Show 270 Bad News But We Can Deal With It

This podcast has always talked about treatment options and resources. I always will. 

And sometimes that includes talking about uncomfortable things. Or boring things, things so boring they make your eyes glaze over.  

This is definitely true cuz I have been known to go long winded. But if this helps you in your treatment process or understand possible resources process, I'll do it. 

Because that episode that you cut off after four minutes might be the one you come back to a year from now. It happens.

My intent is to be respectful. I might slip up on that. If I don't catch it in the editing process then I will have to own up to it. I have my own opinions and biases.  

My intent is to be informative with viable, and authoritative sources. You can agree with them or disagree. That is your choice.

I need to do this because someone I don't know needs to know this information. If you don't need it or think it is a waste of time, then tune out. 

In this episode, some news items about accessing treatment. It isn't good news but you do need to know why trying to find help is even harder than before the pandemic.

Resources Mentioned: 

Column from the Washington Post called The pandemic could drive another national health crisis, GAO warns: Anxiety. For our oversees folks, the GAO is the Government Accountability Office. 

The actual report from GAO Highlights GAO-22-104437 goes deep into who and what populations are affected.

The New Your Times Well section "We Surveyed 1,320 Therapists, and the News Isn’t Good" The story is behind a paywall. 

From California Take Action 4 Mental Health site, downloadable Understanding the Spectrum of Mental Health PDF about how to have a better idea if you are in trouble or in the danger zone.


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.

ARP 269 - You Don't Choose Depression

No sane or crazy person would.  But that doesn't stop the market place and the uninformed from saying stupid stuff. 

This is a pebble in the road about what is depression. I'm thinking if I make enough pebbles, I'll get an episode out. It is hard when you have to fight for every single word. 

There are people writing articles, books and podcasts. Many of those people want you to spend money on thinking yourself out of the diagnosed version of depression. 

It doesn't work like that. 

One way to think about depression is being enveloped into a fog life of no highs, no lows just gray. 

Everything is gray. And that voice in the head that is telling you it will never get better because you aren't worth getting better.

And you have to fight through that fog and that awful voice just to stay alive and prove it wrong. 

There are people you don't know who are doing wonderful things but they are fighting through the fog too. Some of them have stated they have the condition. Others keep it on the down low. Either way, it is a struggle.

One of the resources that I mention in the episode is for the National Institute of Mental Health booklet on Depression. You can read it on their website or download the PDF version.

Resources Mentioned: 

Helpguide.org post on Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs

National Institute of Mental Health booklet on Depression. 

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.

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 267 Misdiagnosis - Physical Symptoms

Last time I gave a very brief description of misdiagnosis and an example or two. This is a follow-up to last week’s pebble in the road. 

If you have a health, medical phobia or descriptions of medical conditions make you anxious, you might want to skip this episode. If you have cardiophobia, stop, do not go on, this is not the episode for you.

Honestly, I got overwhelmed with the number of similarities between mental and physical health issues.

Talk about information overload. So I thought about it and decided to break it up in manageable parts. Why didn’t I think about this last week?

Because my tendency is to want to give the whole pizza pie instead of a slice. Except it isn’t pizza pie but lots and lot of words. It can be a bit much.

Anyway, this time a quick look at the physical illnesses that can mimic anxiety symptoms.

Resources Mentioned: 

CNET video on a possible new treatment for severe depression via a brain implant. 

2015 Psychiatric Times, Managing Anxiety in the Medically Ill. 

Dr T. Jared Bunch, MD post on Everyday Health on Is It Anxiety or Heart Disease? Sometimes It's Hard to Tell the Difference. 

From ADAA.org is a post on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with info about the interrelationship between the two conditions. Very Well Mind has a lot of information about panic attacks and IBS

Creeky Joints on Anxiety and Arthritis: What Causes It, and 14 Healthy Ways to Cope

U.S. Centers for Disease Control page on Diabetes and Mental 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.

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 266 Misdiagnosis - Pebble in the Road

This is a quick pebble in the road about misdiagnosis. Ran out of time and have too much to talk about to do a half ass job. So think of this is just a short introduction to the topic of misdiagnosis. 

Misdiagnosis can mean a couple of things. Like having a physical health problem but your doctor thinks it is an anxiety condition.

Or you are treated for a physical problem and it really is an anxiety condition.

Or you hit the trifecta of having a physical problem and you also have an anxiety condition.

But wait, there is more. You could have a food allergy. You might be going through hormonal shifts (hello menopause!)

Or a medication you are taking over the counter is producing a side effect.

I could go on and on but like I said, I want to find a way to present the information without overwhelming or yakking on for too long.

I'll figure it out. 

Hopefully.

Resources Mentioned: 

Determining Cause and Effect With Anxiety and Hemophilia by Shellye Horowitz via Hemophilia New Today 

Never let the dark voice convince you of that the dark is better than the light. 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.

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 264 Quick Look at Sleep Pod

Hi folks, this is a pebble in the road about finding helpful aids for a better sleep. Being the anxious folks that we are, sleep is not always obtainable or consistent. Especially if you are living the chaotic life.

So there is this product called a Sleep Pod by a company called Hug Sleep. (I think, there may have been a name change) Oh, by the way this is not a sponsored or promotion product. Really more of my first look about product that claims to help people sleep.

How to describe this thing. To me, it looks like is a giant snuggly body sock for sleeping.

So this is a quick look at the product.

Resources Mentioned: 

First off you might want to check out the original commercial for the product to see how it works. You can find it on YouTube.

There is a Freakin Reviews of the Sleep Pod, and he didn’t like it.

Fast Company has a review of the product and loved it.

Then there is a on Gizmodo, not so much.

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.