Anxiety Road Podcast: Resilience

Showing posts with label Resilience. Show all posts

Pebble in the Road - Busting Stigmas

Despite the torrent of bad news being funneled to us, there are positive stories that don't get amplified.
This is one of those type of stories. I kinda stumbled into it and I'm glad I did.

This was a story on the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers website.

Jay Fraiser runs the Boston Local 103 recovery and sobriety group. He meets with fellow union members to help them stabilize on their recovery journey.

I don't know anything about being an electrician. I do know about being knocked to the floor due to anxiety symptoms. It was a long time ago but it did put me on my road to treatment. I don't recommend experiencing it but it is a wake up call to do something to help yourself.

I encourage you to read the story.

IBEW News - How One Boston Member Is Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma

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 368 - Don't Be Grist for the Mill

Resilience, Stress

It has been a few days and some of us are struggling hard. I want to give just a few ideas on how to deal with Class A, what the heck is this kind of pain is this?

For this space in time, find a moment to just be. For some of us, disassociation is not a bad thing. I don't recommend it for a day-to-day experience but if it gets you to the store and back, score.

For others, you might have a crying jag or two. It is okay. I understand.

When you are ready, we will start again and work our way to better health. In the meantime, don't be ground down.

Don't give your time and attention it to the assholes. Keep it moving in a positive direction.

Monitor your news flow. I'd suggest you go cold turkey on it, but that is just me.

Stay with the basics, eat, bathe and find your internal safe place.

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:

ARP 349 Quick Look at Xaia Mental Health Companion VR App

Anxiety, Panic, Resilience, Technology

Treatment options are evolving and this one is a pip. An expensive one, but it might be just what is needed in the middle of a cold dark night of the soul.

Xaia aka eXtended reality Artificially Intelligent Ally is designed to work with the Apple Vision Pro.VR device.

You can talk with it. Share your concerns and get feedback about your issues. That is the topic for a quick look at the mental health support VR 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:

Marques Brownlee review of the Apple Vision Pro and his take about some of the pros and cons about this product. He brings up really good points.

Xaia from VRx Health. You can read about the device and learn about the creators and the FAQ.

Wired article about Apple and digital privacy concerns.

And from the Mozilla Foundation, are mental health apps better at privacy in 2023?

Disclaimer:

Resting Anxiety Face Video by Tales of Mere Existence

Culture, Resilience

I don't remember when or how I found Lev's videos or his YouTube channel, Tales of Mere Existence.

I like the simplicity of them, the storytelling and the humor in the dark spaces of life. It was many years later that I learned about the anxiety and social anxiety component of the videos.

I loved them even more.

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:

Show 250 Stand in Your Truth

Affirmation, Dental, Resilience, Treatment

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:

Show 225 - Crafting Life with Mud

anger, Anxiety, Conflict, Resilience, Trauma

It has been a hard couple of weeks. Last week I had a public panic attack. If you are looking for a how to do it episode then I invite you to check out some of my prior episodes.

The short version is that sometimes you think you get it but then you find out that you don't have it.

That something from long ago can jack you up. The good news is that you can learn from it and get about making changes.

Take that mud and find some value in 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:

From the UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center, there is a free app for meditations.

Disclaimer:

Show 198 Reframing Affirmations

Affirmation, Resilience, Resource, Treatment

In this episode, a look at affirmations. Not as a linguistic vending machine. Or a means to be financially powerful. I'm viewing affirmations as a tool to support healing.

Not the only tool to be used but as a means of support, nourishment, encouragement and self-care.

We are humans. And are hard wired to seek certain things in order to be functional and stable. We don't have those things and we get a little crazy. And then a lot more crazy.

Affirmation are not for everyone.

There are people who are task or function specific. Speaking words of encouragement to themselves isn't comfortable to them. They view it as a waste of time. Easier to take a pill.

Some people do believe that there is a separation between the mind and body and only want to focus on their symptoms.

Whatever you believe, I hope that you would try to see affirmations as option to be kind to yourself.

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 housekeeping news, posting new episode will be more fluid. Spending too much time on the computer makes my eyes unhappy. Probably shifting to the weekends. I do know that I will be posting with a day ending in y.

