What causes a panic attack? Some say bio-chemistry, some say certain people are genetically pre-wired for a panic attacks. Some of the known causes could be from abuse, trauma, substance abuse, life changes or another health problem. In this episode, a quick review of panic attack symptoms, some grounding tools and a couple of things to do when you body muscles tense up. Speaking of tensing up, I'm coming down with a cold. You will have no doubt when you hear the episode. Resources Mentioned: St...
Nov 29, 2016•11 min
It was Howard the Duck that said Anticipation over Expectation = Zero. And that is what you are going to have to remember if you have to deal with Anticipatory Anxiety. Stay in the here an now. That is challenging enough. You don't have to go looking for future trouble. Resources Mentioned: VeryWell.com has a page going into more detail about Anticipatory Anxiety De-castastrophizing Worksheet from Counseling Library, this can help you figure out what to really focus on. This is another De-castat...
Nov 22, 2016•8 min
California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Maine, voters decided that recreational cannabis use is now legal. Kentucky shuts down two mental health facilities and a look at non-woo woo meditation music options. Resources Mentioned: CalmSound.com where you can sample the sound of the ocean at night. There are other sounds that might be equally as relaxing. Jason Shaw’s Music at Audionautix Jazz and Meditation Music; there is a YouTube channel or you can listen via Amazon Prime Music. Buddha Tribe has ...
Nov 14, 2016•9 min
This is a special episode for those of you having a profoundly bad day. It is a simple meditation to use when you are deep in symptoms, trouble or flat out trouble. It is a simple breathing exercise with some tips on how to get back to center or at least a tolerable state of being. The foundation of the meditation was inspired by a quote from psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. You can learn more about him at the Viktor Frankl Institute Disclaimer: Links to other sites are provided for information purpo...
Nov 08, 2016•4 min
In this episode what to look for in a therapist. Your goal is to find the person that has experience with anxiety, depression, trauma or phobias that align with your needs. I have some questions you need to ask and a look at a therapy hook up app called Talkspace. References Mentioned: Anxiety and Depression Association of America Find a Therapist page Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist about Treatment via AADA Tracey Cleantis Psychology Today article about Selecting the Best Therapist Good ...
Nov 07, 2016•9 min
Self-medication is the practice of using a substance or resource to make you feel better or reduce your symptoms. It is one thing to take the edge off; it is another to go off the edge. These are some things to think about if you practice self-medication. Resources Mentioned: Dual Diagnosis page on Self-Medication The Myths and Facts on Self-Medicating for Anxiety via Healthyplace.com MedLine Plus has a detailed page on Lorazepam Disclaimer: Links to other sites are provided for information purp...
Oct 31, 2016•7 min
There is trickiness in the advertorial world. Be on the look out for freebie health magazines that want you to buy their products. Also a look that Constructive Living Therapy. Resources Mentioned: Constructive Living by David K. Reynolds Ph.D via a Kindle book, paperback or audio cassette. Sounds True Audio Recording of Constructive Living There is an interview with Dr. Reynolds via an archive at New Dimensions Radio . Robert J. Caffrey, MA, JD 2009 thoughts about Morita Therapy which is a stro...
Oct 24, 2016•10 min
You as a health care consumer have to know what you are taking, the possible side effects and interactions with the foods you eat and other medications you have know that the good stuff does not necessarily come cheap or is high priced. There are resources you can use to help you make an informed decision. Resources Mentioned: Johnny B. Truant's The Universe Doesn't Give A Flying Fuck About You University of Chicago Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research page on Kava Harvard Health Publication...
Oct 17, 2016•10 min
These are five of my thoughts about some of the things to consider when making the choice about taking medication for your anxiety or panic disorder. Resources Mentioned: ADAA page on Anxiety Medication HelpGuide.org page on Is Anxiety Medication Right for You ? National Institute of Health page on Mental Health Medications 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 que...
Oct 06, 2016•5 min
This is one is about anxiety and trauma with a real life example and one or two things that you can do to get an understanding about its effects on your condition. I did make a mistake in the episode, the Self Help Workbook is from the Department of Veteran Affairs, not the state of Virginia. This is what happens when you are sleep deprived. Resources Mentioned: SAMSHA page on Trauma and Violence ; if you recognize something that resonates with you check it out when you are read and have support...
