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 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.

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 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.

ARP 371 Quick Look at Zenora App

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 perceived from the experience.

In this episode a quick look at the Zenora 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: 

Per the website, the Zenora app provides mental health wellness support via a a mood and emotion tracker, a journal function and cognitive behavioral health information.

The Knock Off Therapy Blog has a free PDF/paper based tracker and the information on how to use it to track your what is going on with you. Please be aware that you have to subscribe to AJ's newsletter to get the tracker. But you could also read the post to see if it is a good match for you.

The Rootd for Panic Attacks and Anxiety app has many of the same things that Zenora has but there is a specific focus on anxiety and panic attacks. There are short and long term lessons, breathing practices, nature sound and other items. This is a subscription service.

Unstuck CBT Therapy Journal has tracking features, a thought journal, examples of thinking traps and other doo-dads that you can use to track your feelings and thinking patterns.

Disclaimer: 

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 367 Postpartum Support for Moms and Parents

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 also 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 Apple Store

PSI App via the Google Play Store

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). This is a  24/7, free, confidential hotline is for pregnant women and new moms. Counselors speak both English and Spanish. TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.

The U.S. Office of Women's Health has a PDF Guide to Identifying Support for Postpartum Depression.

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 366 - Postpartum Support for Dads

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 available from 8am to 11pm Eastern time.

PSI also has an app that can help parents access help and support as well as a community that understands issues related to the condition. You can find it at the Apple or Google Play App Stores.

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 364 - Anxiety Books Primer

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 now technology that an AI generated audio show hosted by two non-human AI voices. That podcast can be created and uploaded in about 20ish minutes. 

There are humans that subscribe to that service. Mainly for income generation. More podcasts, more access to advertiser money. 

For those of you new here, I do not accept ads, affiliate deals or influencer perks. I don’t do interviews for free or for profit. Not saying I’ll never do it but I haven’t in 8 years so yeah, that is a thing.

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: 

Descriptive Personal Narrative Resource: Scott Stossel's My Age of Anxiety

Self Help, Support & Workbooks: 

You Will Get Through This: A Mental Health Tool Kit―Help for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and More by Julie Radico PsyD, Charity O’Reilly LPC, Nicole Helverson PsyD

Combo Personal Narrative & Self-Help/Support: 

From Stuck to Unstuck: Break Free from the OCD & Anxiety Loop Using the Triple-A Response® and Take Back Control of Your Life by Matthew Codde LCSW. There is a website with information about the book. There is also a podcast that talks about mental health issues.

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 359 - Medication Treatment Options in 2024

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 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: 

Mental Health America Screening Test for Anxiety. This is not a diagnostic test but it could give you indicators that there is a problem that you might need to address. There is also a version of the test in the Spanish language.

If you are new to this, you want to start with authoritative information.

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has a page on anxiety disorders and the types of medication generally prescribed for the condition.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a page on medication options.

Helpguide.org also has information, they would prefer you to consider medication as a last resort but they have good information about anxiety disorders and attacks.

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 355 - L-Theanine for Anxiety

This pebble in the road is about the amino acid L-Theanine. There are contradictory claims about how it can help a person.

It can make you more alert versus it can relax you.

It can help with getting to sleep versus it can help you to focus.

It helps with stress and anxiety.

And if you do a regular search, you will come up with very positive reviews and endorsements. Mostly from blogs and websites that have affiliate deals or who are trying to sell you something.

I have been bit in the humiliation zone about assuming things. I think I know something rock solid. Come to find out I might have understood 60 percent of it. 

This is not a bad thing, if you know that you have to double-check yourself and what other people tell you.  Especially when it comes to putting something in your mouth to help your anxiety.

In this episode a quick look at what it is, the ways you can take it, and information resources that can help you make an informed decision.

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: 

Cleveland Clinic information page on L-Theanine

FDA page on L-Theanine generally regarded as safe. 

ADAA.org page on Should I Treat my Depression or Anxiety with Nutraceuticals and Herbs?

Via PubMed and the Nutrition Journal, 2010 look at prior studies on Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders.

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 351 Anxiety and Imposter Syndrome

 For some of us, imposter syndrome is an anxiety generator. 

It goes to the heart of feeling worthy, being competent or having the right to be in a particular space.

Doing this episode made me feel like an imposter. I can hear slurred words, tangents and howlers of editing. 

But here is the thing.  I don't allow it to keep me from trying and doing. Sure, I could not do the show. Or hire and editor. Or let a freaking non-human try to emulate my speech patterns. 

I need to do this in order to get better. And it might take another eight years for that to happen. I have the 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: 

There is a short TED-X explainer video called What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it?

National Public Radio has a 2021 Life Kit piece on 5 Steps to Shake Imposter Syndrome.

