Anxiety Road Podcast

The FL-100 headset is a possible a treatment option for people that have moderate to severe depression. Well in Europe, UK and  Australia, that is true. Hopefully it is coming some time soon for folks in the U.S.    I should mention that it is expensive and it will only be available via prescription from a doctor or medical provider. This is short episode that gives a brief overview of the product. Resources Mentioned:  I found the news story about the FL-100 on Reuter.com.   There is a video of a young woman giving her view about the product.  She only has one video on her YouTube page but it might give you a real world perspective about the device.    If you would like to visit the Flow Neuroscience website, please be aware it is directed to the UK and European marketplace. You can learn about the product but they do not have a U.S. specific website set    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.  

1/9/26 • 08:35

In the before times, I would have been hostile to meditation and mindfulness. I didn't have time for it, I wanted the quick cure, the fix and no B.S. I had stuff to do and no time for body symptom nonsense. I had to be karmically convinced to change my mind.  Hard lessons. Embarrassing lessons. But I came to understand the lesson is repeated until you learn.   Meditation might work for you. It might not. But give it a fair chance.  You might not be ready for it now. That is okay. But take a moment to learn about it, understand the potential benefits and then decide.    Resources Mentioned:  At the Penguin Random House website you can listen to an audio sample or read the introduction chapter of the book to get a sense of if it is right for you.   Bear with me, this is a little confusing. The Harris newsletter is on Substack. There you can access links to his podcast, meditations from notables in the field and other do-dads that you might be interested in. Mr. Harris also has a paid app called Happier Meditation. It is a subscription service starting at $99 a year.  For those that can afford the up front that come out to $10 a month or 27 cents per day.  There may be an option for those that have money issues. You should check out the website for more info.   Co-author Jeff Warren has a page on Substack where you can find his views and teachings about meditation, access audio meditation on a wide variety of topics and meditations that focus on ADHD issues.   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.  

12/26/25 • 07:17

In this episode I talk about what is a mindful walking meditation, the difference between meditation and mindfulness and a few resources to help you get more information about it. I know that in some places in the world you cannot walk freely or without consciousness of your immediate area. Some places in the U.S. do not have sidewalks. Other cities are actively hostile to pedestrians.    The good news is that you can walk at home, in the back yard or visually in your mind.   It is okay, main thing is moving your body or your spirit.   Resources Mentioned:  Serene Madani article on the Woman's Health Magazine website about walking outside phoneless.   Duke Health has an infographic called Mastering Box Breathing: A Simple Technique to Relieve Stress. It shows you visually and in text how to do it.   Mindful.org has a page on A Guided Walking Meditation for Daily Life. There is an audio recording as well as text to help you reconnect with the existing world.   If you really, truly cannot leave home without your phone then you do have the option of adding a meditative podcast or download one of the many guided meditations.   The Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Canada has a 10 minute guided walking meditation in a .m4a audio format. Android users might have problems opening this audio format.   And from Michigan State University  Extension Mindfulness for Better Living is an audio .mp3 recording by Dr. Roxane Chan with more of a emphasis on mindfulness walking.   On the Jack Kornfield website, he has an audio walking meditation you could use as you walk and it might be challenging if you are new to meditation, but if you are further along the path and struggle with wondering attention, this is a good one.   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.  