Sep 30, 2016•6 min
Last week I mentioned the book by Elizabeth Vargas's entitled Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction. This week, a closer look at the term Dual Diagnosis aka Comobidity. Resources Mentioned: National Alliance On Mental Illness Dual Diagnosis Fact Sheet DrugFacts: Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Disorders Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Dual Recovery Anonymous 12 Step Support Group SMART Recovery Support Group Information page Window Channel Ne...
Sep 22, 2016•6 min
For some of us with an anxiety condition it is a short detour, it gets resolved. For others we’ve been on this dang road a long time; some since childhood, our teens or early twenties. The good news is that there is treatment and you might have to make some lifestyle changes but you can feel better. Resources Mentioned: MedLine Plus information page on Duloxetine/Cymbalta. Consumer version of the Merck Manual Drug Search page Healthy Place (America's Mental Health Channel) page on Duloxetine. Sc...
Sep 15, 2016•9 min
Just want to put that out there because not everybody gets depression the same way and there are different treatments. This is not a show about treating conditions like biochemical depression or some forms of PTSD. For those conditions you will need the support of medical professionals. This show is more focused on the voice in many people's heads that is hyper-critical. There are some organic, mechanical and mental skills that can help to shut the hater up. It is more about building a toolkit o...
Sep 08, 2016•8 min
The battle continues but the mice have been blocked from re-entry. I have regained some sleep and in this episode a look at phobias, which are indeed an anxiety disorder. A lot of people have phobias, at least 19 million and counting. Most people cope just fine because they do not come into contact with the object of fear. But once you know what is going on you can deal with it. These are a few information sources and some ideas on the topic. Resources Mentioned: Helpguide.org page on Phobias an...
Aug 25, 2016•6 min
In this episode, I want to share a few thoughts about having a functional plan of action so that you know what to do if you are in a pre, current or post attack state. Just a few ideas to get you started. Resources Mentioned: Calm app and website for meditation/relaxation Free Mindfulness Meditation Recordings Helpguide.org How to Stop Worrying Strategies Disclaimer: Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Always seek the advice of a qu...
Aug 18, 2016•9 min
You can develop an excessive startled response via psychological trauma, meaning that you have been assaulted physically, emotionally or mentally. These are just a few suggestions on what you can do to make it easier to experience. Resources Mentioned In the Podcast: Elaine Aron's Highly Sensitive Person web site. Kelly O'Laughlin 's blog and podcast for sensitive people Introvert Dear's page on 12 Thing A Highly Sensitive Person Needs Mayo Clinic Nutrition Suggestions for General Anxiety Disord...
Aug 11, 2016•8 min
Sleep paralysis is the inability to move muscles in your body while between completely falling asleep or waking up. In addition to not being able to move you might see people, aliens or beings in your bedroom. And yes, this is a medical condition. If you have an anxiety disorder you might be prone to having it pop up. Resources Mentioned: Crisis Tex Line Short Code 741741 Crisis Text Line FAQ page Do Something List of Emergency Hotlines The Atlantic Magazine May 2016 article called Awake in a Ni...
Aug 04, 2016•7 min
I am not about to suggest that emotional grounding is like catching a Pokemon. Because you are not catching a pocket monster. You are trying to catch peace. Calm. Relaxation. That is what this episode is all about; grounding techniques. Resources Mentioned: Anxiety in Order Stop Anxiety Breathing Video The Mighty How an Agoraphobic Meets A Stranger Playing Pokemon Go Geek and Sundry Pokemon Go Helps People with Anxiety and Stress Fort Refuge page on Grounding Techniques Dr. Stephanie Cordes Easy...
Jul 29, 2016•6 min
The current treatment options are medical/pharmaceutical, behavioral health, relaxation and meditation skills and technology which can include hardware, games and apps. This week a look at a practical CBT guide and relaxation audio sources. Resources Mentioned: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, A Practical Guide The UK publisher is Icon Books UK. There is a website for the vendor at introducingbooks.com If you need to order from a local book store this is the book identification number. ISBN 978-184...
Jul 21, 2016•7 min
Everybody take a chill, either in a pool, in a theater or in a park; hopefully without an electronic device. We all have anger and if you have an anxiety or panic disorder you might not even know that you are ticked off angry. Untreated anger can cause all kinds of physical and mental problems. So even if you think this doesn't apply to you give a listen so you will know where to go when the other person invokes a spark or two in you. Resources Mentioned: Supreme Court of Florida Inquiry Concern...
