ARP 388 - No Joke About Dental Anxiety

There is a video about a dentist joking about giving less medication to people not of her political persuasion. To her audience, I guess they found it funny. 

There is a larger story than the dentist and the joke. I waited. I hoped someone would bring a non-political reason what the joke was bad, very bad and unprofessional. 

For the record, there are million of us that have some form of dental anxiety or dental phobia. 

We need the skills of a professional, qualified and compassionate dentist.

We are scared out of our skulls because we don't know what a few bad teeth yankers of the profession will do to us. Or we clearly remember what a few of them have done to us.

In this episode, a brief definition of dental anxiety and phobia and resources for you to empower yourself. 

Resources Mentioned: 

There is a website associated with the American Dental Association website called Mouth Healthy. It offer three tips on dealing with dental anxiety. 

Cleveland Clinic page on what is dental phobia, the symptoms, causes and treatment options.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists

The University of Pennsylvania Dental Medicine has a page on how to get over dental anxiety

For those of you in the United Kingdom, the Dental Fear Central page has some good information and suggestions on dealing with dental anxiety.

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.

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.

Not In A Grateful Mood

There are going to be a lot of tips, suggestions and survival posts about dealing with mental health problems the holidays. I don't normally do it because everyday to me is a struggle. 

Some days it is very minor. Other days, it is a big deal.

And then there is navigating life problems during a time of enforced hypocritical joy and happiness.

The episode is about acknowledging the feelings. It is looking at what we can do even if there isn't anything we can do about the triggering situation. 

Yes, I have "issues."

Here is the thing. They are my issues. I get to say to myself, "I am not feeling well. I don't like this. Corrections need to be made."

Long time listeners know that I have dental phobia. I have to go to the dentist. No choice. No wiggle room or discussion. That makes me more anxious.

I have to make decisions on how I need to do this that is safe for me. I have to let go of that which I cannot control. 

I can control who does the treatment. Knowing my options. Is it right for me? If so, make that appointment. If not, keep looking.

I can be anxious and still reclaim my power.

So, yeah. This episode is about doing what you can to reclaim your power. Even when you feel sad, depressed or anxious. 


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: 

From NAMI, a post on Surviving Painful Holiday Emotions

Very Well Mind post on Coping with Generalized Anxiety Disorder During the Holidays

ADAA.org write up on Managing Holiday Anxieties

Dental Phobia Resources

Tips from Mouth Healthy, from the American Dental Association.

Dental Fear Central is an international non-profit organization for those that have dental fear and phobia. There is information, testimonials and a forum for asking questions. It is also a resource for dental professionals who would like to know more about how their patients feel about entering their office.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Show 250 Stand in Your Truth

So many people do not accept that athletes and entertainers are real people with issues. Being an athlete or rich person does not exempt you from being human. You have to deal with like depression, anxiety or being an introvert being in the public realm. Broke or rich, having an anxiety disorder is rough.

Depression is also no joke. But both are treatable. 

And I truly want to do an episode or two about the American Medical Association and their roll or lack of it when it comes to recognizing their part about access to physical and mental health care.

And it isn’t just America. Other folks from other countries have issues with their primary and general care physician. That don’t recognize mental health as part of their health care system. 

Or there isn’t a physical health care system in place. At all.

And one more thing. I have noticed that some people who think they have power call other people that use their power, a snowflake, or some other pejorative term. 

So in this episode I talk about most of the above. Well, I had to cut out the part about the doctors because it seems I have a heck of a lot to say about it. Saving that for another episode.

(Or stand in your truth because I make mistakes and I have to stay and accept it.)

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

In the News:

Post on ADAA.org You Are the Real Badass by Manvi Tiwari. 

App that Attack:

There is a new dental phobia site that just got started called Dental Fear Network. The author of the blog is psychologist Lisa J. Heaton who has extensive experience in the dental field. It is a new blog, but there is plenty of content to get you started. 

Resources Mentioned 

Just in case you didn’t know there is an official He-Man and She-Ra YouTube channel.

From the UK there is the NoPanic page on positive affirmations to help you deal with anxiety.

The Anxiety Guy has a number of videos and a podcast about practical and actionable tips on handling anxiety. His approach might resonate with some of you 

And from the Good Men Project page on Medium there is a post on 55 Positive Affirmations for Anxiety and 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.

Show 240 - Cracking the Egg

You can find ways to deal with your symptoms. For some of us, there is medication. 

It isn't for everybody. 

Or you may choose to use a coping skill or relaxation technique. 

It isn't for everybody. 

What is important to know is that you have choices on how you want to handle your symptoms. 

In this episode, a look at some of my process and a few resources to check and hopefully use to make yourself more comfortable.

You don't have to suffer. 

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: 

BetterUp Coaching website provide a matching service for people that are looking for support in their personal or professional goals. It is not a therapy site but some folks do not read beneath the headlines. 

Harvard Health Publishing has a post on Progressive Muscle Relaxation and other exercise based relaxation tips. 

For those that prefer audio, there is a progressive muscle relaxation at Helpguide.org

Mindful.org post on 10 minute gratitude practice to shift, notice and re-wire the brain.

Dental Fear Central - excellent site for those of us that get the shakes when a dentist says open wide.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Show 83.5 Dental Anxiety - Encore Presentation

Heavy duty week at Amalgamated Salt and Brimstone. So many people are working their way toward hell we have to open a new branch in Jersey. Not disclosing which Jersey but if you see Zombies that might be the place.

So this is an repeat or as the use to say back in the day an encore presentation of ARP 021. Having a bad tooth and being terrified of going to the dentist.


  It was much worse when I finally went to the dentist. So much unnecessary pain but I got a podcast out of it. 
If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Resources Mentioned:

• Ask The Dentist http://askthedentist.com
• Ask The Dentist YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/askthedentist
• Colgate’s Oral Treatment Center http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/article/treatments-and-coping-methods 
• Dental Fear Central http://www.dentalfearcentral.org
• Know Your Teeth – Why Am I Anxious in the Dental Office from the Academy of General Dentistry http://www.knowyourteeth.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. 

Episode 033 Dental Conquer and Tactical Breather

Pain free and loving it. It wasn't easy but it became possible after finding the right dentist for the job.

I had to keep searching for the right kind of help but I found the solution for my needs at this time. Solutions can be found in unexpected places.




You can also download the current podcast to your mobile or media device.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

FStoppers post by Jeff Rojas -  How to Tackle 99 Problems on Set 

Tactical Breather app, you can find it in the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon App Store

Dental Fear Central for those that can't take the pain but can't stand the thought of seeing a dentist.

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 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.

Episode 021 Dental Anxiety or Maybe Something More...

A heartfelt episode. I should say a tooth-felt episode because the pain of wisdom is rocking the house tonight. It is a cavity of sensations but it doesn't have to be this way.

Resources Mentioned:

Ask The Dentist http://askthedentist.com

Ask The Dentist YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/user/askthedentist

Colgate’s Oral Treatment Center http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/article/treatments-and-coping-methods 

Dental Fear Central http://www.dentalfearcentral.org

Know Your Teeth – Why Am I Anxious in the Dental Office from the Academy of General Dentistry http://www.knowyourteeth.com

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.

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.