of an energy drink can rack up 300mg of caffeine. Most cans marketed to teens have 24 to 32 oz of the stuff.

Why am I bringing this up?

If you have anxiety symptoms and you consume a lot of caffeine/or extract from the Guarana plant, your symptoms can get worse. You might be experiencing additional symptoms and you don't know where they are coming from.

I beg of you. Take a look at what you are consuming.

One can of Coke or Diet Coke has about 46mg in a can. Some of you are downing two or three cans a day. Those of you on the Dew or Dr. Pepper may be consuming more.

A coffee energy drink can give you an extra 240mg and that is a lot.

Excessive caffeine can affect your ability to sleep, make you cranky and increase your symptoms.

So if you have a physical can or bottle, you should be able to find out what is in the container.

However, I have experienced the hidden caffeine/extract situation.

Few years back, I got caught by a flavored drink that I use to pick up before heading to work. I was gang busters knocking stuff out and making it happen.

Until I started to crash and couldn't string two thoughts together. My symptoms got worse. I was waking up constantly, could not get a good night's sleep.

Got up the next day and do it again. Until months later, I found out that the restaurant were putting extra caffeine in the fruity drinks. I would have never purchased it if I had known.

I'm not saying give up on these types of drinks. I am saying know what you are consuming.

Be aware of what your body is telling you. If you are extra jumpy, did something change?

Or did you just finish your 3rd Dr. Pepper with a donut chaser?

We need to constantly be aware of what we put in our bodies. It is part of our challenge to get better. Sometimes you have to let go of an old favorite. It isn't fair but it is the truth.

Resources Mentioned:

From Helpguide.org Caffeine: How Much is Too Much? where they do address the relationship between anxiety and caffeine.

From EBSCO, an explainer on Guarana's therapeutic uses, with a mention that if you are taking MAO inhibitors or other medication then you have to be especially careful. You must check in with your provider to ensure safety and minimize drug interactions.

National Center For Complementary and Integrated Health has a page on energy drinks. It was last updated in 2018 so it doesn't look like the current administration has got to it at this time.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

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