ARP 418 What is Mysophobia AKA Germophobia?

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:

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

Show 265 - Social Anxiety Disorder aka Social Phobia

This is the podcast sharing the medical, behavioral health, meditation/relaxation and x=the unknown treatment options for those of us on the anxiety condition or disorder spectrum.

Everything is a story. If you listen to enough marketing people, the story is what makes the sale. Craft a good story and then herd them doggies down the sales funnel to rake in the dollars. 

That concept isn’t necessarily wrong but it is being seriously corrupted by the venal passions of the money obsessed.

Everything is a story. The story can help, hurt, heal or bring a sense of adventure. Sometimes all of it. And more. No amount of money can be more valuable than a story that heals and provides paths to understanding.

Which is why in this episode, a look at social anxiety disorder also known as social phobia. Through the fictional lens of Mr. Arthur "Boo" Radley.

Resources Mentioned: 

From the National Institute of Mental Health, page and brochure to download Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness.

On the National Social Anxiety Center page there is a quiz that you can take to determine your level of social anxiety. On that site, there are also self-help videos about aspects of the condition.

Succeed Socially seems to be folks with mild to middling social anxiety. There is a lot of good information on the site but it might be more geared to develop skills not acquired in the past. 

However, there is also a specific page about social anxiety/phobia with the clinical definition and treatment options. 

The Social Skills Guidebook: Manage Shyness, Improve Your Conversations, and Make Friends, Without Giving Up Who You Are by Chris MacCleod, MSW. 

Perhaps this is good for folks  Chis is generous, he/she/they do let you know that almost everything in the book is on the main website. However, if you find value in the information, chuck a tenner into the e-book coffer.

The Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety has a YouTube channel that contains interviews with people dealing with the condition and professionals offering tips and advice. 

ADAA.org has a seven-page brochure on Social Anxiety Disorder.

 

Anxiety Canada has nine-page toolkit on Self Help Strategies for Social Anxiety. 

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.

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 252 Anxiety and Iceberg Beliefs

An iceberg belief is a self-limited thought. And one of the strange things about it is that some of those self-limiting thoughts can come from your family, broadcast and social media or your culture.

Anxiety and anxiety symptoms can amp up or bring to the surface some of those embedded thoughts.

Those thoughts can pop up as you watch a video. A car racing down the street. A song that brings up a memory. Or it is 1:57pm and you got a way to go before the end of the day.

You are whipping on yourself that working, doing, being isn't enough. You feel mediocre or less than you think you should be. Sometimes a bunch of commercials try to reinforce that statement. 

"Just buy Cranko and you will feel or live better." 

The iceberg belief can add fuel to your anxiety about a situation. That may or may not be true. 

In this episode, a definition of a self-limiting thought, some examples and a few resources to ponder.

In the News:

Washington Post article about how men ignore their mental health issues.

U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Brochures and Fact Sheets page on mental health conditions. You can download a pdf or even have a copy of the brochure mailed to you.

There is also a NIMH brochure about Men and Depression, it explains what depression is, causes and treatment options. 

Resources Mentioned: 

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brené Brown. You can find the book or audiobook at almost any book vendor. On her website there is a page with a Brave and Brokenhearted manifesto. 

Mark Manson's page on What are limiting beliefs?

Meg James from Australia has a worksheet on Limiting Belief that you can work though.

On the InsightTimer website there is a course from Meg on Simple Tools for Self-Acceptance. The first section is free and gives you an idea of what to expect. 

Pickthebrain.com worksheet on self-limiting thoughts with an action step.

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.

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 251 Redefining Crazy

Still in vacation mode but there is plenty to talk about. Part of today's episode deals with digital and health literacy. Well, truthfully I try to sneak it in whenever I can. 

Digital Literacy is "is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills."

Health Literacy is "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions."

Part of today's episode deals with both digital and health literacy. There are dozens of apps for anxiety and depression users. There are some crappy ones, that steal content from other creators and providers. 

The meditation apps that charge you a subscription to access content from another website. That is free to download and listen too. Those burn me up.

Or apps that connect to another content creator's website. It does provide information. It also is harvesting information from your phone and contacts.

Or the ones that honestly provide content - bare minimum but they did create it. And you do get to access it for free. But you are bombarded with ads that may or may not be appropriate for you to view. 

I personally can go a lifetime without seeing or hearing about men's lower level grooming products.

So in the episode, I go a little long winded about what is and isn't a medical app. Because when I hear about an Erectile Dysfunction provider trying to provide medication for anxiety it gets me a little more anxious.

Fellas, I understand that the malfunctioning plumbing issues can cause anxiety. 100% . Not even up for debate. 

But an on-line service for a physical condition, that also handles hair loss and now wants to provide psychiatric care and pill dispensing is a problem. 

