I don't know if you have experienced this but either people are telling you that you are overthinking, underthinking or not thinking in the right way. There are reams of books about how to think the "right" way. Especially if you have an anxiety condition. And I know the depression folks catch double hell on it too.   And let's not forget that freak flag that get's waived when someone expresses and opinion as fact and then when you try to educate or provide sources they accuse you of not having critical thinking skills.   Or they really might not have a process to think critically. And they get pissed off that you do.   Critical Thinking has been used as a weapon or a savior when it comes to anxiety treatment treatment.   Most of the time by people who don't know jack about either one.   In my opinion.  The basic process isn't hard to understand.    The implementation depends on the person, your circumstances, education, and life experience.    Critical thinking is a way to evaluate information and make an informed decision or find a solution.    Resources Mentioned:    Who You Were Before Trauma: by Luise Reddemann. English language version published by The Experiment, a division of Workman Publishing. To those of you that are hip, the ISBN is 9781615196166    Critical Thinking definition at Plato Standford Encyclopedia of Philosophy   On the Dummies.com website you can find the book, Critical Thinking for Dummies.    If you don’t want to buy the book there is a cheat sheet article that will give you the headline version.    For those of you on the academic tip that cringed in my simplification, there is Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy description for a more academic version of the process.    The Center for Critical Thinking is a non-profit organization that wants to add a fairness, empathetic aspect to the process. The center has where to begin page that is a good entry point.    Brianna Weist has a post on Medium called Logic Lapses Are Giving You Chronic 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.

Anxiety Road Podcast

ARP 263 What is Critical Thinking?

There is a study reported by the medical journal The Lancet about the increase in levels of anxiety and depression during the pandemic.  The first sentence in the report got me thinking.  Mental disorders are among the leading causes of the global health-related burden I have to look up the meaning of burden because I've never thought of my anxiety as a burden. A thorn, a pain in the ass, or at best, this thing that I have but not a burden. It has two meanings. a load, typically a heavy one. Or the main theme or gist of a speech, book, or argument.   The Lancet is a UK publication and I'm an American bringing other meaning to the words used to describe mental health issues.   At first, I took it as the world was burdened with people who have a mental health condition. Then I thought, maybe they mean the people that have a mental health condition that have the burden?   I might be wrong about this, but I think this is the UK's English way of expressing a thesis statement.    In this episode, a definition of depression and negative talk (or cognitive dissonance) symptoms when it comes to depression.   Negative talk symptom isn’t the opposite of so-called happy or positive thoughts. It is a pattern of thinking that is designed to invalidate the worth of a person or their value to other people. Resources Mentioned:  Ad Age Mental Health is the Monumental Brief that Needs the Power of Our Industry. American Psychiatry Association explanation page What is Depression?   Downloadable booklet – What is Depression? from the National Institute of Mental Health  Also by NIMH, Signs and Symptoms of Depression.    How Does Social Media Play a Role in Depression? a post by Very Well Mind   Social Media and Mental Health via Helpguide.org 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 262 Depression and Negative Talk

There are thinking people on the planet and that gives me some hope. I recently learned about turning a pot pie upside down on a plate or bowl.  This is some genius level thinking that I aspire, to but will never have it the way I want it.    Because the gravy part will seep down to the back of the lid or the top of the pot pie. Then, depending on how fast or slow you eat it, you got gravy and a crunchy lid.    It is also a willingness to see something differently.    F--k the absolutes. Ok we need a few of them but man, we need some mental lubrication that is non-toxic to the body.   In this episode, a short bit of verbiage about how tips may or may not help you and some fellow travelers on the road who really do know how you feel.   The short version is finding your form of acceptance. Adapting a tool or technique that could work for you and factor in some grace for handling what you are facing on the day to day.   It is a lot. Resources Mentioned:  Author and blogger Jenny Lawson knows a thing or two about having public attacks. She wrote a post about it called The world is changing and that is a good thing, I think.   The Mack Files – Its okay not to be okay part 1 and part 2   From Anxiety Canada there is Kathleen’s story about having a mile high panic attack in a plane.  And from National Association of Mental Health aka NAMI, Never be ashamed of seeking help.    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 261 Tips May or May Not Help You

This is just a quick pebble in the road about what happens to your brain if you drink booze to chill out or control your symptoms. Just a head's up, I did complete the longer version of the Serotonin episode. Has a bit more details and more context.

