Anxiety Road Podcast

This is a pebble in the road about the ADAA On-line Support Group.    Sometimes you need to connect to an actual human being. Or a group of people that share your problem or have similar questions.    Lots of things happening and I'm trying to adjust to them. In future episodes, probably starting with this one, there will be a transcript available. It will be 90% accurate. If your podcast player supports transcripts, it should be visible.   Meaning, that most of what I mention in the episode is present but after I do a bit of editing, tweaking and finding out that I made a big honking mistake it might be a little different.   It is the right thing to do but I have to find a way to consistently do it. And then go back and do it for the older episodes as well.    It is humbling. So many typos and lapses of thought.    Yikes.   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:  Anxi

In this episode a look at breathing necklaces, which are supposed to help you control your breathing. These things irk me. It isn't that they don't have a purpose. But you don't need them.   It is ok to want one or have it around your neck as a touchpoint or you really do understand how to use them. That is what I wanted to communicate in the recording.   I had to cut a lot of stuff out of the episode. I was going on and on about anxiety gizmo advertorials in traditional and on-line magazines.     Somebody told them about affiliate links and the blurring of editorial and advertising content.  Some of them did not get the memo on the correct way to do this.   A lot of blurring and smudging going on. 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 Health Service has a page on breathing exercises for stress.   From Harvard Health Publishing, Relaxation techniques: Bre

For some of us, imposter syndrome is an anxiety generator.  It goes to the heart of feeling worthy, being competent or having the right to be in a particular space.   Doing this episode made me feel like an imposter. I can hear slurred words, tangents and howlers of editing.    But here is the thing.  I don't allow it to keep me from trying and doing. Sure, I could not do the show. Or hire and editor. Or let a freaking non-human try to emulate my speech patterns.    I need to do this in order to get better. And it might take another eight years for that to happen. I have the time.    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:  There is a short TED-X explainer video called What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it?   National Public Radio has a 2021 Life Kit piece on 5 Steps to Shake Imposter Syndrome.   Helpguide.org article on Imposter Syndrome, causes, types

There is a spectrum of decisions between I can and I can't. Part of our healing journey is to understand the concept of acceptance.    A video popped up called "A Panic Attack Ended My Winter Backpacking Trip" from the Miranda Goes Outside!! YouTube channel.    I absolutely wanted to view that video. Spent a chunk of it nodding in agreement. Not to mention that I learned a little bit about not sleeping under a tree if there is snow.   I felt validated in that there is actual video proof of the experience in real life. Sometimes you can move past it. Sometimes you can't.   So I wanted to address that aspect of that experience with a few resources to help folks understand some of the concepts about acceptance and self-care.    I'm not going camping anytime soon. I need plumbing and an assurance of no bear contact.    I like bears.   I respect bears. Don't need to see one in the wild.     If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-48

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:  Links to

In 2024, of the things we have to change is the active cultural block against men seeking mental health treatment. We don't have time for it.    All hands on deck or at least pull the ropes trying to point the ship in the right direction.    This episode is a little different because it is resource focus. Go to Helpguide.org to learn about therapy or to Heads Up Guys to learn about stress. Or use the Mettle app from Bear Grylls.   What I don't want you to do is suffer, grit your teeth and take it. Because that is causing some good people to reconsider their time on the planet.    If the assholes won't go, why should you?   Just saying.   In this episode, a look at a few men's mental health resources. 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:  U.S. National Institute of Mental Health page on Men and Mental Health and their page on What is Anxiety? Infographic from Mental

There are a lot of decisions that you have to make when you are seeking treatment. Hopefully you find a good doctor or a mental health professional to guide you though the process. Those are aspirational goals by the way. You might run into a doc that just wants to give you medication and then report back in four weeks.    Or you can't find or afford a provider in your area. I would suggest that you take some time and work on a decision guide as to what you want and don't want concerning your treatment.    This can mean getting a physical and diagnostic test to rule out another cause for your symptoms.   Or reviewing therapists to figure out the behavioral treatment options. Do you want short term or an extended treatment process? In person or virtual care?   A decision guide can help you plan out what you want and need to navigate the process. 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. Reso