And a red flag. 

And from a health literacy stand point, multiple questions should be asked:

• Why is an ED vendor also treating hair loss?
• Does hair loss lead to ED?
• Don't dermatologists handle hair loss? (Why yes, they do and the AAD can help you find accurate info.)
• Where is that medication coming from?
• Is is legal where I live to buy or obtain medication on-line (in the U.S., Nope.)

Don't be uninformed or flat out stupid. Do your research and homework.

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:

Washington Post article about Olympians and Mental Health Concerns

There is a video documentary on Vimeo about ED called Let's Talk About It. Seventeen minutes could help you can save yourself some aggravation and keep some of your hard earned money.

App that Attack:

In a Murky Sea of Mental Health Apps, Consumers Left Adrift from the California Health Foundation

2024 Update. One Mind PsyberGuide is closed. The non-profit could not obtain funding to continue. You can still access the archives at this time.  One Mind PsyberGuide - Resource to help you determine if a mental health app is worth your time and money.

Resources Mentioned: 

U.S Food and Drug Administration examples of what is not a medical app.

Music

Pasty Cline with The Jordanaires version of Crazy.

Gnarls Barkley from the album St. Elsewhere version of Crazy.

Postmodern Jukebox version of Crazy.

Anxiety Resources

For teenager and young adults there is DoSomething.org 11 Facts About Anxiety.

From Anxiety Centre there is Fear of Going Crazy 

Anxiety Network's page on What You Fear Most Cannot Happen

VeryWell Mind page on Dementophobia or the fear of going mad or crazy.

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 233 - More Emetophobia Resources

It is the fear of vomiting. That fear can be so strong that it dictates where you go, what you eat or who you trust to handle your food. 

Some mental health professionals think that it could be connected to obsessive compulsive disorder. 

In this episode, a look at some of the resources you can access about the phobia and what you can do about 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.

Resources Mentioned: 

The Emetophobia Manual is a guide to learning about the phobia and the steps necessary to move toward being healthy. 

Very Well Mind has an information page on Causes and Treatment for Emetophobia

From the International OCD Foundation Emetophobia: Fear of Vomiting as an Expression of OCD, a bit more information on how they are connected.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? There is also a downloadable 24 page booklet on What You Need to Know About OCD and the many symptoms

2021 ADAA.org page to register/video on How to Free Yourself from the Fear of Vomit and Reclaim Your Life

2017 ADAA.org video on Fear of Vomiting.

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 228 - Needle Phobia and Resources

This is a quick episode on needle phobia. I don't give as much wiggle room as I normally do. Your health is a stake. 

If you have dental pain and need treatment that you refuse to do, that is painful. On many levels. Having needle phobia that is stronger than tooth pain is serious. It affect not just your mouth but other body systems as well.

If you need diagnostic testing but you won't do it then you are making yourself sicker. Because at some point, you are going to have a needle in your arm and you will have no say about it. That might be a tad too late.

In no way I'm I suggesting this is easy. Nope. It is not. 

I am saying that being pain free and physical symptom free is so much better.

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: 

Alyssia from Mind Over Munch does a great job of explaining healthy anti-anxiety foods that support the brain and body. The episode is called Best Foods for Anxiety and Depression.

Jerry Emanuelson's The Needle Phobia Page is just that; a one page resource about needle phobia, and some of the things that you can do to deal with it.

Overcoming Trypanophobia or the Fear of Needles from Verywell Mind

Veinlight demonstration video of how to use the vein illumination product.

Red Cross video on tips to handle your fear of needles.

How to Cope When You're Scared of Needles by Christie Ferrari. In about three minutes she really does give functional things you can do you deal with needle phobia.

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.

Metathesiophobia aka The Fear of Change

This is a pebble in the road about the fear of change. Specifically, the phobia about the fear of change. It has a name. Metathesiophobia. It is much easier to say the fear of change. That is the topic of this episode. 

There is a lot of fear romping around these days. I think it is important to know what you are dealing with but that is just me. I can see that for a lot of people, getting back to "normal" overrides anything else. They want and need that structure.

They want it the way it was. Even if there is sufficient information to warrant a change, even temporary. Or permanent. And that is ok, if it doesn't impact your or another persons life. 

Not being political here. Let me give an example.

Ralph goes to work, then goes home.

Does not go anywhere on the weekends.

Does not like being alone so somebody has to be in the house with him.

Does not take vacations and doesn't like it if the family wants to go.

So they don't go anywhere as a group. 

Ralph knows this isn't right but he can't tolerate being anywhere but work and home.

Ralph might have a phobia.

There are resources that might be of assistance to help understand and how to deal with phobias. I share a few of them in the podcast.