Jul 14, 2016•7 min
This is a mini episode. I am too angry. This is kinda ironic since I intended to do a show about anger and its relationship to anxiety. No can do; I am angry and have to resolve that feeling before I can do anything else. In the meantime, I do recommend that you check out http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-anger-leads-to-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it If you would like to check out past episodes please visit http://anxietyroadpodcast.blogspot.com Disclaimer: Links to other sites are provided for in...
Jul 07, 2016•4 min
Buried Above Ground is the story of three people that have experience post traumatic stress disorder, one person in combat, another person due to childhood abuse/domestic violence and another person due to a hurricane. Resources Mentioned: ADAA page on Specific Phobias Helpguide.org page on Phobias VeryWell page on Phobias World Channel June 28 though August 28, 2016 free streaming of the documentary. There is also a PTSD/Mental Health Resource page relating to topics in the movie. Documentary p...
Jun 30, 2016•6 min
There are limited legal places where you get your medication. Don’t stray off the path for the sake of saving some money. Resources Mentioned: Anxiety Medication and Side Effects from Helpguide.org Be Safe Know Your Online Pharmacy from the Food and Drug Administration Consumer Reports Analysis - Drugs from Canada Health Canada Warning Canadians about Phony Pharmacy Sites FDA Buying and Using Medicine Safely FDA Policy on Importing Medications Merck Manual Drug and Generic Name Database Links to...
Jun 23, 2016•10 min
Maybe a good tune will soothe the savage sentry. In this episode music to help or at least put you to sleep. Resources Mentioned: New York Magazine article on why women have more anxiety http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/06/women-are-twice-as-likely-as-men-to-have-anxiety.html A Systematic Review of Reviews on the Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders in Adult Populations http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/brb3.497/abstract;jsessionid=608C29494C2AD7AC66F2EBA3C2517BC9.f04t03 CNN Vital Signs post on ...
Jun 09, 2016•6 min
An action plan can be a flexible or structured path to help you make decisions about your treatment. There isn’t a one size fits all plan Resources Mentioned: Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA-3720/SMA-3720.pdf Short Action Plan from Self Care Vibes http://selfcarevibes.tumblr.com/post/141377225282/action-plans-for-changing-habits Developing An Action Plan for Self-Care http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/pdf/programs/mast/mast-session4.pdf Manag...
Jun 02, 2016•13 min
Resources Mentioned: Anxiety BC Panic Disorder Guide https://www.anxietybc.com/sites/default/files/adult_hmpanic.pdf Mental Health America Self-Help Tools Page http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/self-help-tools Every Mind Matters LGBTQ Brochure on Mental Health Myths and Truths http://www.eachmindmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/LGBTQ-Mental-Health-Booklet_FINAL.pdf Hoarding Fact Sheet from International OCD Foundation https://iocdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Hoarding-Fact-Sheet.pdf Am...
May 26, 2016•5 min
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Anxiety and Depression Association of America http://www.adaa.org Helpguide.org page on Anxiety Disorders http://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-attacks-and-anxiety-disorders.htm National Institute for Mental Health Brochure on GAD http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/index.shtml Harvard Health Blog on Managing Worry in GAD and Worry http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/managing-worry-in-generalized-anxiety-dis...
May 19, 2016•8 min
In this episode I mention the interview with actress Kristen Bell via Off Camera, when faith based treatment presents a problem and Walgreens has a mental health portal with links to behavioral health services. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Kristen Bell's interview via about her anxiety and depression via Off Camera https://youtu.be/mYUQ_nlZgWE Faith Based Treatment Goes unregulated in Iowa http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/investigations/readers-watchdog/2016/05/07/spencer-suic...
May 12, 2016•11 min
Resources Mentioned: Psychology Today article on Emotional Regulation by Tom Bunn https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/conquer-fear-flying/201603/emotional-regulation-is-there-app National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health - Herbs at a Glance https://nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance.htm Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Ingredients page http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monosReq.do?lang=eng&monotype=single National Institutes of Health’s Center for Alternative and...
May 05, 2016•8 min
This is a two part episode; this week I talked about what you need to do before you consume at Botanical and where to find solid information. Resources Mentioned: StatNews on Sleeping Medications for Older People http://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/treating-insomnia-and-anxiety-in-older-people/ Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Ingredients page http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monosReq.do?lang=eng&monotype=single Herbs at a Glance https://nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsat...
Apr 28, 2016•6 min