Resources Mentioned:

Ronald Alexander, Ph.D has a post on Psychology Today on 5 Steps to Make Affirmations Work for You

Ezz at Through The Phases has a whole list of affirmations specifically for anxiety conditions like OCD, general anxiety and social anxiety.

Verywell Mind Has a post on Positive Affirmations to Relieve Anxiety and Stress.

Louise L. Hay was an author, motivation teacher and became a publisher of affirmation and spiritual books, video and now podcasts.One of her books to consider is You Can Heal Your Life. The link is to an audio study course version of the book.

Her company, Hay House, is still in existences and produces new materials. There is a section of the website that contain free resources like the Affirmations Coloring Book. This is a 96 page PDF, however, due to the file size, it can take a long time to download, even on a decent connection.

Disclaimer:

Show 197 Feeling Fractured and Finding Spackle

Exercise, GAD, Mindfulness, Resilience

It is a mess. It is a time and wowzer, every day a pip. Trauma is waving the freak flag and there are people that are hurting. This includes you and me. What should have been and what's going to be are not something that can be predicted.

We have been changed. We are in a state of change and along with the bad stuff is the potential for some good stuff too. But first, we have to recognize that we are fractured and need some healing invisible Spackle to get ourselves in a better place.

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:

In an article for Prevention Magazine, Carson Daily talks about having general anxiety disorder and how he treats with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

From Zagat Stories, Chef Eric Ripert uses meditation as a tool to run his kitchen and bring calm to his life.

Leslie Sanson has a series of videos for walking at home. To get a sample of what that is like check out the YouTube channel. There is also Walk At Home Digital Access is a subscription service that provides training and motivation to have daily in-door walking exercises.

Mindful Magazine Digital Special Edition on Difficult Emotions. For those that want the pulp version you can get that too.

Also on Mindful is an additional resource: Four-Minute STOP Practice from Rhonda Magee, how to re-set a potentially testy situation.

At the Chopra Center is a post on seven affirmations for self healing.

Ananda Leeke has a blog post about We are resilient. She also has a podcast on Soundcloud. She gives tips about how to reconnect with the power source inside of you.

Disclaimer:

Show 193 More About Creating a Treatment Plan

Awareness, Resilience, Symptoms, Treatment

This time a look at the research part of creating a treatment plan that works for you. This next phase involves researching and learning your options. Two of those options that might be presented to you are taking medication or seeing a behavioral health professional.

Nothing wrong with those options. Well there could be if you don't have the money to access professional services. Or you don't want to take medication. Or see a therapist.

I would say that you need to be aware of what the options truly are before you shut any of them down. What does it mean to take medication, for a short period of time? Are you more suited to short term skill building therapy than long term talk therapy.

And is there anything else that you can try? (Yes, there is!)

So the research part of the plan is important.

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:

Science Insider video on taking CBD oil for a week to help with anxiety.

Simon & Schuster publishing page about Anna Black's Book, A Year of Living Kindfully.

The Mayo Clinic has a pretty good consumer friendly page about anxiety treatment; it does mention the medical diagnostic process but it is open to other types of treatment and some home care and lifestyle changes.

Therapik allows you to pre-screen therapists to get a sense of who they are and their treatment style.

Prior Episode Mentioned:

ARP 169 - To Medicate or Not to Medicate

Disclaimer:

Agent XPQ Mini Series on Stuck

Pathfinders, Resilience, Support, Worry

Levni Yilmaz has been creating animated videos for years, starting in 2006. I'm not sure if he is on the anxiety road, but his video series taps into a lot of what we deal with.

Ok, you might not deal with it but I do.

Every damn day and twice on Sunday. And most of us do it, but it like fighting your way out of invisible sticky goo. The energy required to move from ennui to action is like lugging an anvil up the hill. You can do it but it often take more time than you like.

Or being able to do the rote things but not the things that you want to do. You know you can do them but the voice of incompetence drones on and on. Lev gives you an idea of how he works his way out but that might not work for you.

That is okay. Just know that you are not alone in fighting not only the anxiety but the dregs as well. And there are multiple ways out. You have to find your own.