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: 

HelpGuide.org has an information posts on phobias and irrational fears 

Faith G. Harper 2018 book Unf*ck Your Brain: Using Science to Get over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers. You can find the book in paper form or as an audio book at your preferred book vendor.

Verywell Mind has an page on a list of phobias and some of the things a person can do about them. 

The Anxiety Toolkit by Alice Boyes, PhD You can read a passage from the book at Oprah.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.

Show 204 What Is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is not just the fear of going outside; many agoraphobics do just that. It is the constant feeling of fear and possibly, but not always, the fear of having a panic attack in public. 

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: 

BoosterBuddy App can help you to remember medication and appointment, has a journal feature and tips on self-care and motivation. You can download the app via the Apple App store or Google Play Apps.

U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus definition of Agoraphobia and treatment options.

Another resource is from the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy page on Panic Disorders and Agoraphobia. You can also check out therapist Kati Morton's video on agoraphobia.

Dr. Julie Conner's page on Help! I'm Having a Panic Attack! with information about Agoraphobia as well. You should also check out Very Well Minds post on What is Agoraphobia?

Drew Linsalata has a book called The Anxious Truth : A Step-By-Step Guide To Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Agoraphobia. You can read a sample chapter of the book or visit the book's web page to get a sense of his approach to treatment.

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 201 Social Anxiety Disorder AKA Social Phobia

In this episode, a look at a disorder that is commonly mistaken for shyness. It isn't about shyness or being bashful. Social Anxiety Disorder (aka Social Phobia) affects a lot of people.According to the Andrew Kukes Foundation, that is 1 in 8 people or 15 million people. 

Social Phobia is an irrational believe that a person is being observed and judged. The belief is so strong there are physical symptoms and the disorder has the ability to disrupt and impact the quality of a person's life. So let's take a look at the disorder and look at resources that can help folks deal with 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.

Resources Mentioned: 

The National Institute of Mental Health has a fact sheet on Social Anxiety Disorder AKA Social Phobias. 

The Social Anxiety Association has an information page with definitions and treatment options. 

Anxiety and Depression Association has a page or two on Social Anxiety Disorder. 

Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety (AKFSA) YouTube Channel has videos from therapists, former clients, and other people associated with the condition.

VerywellMind's page The 9 Best Books to Help With Social Anxiety Disorder of 2020

National Social Anxiety Center questionnaire called the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale to find out if you have social anxiety. You also can check out their blog about issues relating to social anxiety.

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 192 Intro to Creating Your Treatment Plan

Many people have an opinion about treating anxiety conditions and disorders. Most of them are not medically qualified to take out a splinter from a toe. Myself included. Each person is unique and different and there is always a little something that gets left out when people try to sell you a cookie cutter approach.

So what does it mean to have a treatment plan? What goes into it? In this episode a question, and it is a dilly.




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: 

Pop Sugar article about the difference between anxiety and panic attacks/disorder.

Texas A&M University Wearable Technology for Mental Health

Insider article about Jake Paul, anxiety and more than one path. https://www.insider.com/jake-paul-defended-tweet-saying-anxiety-is-created-by-you-2020-2

Very Well Mind has a post on Understanding the Panic Disorder treatment plan, they talk about the traditional treatment plan approach.

There is also a page for those of you that are dealing with phobias called What Are the Goals of Treatment for Phobia which are different depending on the kind of phobia you have.

The music this week is called Meltdown at https://www.purple-planet.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.

Show 178 - Books and Workbooks to Help with Anxiety

In this episode,  I want to share specific analog paper-based apps known as books or workbooks that might help you with your anxiety symptoms or help you manage your condition.

Not all anxiety books and workbooks are the same or are intended for everybody. Some are academic, some are low brow and some are task specific. This is a heads up on what to be aware of and some of your choices.




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: 

Hard Core Self Help F'ck Anxiety by Robert Duff, PhD. is for people that don't want to read self help books. F-bomb will be dropped but there are touches of humor as well.

New Harbinger Press version of the Anxiety & Phobia Workbook. There are ePub and PDF versions of the book.

Stress Management Workbook: De-stress in 10 Minutes or Less by Ruth C. White, Phd, MPH, MSW, this one is more functional and there are specific things to work on as you travel through the workbook.

Soothe Your Nerves; The Black Woman’s Guide to Understanding Anxiety, Panic and Fear by Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett.

The Anxiety Workbook: A 7‑Week Plan to Overcome Anxiety, Stop Worrying, and End Panic by Arlin Cuncic and Seth J. Gillihan, Ph.D.  Ms. Cuncic also has a website for those of you that have social anxiety

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 163 Bathing Anxiety or Are You Afraid of the Water?

In this episode, do you have an issue about cleaning yourself? Is it because you don't have time, energy or is it because you are depressed or do you have a water phobia?