Pebble in the Road - Alcohol and Serotonin

Well, I did manage to get it down from 20 minutes to about 12 minutes. Essentially the same but with more about specific foods you can eat, more resources and just a touch less snark. Resources Mentioned:  San Diego Union Tribune article about men ignoring their mental health issues.   The Dana Foundation is a non-profit that provides information about the brain and brain health for kids and adults. Has a good explanation of Neurotransmitters.    The Hormone Health Network is a website connected to The Endocrine Society, the world’s largest organization of endocrinologists, representing more than 18,000 physicians and scientists.    Endocrinologists look at the things that effect hormones and glands. Not only do they have a page about Serotonin, but they also have a page about the relationship between hormones and stress.   They also have a little something about  dark chocolate. 1 oz. a day will help mood, A1C levels, stress reduction and heart health.    The National Health Service in the UK has a post on how to get Vitamin D for those living in the United Kingdom. It is different than what folks in the US need to consider.   From Harvard Health: Serotonin The Natural Mood Booster. The have a series on the feel good hormones.   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 259 - Serotonin, The Long Version

I was reading an article that said I should eat pineapple to increase my serotonin level.   I also seen other articles about kiwis, avocados and other foods.   In those articles you might find something about serotonin ability to calm you down.    Or to help with anxiety. Or depression.   This one got me a little twitchy. Because the article mentioned the pineapple should be inside of a sugar cake of delight.   This is like a person pointing to the ice cubes inside an alcoholic drink. And trying to convince themselves they are hydrating with water.     Which brings up the hackles in me about so-called superfoods.   The special formulas. And buzzwords on parade.   I think what ticked me off was the implication that the implication of a fruit inside of a sugar based cake becomes a healthy alternative. Posted is the short version because I wanted to say so much and it was coming in a twenty minutes.  I have weed whacking to do so this is the short, simplified version for those who think six minutes is all they can take. In this episode, a look at what is serotonin and what it does to the mind and body. Resources Mentioned:  The Dana Foundation is a non-profit that provides information about the brain and brain health for kids and adults. Has a good explanation of Neurotransmitters.    The Hormone Health Network is a website connected to The Endocrine Society, the world’s largest organization of endocrinologists, representing more than 18,000 physicians and scientists.   There is a post on their website about What is Serotonin? that is written from their perspective. The also have a little something about  dark chocolate. 1 oz. a day will help mood, A1C levels, stress reduction and heart health.    From Harvard Health: Serotonin The Natural Mood Booster. The have a series on the feel good hormones.   Very Well Mind has a write up about bananas and will they chill you out or not.  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 259 Serotonin Basics - Short Version

This episode was inspired by my real life experiences. Of which I have a bunch of them.  So, so many of them. One of the things that I've learned it to not to be dragged down into a spiral.   I still have negative thoughts but I don't have to hug and kiss up on them. 97.4% of the time, it is just a thought. It isn't a measurement of my worth.    I am still in the remembering that thinking error are not me stage.   There are all kinds of thinking errors that can affect you mood or ways of your thinking existence. The overall name is Cognitive Distortion witch can involve about 15 different types of jacked up thinking.    The one I want to talk about today is All of Nothing Thinking. Also known as black or white thinking.   No matter what you call it, it is thinking in extreme. Usually involves reinforcing that you have failed. That you aren't worthy or that once again, you did not perform with absolute perfection.   Which is probably not true. Or just a little bit true. Or it can be true in one situation but shouldn't define your entire reason for being.   In this episode, a look at resources that can help you deal with  one of the cognitive disorders called All or Nothing Thinking. Resources Mentioned:  App That Attack:   University of California at San Diego (UCSD) playlist of meditation recordings.   Resources for All or Nothing Thinking:   Psychology Today post on How to Break the Painful Habit of  All or Nothing Thinking   Mental Health America has a worksheet on stopping stupid thoughts. Tati Garcia has a podcast for high functioning anxiety folks. She is a licensed therapists and has an episode on All Or Nothing Thinking Is Ruining Your Life.    Tati also has a free master class on her site Let Go Of Overthinking & Self-Doubt. Disclaimer:  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. 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 258 All or Nothing Thinking

Grounding is a way to help you calm down. To get a grip on whatever caused your symptoms flare up. Meditation beads could be a way for you to have a tactile or touch means of centering yourself.   You can use it to remember an affirmation, incorporate it into your breathing practice, or to remember that you are not defined by a random thought. You are a person in the here and now.   There are all sorts of meditation bracelets in the marketplace. There always has been.  The Catholic rosary, Mala beads, Reiki meditation bracelets.    Some people call them worry beads. You name it and somebody has a beaded bracelet with a specific meaning attached to it.    In this episode, a look at some of the ways a beaded bracelet could help you with meditation or symptom control.   Resources Mentioned:  Helpguide.org has a page on Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief where they explain about the different grounding techniques. There is also a link on that page to a recording to help you practice deep breathing meditation.   Positive Psychology.com has an post about what is grounding and some of the techniques used to help center yourself. The music for this episode, Waterside Harmony from Purple Planet Music   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 257 Using Meditation Beads for Grounding Practice