In January, you often hear about the aspirational pledges. No shopping. No drinking alcohol.  Go vegan or as close to it as you can get. My year round goal is to get folks at a basic level to take time to breath. Slow it down. Chill as in being quiet. Not as in ice baths.    Me in a former incarnation; "Nuts to you, I breath all of the time. I still have symptoms." Future me: "Yeah, you dope. You also drink six cans of Coke or Dr. Pepper a day. Your diet is atrocious (but very tasty) and your rocking at best five hours of sleep a night.   Fortunately, former me studied at the school of hard knocks that the body need clean fuel, time to regenerate and making time on the daily to slow it down and practice breathing. And yes, give up the carbonation with the caffeine chaser. So in this episode, if you happen to have a fidget spinner or fidget ring then dig it out and try this breathing practice. If you don't have one, no worries you can do it with a pebble, pen or pencil or small palm sized object. If you ne

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 p

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and anxiety or depression, you have to deal with both conditions at the same time. It is a challenge but not impossible. There are resources and options to help you deal with treatment.    This is just a quick mention of some of those resources that could be of assistance to you or someone you know.  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:  American Diabetes Association Behavioral Health Toolkits for folks with Diabetes who might be experiencing anxiety.   American Diabetes Association Mental Health Directory   U.S. Centers for Disease Control page on 10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress and Diabetes and Mental Health  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

In this episode, a look at adult people that grew up in an addictive or dysfunctional family. Because if you did, there is a good chance you might have an anxiety condition or a related mental health problem.   How do you get to be an adult child of a dysfunctional family. There are many pathways.    Many are raised in an abusive or addictive family. Others are raised in a generational trauma system.    Some people are raised by adults who do not have a clue about how to be a parent because they were never taught or exposed to a healthy, stable or loving environment.   It isn't about poverty or wealth. Education is not a guarantee of being a good parent. Nor religion or faith. Or the lack of it.    It helps, but if you have taking a glance at the news, a Utah woman with a social media following pled guilty to committed serious crimes against two of her children.   In 2034 they will become members of Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families. If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifel

I did an episode about ACEs a long time ago. It was okay but I know a bit more now.    At the time I said something to the effect, "Childhood isn't easy even in the best of families, but what if your family of origin contributed to your current condition? I'm not saying that it has, but what if it did?"   That part was ok but listening to it now I did not fully define it or give examples.    When you know better, you do better. This is probably a three part series about childhood events that might have contributed to an anxiety condition.    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:  The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has Fast Facts: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences   ACEs Awareness is a California project to screen children for indicators of ACE events. There is a Healthy Way to Manage Stress pdf handout that offers suggestions on how to manage stress, su

So in this episode I wanted to put a bit more context as to why sucking sour candy could work to stop panic attacks. Or not. Or not for the long term.   Here is how it started. I have news feeds for anxiety. This story popped up.   Delish is a food recipe and kitchen gadget website. I've seen videos on YouTube. I was confused when I saw the story about sour candy and panic attacks.   It didn't match their usual beat. Sometime that can lead to good stuff. Like a fishing website that reviews a movie about Vets, fishing and PTSD.    It isn't an instant reject for me unless it is one of those way past NC-17 websites, but my radar is on high alert.    Publisher these days they need to draw people to the website. Delish saw a fit with there mission. They did have a series called Suck It Up. They would ask celebrities questions and if they refused to answer they would have to eat an increasing strong sour candy.    So this was in the Delish wheelhouse. Kinda. They got the story from Tik Tok.   USA Today did a story

I don't know if I'll ever go on a cruise ship. The only part that really interest me is tasting a wide variety of food in a short amount of time. Plus my anxiety about riding on a human petri dish would get the best of me and cause all kinds of embarrassment. Not to mention that there are hundreds of people around and having to move as a pack once you arrive for an excursion.   Gives me the shivers. Anyway, there is a recent news story about a person kicked off a ship because of CBD Gummies.   Those of an anxious nature need to know that you cannot travel on cruse ships that have a U.S. port with any form of marijuana or medicinal products derived from that substance. Under U.S. federal law, it is still illegal. And federal law supersede your local state law.    You can be fined. You can be arrested. Or worse, lose all that money you paid to cruise in the first place.   And that is just in a U.S. port. Don't even think about doing it oversees.  In this episode a heads up about not bring cannabis products on