So I gotta recommend his latest mini series on being and getting unstuck.

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:

To see more of the series, you can visit his Tales of Mere Existence YouTube channel.

Disclaimer:

Show 141 Self Care, A Pebble in the Road

Meditation, Mindfulness, Relaxation, Resilience

This is a quick pebble in the road about self-care tips. Despite my best efforts the symptom thing happened and I, as the adult and I as the inner child are both having a tantrum. Only the adult part of me is pretending like nothing is wrong as I literally, cleaning up my mess.

This is how I did it this time.

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 you feel like shit interactive guide to self-care.

Ellen Bard article at Tiny Buddha has 45 Simple Self-Care Practices for a health mind, body and soul.

Nikki Andersen post at Highly Sensitive People about 20 self-care ideas, one of which is perhaps use some of that tension to declutter a space in your home, computer or your head.

Disclaimer:

Two Videos on Shondaland About Mental Wellness Issues

Culture, Resilience, Support, Trauma

There is the right thing and then the thing you want to do that is wrong, you know it is wrong and you want to do it anyway. Damn ethics. There is a video on Shondaland that I wanted to post. But the video is hosted on Shondaland and there is no external link or embed code to the video.

It is a really good video by Yolo Akili Robinson that talks about mental health, mental wellness, and a bunch of other good stuff I think folks should pay attention to.

Now, I really want to share that video. And if I was a low life cretin, there are ways to extract that video from the web page. But just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should. This is what hurts at the moment but it will pass.

I did find another video that Mr. Robinson has on the BEAM Collective YouTube channel.

The stated purpose of the BEAM Collective is, from their website:

We are a collective of advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers, psychologists and activists committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of Black communities.

I'm going to plunk this here and get on with the work of the day.

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 130 Anxiety Travel Tips or Things Can Go Wrong

Breathing, Culture, Resilience, Support

Still on the vacation side of the fence for July and August. In this episode, I want to talk about how you can have a back-up plan to the back-up plan and how things can still go wrong.

I also mention about acceptance. Because there will be times that you will do the best that you can do and it will not work.

You will have an attack. Accept that it has happened and transition to taking care of yourself and doing better next time. The music in the episode is by Purple Planet at http://www.purple-planet.com.

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:

Rhiannon Picton-James article in the New York Times Please Stop Merchandising Mental Illness.

Louie Prima and Keely Smith in a spirited rendition of I A'int Go Nobody.

National Alliance on Mental Health page about anxiety disorders, treatment and support.

From 2017 on Anxiety.org post about the Link Between Experiences of Racism and Stress and Anxiety for Black Americans: A Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Coping Approach

Verywell Mind post on Tips for Traveling while Panic Disorder and Anxiety.

Allie Mason of the Health Mason blog on planning for travel called Tips for Anxious Travelers.

Lauren at Never Ending Journey has 2014 write up about how anxiety/panic disorders affected her life and how she transitioned from being home bound to a travel blogger.

Disclaimer:

Show 128 From Grit to Resilience

Grit, Resilience

Our need for symptom relief and safety sometime overrides our ability to connect to solutions or treatment. Maybe it isn’t necessarily about grit but resilience. For us, our symptoms is that irritation that there is a problem. Symptoms will keep bugging us until we do something.

Grit can be used as a weapon. We might have a stronger one. Resilience.

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:

Angeles Duckworth's book Grit, the Power of Passion and Perseverance. You can take the Grit Scale - how do you measure what you have on her site.

Coursera has a free course on What is Grit, Why Do Gritty People Succeed, and How Can You Develop Your Grit. You can get a better understanding of the psychological/character related meaning of the term.

James Clear has a lengthy post on grit in terms of mental toughness.

Greater Good Magazine - What's Wrong with Grit? It not a cure and maybe if you are hurt bad it can do more harm than good.

Character Lab page on what is (academic/success) grit and how it is a part of the overall human make up of the term character.

American Psychological Association page on The Road to Resilience.

Mayo Clinic on Resilience: Build skills to endure hardship

Psychology Today post by Brad Waters on 10 Traits of Emotionally Resilient People. Number 7 is very important.

Emergency Resources

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