In this week's episode is a look at some of the reasons why we need to look at taking medication. What is the reason? Number one has to be symptom management and control.  Them SOB's have made me do things I'd never thought I'd do. Pour water on my head in a parking lot? Yep. And don't think that won't get folks attention. It will.    Being clear about taking or not taking medication is a process of education. You have to learn what the medication is, what it does for you, what effect it could have on the body?   Need to know what your options are what are the alternatives?    So, as I mentioned last week in the podcast, I'm trying out new things and approaches. I need to up my game. Be better.    So they say. They are probably right.    But I can't do everything when everybody wants me to.   I'm going to try to put out an episode each week. Hopefully. One of the ways for me to do that is alternative between shorter episodes and the long ones.    Not that I go that long. Cuz I don't.   But I think I want to make sure folks get what they need. So I want to try different things. More pebbles in the road. Maybe an audiogram for Twitter every now and again. I like doing deep dives but they take time to research and write.    But I also have to balance the work life, the play life and the anxiety that is generated by being in this life at this time. It is a pip. So yeah, I'm working on stuff. 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:  On the ADAA.org website, there is a seven page brochure Treating Anxiety Disorders that discusses options, both counseling/behavioral health and medication. Over on Very Well Mind, there is an article on The 4 Major Classes of Anxiety Medications, and a second post on What You Need to Know to Take Psychotropic Medications Safely 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. 

Do You Know Your Why About Medication?

This is the sixth year of the podcast. Nothing like I envisioned it would be. The podcast was inspired by a lot of things.   Many years ago, I went searching for a podcast to help me understand what was going on. I found one but the gentleman was ending the show because the anxiety of creating and producing was too much for him.   I found others that were created by doctors using medical language I didn’t understand.    Or ones selling books, cassettes for treatment. Or really pushing medication as the only option.   It took a long time, but I finally got what I needed; a therapist who supported my desire for a more expansive view of treatment. That is the episode with other stuff thrown in as well.   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:  American Sleep Association page on What is Sleep so much more information about the process. Join Scooter at the Sleep with Me podcast; you get at least an hour of a voice that might send you into the dreamscape.   For original storytelling there is Boarders of Sleep.   And if you are musically inclined there is the Deep Energy Podcast where you can get a taste of ambient and new age type music inducing slumber.   For those that want to experience something different, there is Moving Poems, a visual approach to poetry for those that are starved for poetry, don't have the time to pick up a book and need that balm of literacy. No, it isn't anxiety related but sometimes you have to jump off the grid.   From Harvard, an old school page on how to Assets Your Sleep Needs. 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 255 Sleep Resources and Six Years

 I'm still in vacation mode until September. One of the things I hoped I’ve emphasized in the podcast is that you should have a medical evaluation and diagnosis from a health care professional.   The symptoms for anxiety are very similar to other physical health conditions. Having a medical examination would help to take some of the load off your shoulders.    That is the topic of the show. 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:  For those folks having trouble going to sleep, there is Snoozecast.com. Fiction, non-fiction or whatever floats your boat.    There is also the long time champ of them all, LibriVox with hundreds of public domain audios that are free to download and listen. I recommend The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope, read by Andy Minter.   Mental Health America Screening Tool ADAA Screening Page - contains screening for a couple of anxiety conditions   Canadian Here to Help Screening page. 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 253 Screening and Diagnostic Tests

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.   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 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. 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 252 Anxiety and Iceberg Thoughts

Still in vacation mode but have 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   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. 

ARP 251 Revisiting Crazy

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. 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.

ARP 250 Stand in Your Truth

 In this episode, a quick look at what is self-calming and self-medication.   Words are tricky. In this context, I’m speaking about a psychological concept of self-medication to seek relief from emotional or mental health symptoms.   There is another meaning of the term about the necessity of self-treatment when you do not have access or can't afford healthcare services. That isn’t the topic of this episode.    I've touched on that aspect in other episodes but that requires a deep dive for another 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. In the News Very Well Health has an updated post on how How Phobia Is Treated.    Literary Hub except called. The Toll of Perfectionism: On the Physical and Mental Health of Ballet Dancers     It comes from the book, Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers Is Saving Ballet from Itself. The publisher is Bold Type Books   The Me You Can't See Documentary on Apple TV or possibly as an addition subscription on you media services. If you have a recent device purchase form Apple you can get a free year long subscription (In the U.S.). There is also a free seven day trial period, not saying you should do that, but it is an option.   App that Attack Mental Health America has a screening test for a variety of mental health issues. Resources Mentioned:  A Therapist's Journey, Learning the Art of Self-Soothing. A post on NAMI.org.   Over at Psychology Today there is an article on Turning a Vice Into a Virtue Through Healthy Self-Soothing.   And at Loner Wolf a few words on 7 Self-Soothing Techniques to Relieve Anxiety and PTSD   The Self-Medication Theory of Addiction from Very Well Mind.   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 249 - Self Calming or Self Medication

This is the Anxiety Road Podcast, the involuntary journey in finding treatment options for people that have anxiety and panics attacks with side trips into related mental health disorders. This podcast is treatment agnostic.

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Anxiety Road Podcast

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