You made it over the first hurdle. You know you have a problem.  You might have even gone to the doctor or your health provider to obtain help. They might have set you up with pills or talk therapy.   And that is a far as you got. You take the meds but you are still drinking.   Or eating high sugar or caffeinated beverages.   Babe, you gotta make some changes. Ones that you do not want to make but you have to do it.   The resource this week is a movie that covers a lot of anxiety topics. It is a primer on how not to handle your symptoms.   Sometimes a fictional movie about a real man can be very informative.  And can help you stay out of the hospital.   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:  1979 All that Jazz movie trailer - if you don't like musicals or you don't have two hours to invest in the movie. It is a good movie but for some people, the just don't have the

There is a term called visceral anxiety. According to various sources, it isn't a medical term but more of a description of feeling anxiety in the lower center of your body. We are talking about the gastrointestinal track.  For some with anxiety it is a persistent problem of pain in the stomach, being gassy or bloated. Or feeling queasy each and every day. (Pregnant people excepted).   Now life happens, you get sick and have those symptoms. Or something you've eaten truly does not agree with your body.   That isn't necessarily anxiety related.   However, if you have constant problems in your gut area AND you have been reviewed by a medical doctor to rule out other health problems then it could be anxiety.    It could be anxiety. And no amount of Maalox or Pepto Bismol is going to fix it. In this episode, a brief look at gut symptoms and symptom tracking to monitor what is ginning you up.    If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-

Worry is powerful, it can dishearten you and have you see nothing but shades of gray. There are techniques that even anxious people can use to reduce the amount of worry and get on with the business of the day.    I've been around a few spins around the sun. There have been very few times when things haven't been crazy on this planet. Especially with humans having access to weapons.   Gasses me up just to think about it. The only people and industries happy about current events are profiteers and weapon makers.    Which is why you have to be careful about making global statements. Even in the bleakest of times, somebody on Earth is happy.   Many of us with anxiety conditions have excessive amounts of worry.  In this episode, a very basic look at some of the tools we can use to help us take it down a bit so that we can function and get on with the day.   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 741-7

You can be a smoker that has anxiety or a person with an anxiety condition who smokes. Either way it is a bad deal that can not only make your symptoms worse but cause long term harm to your body. In this short pebble in the road episode, some resources to help educate yourself about the problem but some viable resources you can check out to separate yourself from the cigarette or the vape. 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:  U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse page on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco products.    Smokefree.gov helps folks kick the tobacco and vape habit by providing information and resources, including a page about stress and smoking.   The American Lung Association has a number of options about quitting smoking. There are groups, online version and self-directed guides.   For California residents only, there is kickitca.org, this is a state of Cal

I try to keep episodes short and to the point. But sometimes I need to talk about conceptual things that at first, doesn’t seem to have anything to do with anxiety treatment options.  But it does.   I need to talk about beans or knowledge. Or the do before the why. Which I like better but it isn't grammatical. I take comfort that I'm pissing off an A.I. generator.   I know that many people that listen to the podcast like the give it to me straight and let me be on my way aspect of the show.    That is not going to be this episode. I have to talk about non-anxiety things to show the anxiety examples. Might take me a while.  There are anxiety specific resources in the episode.   But I gotta talk about beans first.    So yeah, if you want a short one, wait until next week or dive into the archive.   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:  Supplement Resources:   U.S. Nat

The American Psychiatry Association defines depression as loss of interest of activities once enjoyed, and that the symptoms must last longer than two weeks before an official diagnosis.   There isn't just one kind of depression and they don't all generate from the same source.    For people that have not experience depression, it is really hard for them to understand. Or they try to related to something that has no relationship to the actual condition.    You can tell they don’t know about when they offer responses like, “you just have to get out of yourself.    So this episode is a two-fer. It is for people that have an anxiety condition that may or may not have a side order of depression. You'll need info on what is is and some of the treatment options.   And, if you need a friend or loved one who doesn't connect with what you are experiencing, there are games and simulations that can help them get a glimmer of understanding.   If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800