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: 

Essay on the New York Times website about a woman being in treatment for hording and OCD having to handle her condition and a relationship that developed during her treatment.

Colorado voters are considering decriminalizing certain types of drugs that might have an effect on people with severe depression or PTSD. The Colorado Sun has a write up about the topic.

Mental Health.gov quick definition of phobia. Also there is a short page about depression which is a definite road dog to anxiety conditions.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America page on depression because that is also a part of folks having an anxiety condition. Also at ADAA.org there is a chart that shows the overlapping relationship between depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

Verywell Mind has a detailed page of the medical conditions, ablutophobia, fear of bathing and aquaphobia. aka water phobia.

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 137 The Space of Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is the fear of having an attack in a place of in front of other people or in public. It is a kissing cousin of anxiety and panic disorders.

This is an introduction to this specific phobia and some informational resources. Don't worry, there will be more botanical tea information coming down the road.




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: 

MedlinePlus has a good information page about Agoraphobia with some treatment suggestions.

National Institute of Mental Health page on anxiety and related disorders including phobias, social anxiety and other forms of the condition.

Psychology Today page explores Agoraphobia with specific mentions of medication 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.

Show 126 Mystek Lessons About Grit

The point of the episode is to look at your own views and understanding about grit as it relates to your experiences and your treatment path.

Not your priest, your drinking buddies, or even what The Batman would do cuz you know he isn't right in the head.




There are people that say this is a waste of time to put the anti-suicide contact info. There are others that say yeah, you can and then what?

I understand how they feel. If a person is gonna do it there isn't much you can do. But if there is a chance to reach somebody then I'm gonna leave this right here.

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 (Not) Mentioned: 

DC Wikia page on Seong Barclay aka Mystek.

Angela Duckworth's Grit Scale, a way of looking at how you approach a task or difficulty. If you would like to know about Ms. Duckworth's research about grit you can check out a TED video, Personal Grit as Key to Success.

Leo Ho's post on Lifehack.org The Beauty of Suffering or there can be no joy without pain.

Harvard Health Blog on Anxiety; what it is and what to do. Harvard Health also has a guide on Coping with Anxiety (they call it a report). Cost about $20.

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 110 Delta Airlines New Policy for Emotional Support Animals and Quick Look at Bridge Phobia

Lots to jabber about dogs on planes, hospitals, drinking and then taking it to the bridge but in this case it is the fear of bridges. Or is it?

One of goals of the podcast is to talk about things that are not comfortable. Or a direct cause and effect; if you do this you will fix that. Sometimes that does happen – especially in regard to breathing practices. Sometimes it does not.






Ring the bell! 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: 

Routers story on Delta Airlines reviewing their emotional support policy.

Delta Airline official policy on trained service dogs and emotional support animals. I've also included a link to the form you will have to fill out before flying with the animal.

CNBC story about Intermountain Hospital teaming up with other hospitals to make their own generic drugs. There is also the official PR information press release from the participating hospitals.

The Mayo Clinic has an understandable page about phobias and treatment options.

ADAA has a screener quiz to help you clarify if you have a phobia or phobia adjacent disorder.

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.

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 108 Treatment Resource Quickie

Still trying to catch some down time to relax and write. These two goals are not necessarily compatible but I gotta do what I gotta do.  If you are new to the podcast a mention of the treatment options and four accessible resources.

Don't forget to check out the resource page if you want to check out prior resources mentioned in the podcast.




If the tide is high and you need help to hold on please 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 Anxiety and Depression Association of America, factual and accessible information about the anxiety spectrum.

Anxiety BC resources for anxiety engagement and treatment.

American Psychology Association page on stress management techniques.

Anger Leads to Anxiety page on TinyBuddah

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 104 The Anxiety of Toilet Phobia

We are human and sometimes being human causes us to do things that might look or seem strange.

But there is a reason. Once you know or understand the reason for the hell you seem to be walking through it might help you to cope.

But before coping you have to know and understand what is going on. For some of our brothers and sisters on the Anxiety road they are dealing with bathroom anxiety or toilet phobias.

This is just a starting point with some definitions and resources to help you start on your treatment journey.




Tis not the time for the deep sleep. 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: 

MindShift App - from AnxietyBC This link is to the information page.

Science Daily article Should Exercise be What The Doctor Orders for Depression?

You have to exercise your brain as well. From Duke University via Science Daily "Brain activity buffers against worsening anxiety."
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The International Paruresis Association provide information and resources about Bashful Bladder Syndrome.

Baz Chalabi has written an e-book called Shit Happens about Shy Bowel and has a website that speaks to some of the issues about that specific disorder.

Dr. Simon Knowles is at the helm of Toilet Anxiety and there are some free information resources on the handout page.

Hypnosis Treatment via an audio recording to help you self treat the 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.