Helpguide.org article on Imposter Syndrome, causes, types and coping tips.

A Guide to Impostor Syndrome—and Overcoming It from McLean Hospital Essentials page

Kim Menninger has a podcast called The Impostor Syndrome Files. You can find it on Apple podcast or almost any other podcast directory.

Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy or any book vendor.

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 350 When An Attack Sneaks Up on You

There is a spectrum of decisions between I can and I can't. Part of our healing journey is to understand the concept of acceptance. 

A video popped up called "A Panic Attack Ended My Winter Backpacking Trip" from the Miranda Goes Outside!! YouTube channel. 

I absolutely wanted to view that video. Spent a chunk of it nodding in agreement.

Not to mention that I learned a little bit about not sleeping under a tree if there is snow.

I felt validated in that there is actual video proof of the experience in real life. Sometimes you can move past it. Sometimes you can't.

So I wanted to address that aspect of that experience with a few resources to help folks understand some of the concepts about acceptance and self-care. 

I'm not going camping anytime soon. I need plumbing and an assurance of no bear contact.  I like bears.

I respect bears. Don't need to see one in the wild.

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: 

On the Positive Psychology website there is a explainer on What is Self-Acceptance? Please be aware that the site is designed for behavioral health folks, but it is easy for most people to read. There is a lot of text on the page, I'd read it a section at a time.

Psychology Today 2018 blog post on how to practice acceptance 

If you lean toward a stoic point of view, there is The Philosophy of Everything blog page on the philosophy of acceptance.

The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, by Christopher Germer, PhD. The publisher is The Guilford Press and you can find the book at almost any off and on-line book vendor. The link is to the vendor's publisher's web site.

Dr. Germer has his own website where he has a page on meditations on self-compassion. You can download the mp3 file to your device or listen to it on the website.

Mindful.org page on self-compassion and writing a love letter to yourself.  

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 347 - Ottawa Personal Decision Guide

There are a lot of decisions that you have to make when you are seeking treatment.

Hopefully you find a good doctor or a mental health professional to guide you though the process. Those are aspirational goals by the way. You might run into a doc that just wants to give you medication and then report back in four weeks. 

Or you can't find or afford a provider in your area. I would suggest that you take some time and work on a decision guide as to what you want and don't want concerning your treatment. 

This can mean getting a physical and diagnostic test to rule out another cause for your symptoms.

Or reviewing therapists to figure out the behavioral treatment options. Do you want short term or an extended treatment process? In person or virtual care?

A decision guide can help you plan out what you want and need to navigate the process.

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.

Resource Mentioned: 

The Ottawa Personal Decision Guide can help you organize your thoughts about a decision you need to make about your treatment options.

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 345 Ideophobia or Fear of Ideas

With all of the book banning in the United States, a person could make a case that some sections of the country has ideophobia or the fear of ideas. 

Might also be bibliophobia. 

In this episode, a quick look at the definition of Ideophobia.

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: 

Mind.org.uk Causes of Phobias self-help guide.

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/phobias/causes-of-phobias/ 

Mental Health America has an information page about phobias, the types of phobias and the treatment option of cognitive behavioral therapy.

From the UK National Health Service, a self-help guide to phobias, what they are and what you can do about them. 

ADAA has on-line communities where you can communicate with other people that have your experience share their stories, experiences and there are mental health professionals that post helpful resources.

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 342 Adverse Childhood Experiences aka ACEs

I did an episode about ACEs a long time ago. It was okay but I know a bit more now. 

At the time I said something to the effect, "Childhood isn't easy even in the best of families, but what if your family of origin contributed to your current condition? I'm not saying that it has, but what if it did?"

That part was ok but listening to it now I did not fully define it or give examples. 

When you know better, you do better. This is probably a three part series about childhood events that might have contributed to an anxiety condition. 

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. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has Fast Facts: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences

ACEs Awareness is a California project to screen children for indicators of ACE events. There is a Healthy Way to Manage Stress pdf handout that offers suggestions on how to manage stress, such as be kind to yourself, set goals and start small. 

Therapist Erik Bohlin handout list of Symptoms from Dysfunctional Families.

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 336 Anxiety Symptoms and Nicotine

You can be a smoker that has anxiety or a person with an anxiety condition who smokes. Either way it is a bad deal that can not only make your symptoms worse but cause long term harm to your body.

In this short pebble in the road episode, some resources to help educate yourself about the problem but some viable resources you can check out to separate yourself from the cigarette or the vape.

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: 

U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse page on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco products. 

Smokefree.gov helps folks kick the tobacco and vape habit by providing information and resources, including a page about stress and smoking.

The American Lung Association has a number of options about quitting smoking. There are groups, online version and self-directed guides.

For California residents only, there is kickitca.org, this is a state of California website that can help users transition from smoking and vaping. 

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.