12/8/25 • 08:01

Well, I have a new to me and probably to you do-dad to help with anxiety symptoms. It is the Opera Air Mindfulness browser. In addition to the standard browsing features it has tools to help you breath and relax, guided meditations and a musical audio mode that can help you focus. Is this a good or bad thing? The TLDR: Some of the tech bros say it is a gimmick and who in their right mind would use it? In my bad times, I would have glommed on to it because I was looking for help. Lots of people are looking for mental health support and aren't too picky where they find it. (we should be, but when a person is in pain they are going to do what they think they need to do.)   I like many of the features but there is a cost. Free ain't free especially online.   Opera Air, like many other browsers is ad supported or allow third party extensions to be used in the browser. Many browser allow ads and cookie tracking to be passed onto those third party data collectors.  A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can hide your location and computer. You generally need to tell it what you want. A free VPN can be problematic. Who is operating it, where is the data passing through and what if it is down and you don't know it? Or it is blocking you from seeing certain web sites?   The security features require users to turn them on. If you don't, oopsie? Also, if you use those third party vendors extensions, you are subject to their terms of service which might include things you in no way agree to.  Again, I am not bashing the browser. I like the reminders about getting up and moving or taking a breathing breaks. But I do want folks to know what the benefits to you is versus cost of your privacy and personal information.     That will be up to you to decide. Resources Mentioned:  If you would like to see how Opera Air works, Brett in Tech has an overview video of the features of the software.   Before you download, I would suggest reading the Opera Help Page and read the FAQs so that you understand what you gain and give up when you use the browser.   If you are interested in giving it a try the address is https://www.opera.com/air   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.

11/18/25 • 09:09

If your are an adult human being, you have experienced situational anxiety. It is when you know that this specific thing is making you upset or anxious. It could be about money, your job, the lack of prospects of getting a job. Housing insecurity. Your car breaks down and you do not have cash or credit for the repair bill.   In this episode, a look at situational anxiety. Resources Mentioned:  To learn more about situational anxiety you can take a look at the page on VeryWell Mind. They do tend to go long with their description on the condition, symptoms and treatment options.  VeryWell Mind is a commercial site. It is advertiser supported. If possible, I would suggest that you use a browser like Duck Duck Go in fire mode or Vivaldi in anonymous mode.   Dennis the Anxiety Guy has a video from six years ago about handling situational anxiety.    Dr. Andrea Dinardo, Ph.D has an extract from a longer video on the experience.  The University of Michigan on five red flags you are dealing with situational depression.    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.

11/2/25 • 08:10

There is a video about a dentist joking about giving less medication to people not of her political persuasion. To her audience, I guess they found it funny.  There is a larger story than the dentist and the joke. I waited. I hoped someone would bring a non-political reason what the joke was bad, very bad and unprofessional.    For the record, there are million of us that have some form of dental anxiety or dental phobia.  We need the skills of a professional, qualified and compassionate dentist.   We are scared out of our skulls because we don't know what a few bad teeth yankers of the profession will do to us. Or we clearly remember what a few of them have done to us.   In this episode, a brief definition of dental anxiety and phobia and resources for you to empower yourself.    Resources Mentioned:  There is a website associated with the American Dental Association website called Mouth Healthy. It offer three tips on dealing with dental anxiety.  Cleveland Clinic page on what is dental phobia, the symptoms, causes and treatment options.   The University of Pennsylvania Dental Medicine has a page on how to get over dental anxiety   For those of you in the United Kingdom, the Dental Fear Central page has some good information and suggestions on dealing with dental anxiety.   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 use 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.

10/7/25 • 07:31

This is a quick definition of fear, why it is an important emotion and two informational resources to help you learn more about. Fear is an emotional response to real or imaginary danger.    Your body enters into protection mode. It is not as some would describe it, a weakness or lack of backbone. You are in trouble and your body is helping you do deal with it.   When you understand what fear this can help you find the tools and skills needed to make healthy adjustments to your natural defense system. Those tools can be food or nutrition, therapy, exercise, education or other things you might not be aware of. Resources Mentioned:  For the TLDR folks, on the Psychology Today blog there is a page on the basics of fear. it talks about what it is, some of the causes and its relationship to phobias and social anxiety. The website Simple Psychology has an explainer page on The Psychology of Fear: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment   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.

9/22/25 • 04:44

I've done episodes about dietary supplements. I didn't take into account the ones sold at the gas station or corner store. People with an anxiety condition or disorder should be very careful about promises of herbal supplements treatment.    I don't want to be elitist here. There is bad stuff in U.S. pharmacies that do not work, known not to be effective or dangerous and yet still on sale. I have examples from Ethan Melillo. PharmD and Grant Harding, PharmD.   It is one thing to buy Slim-Jims from the gas station. I've bought water, two cans for three dollars then I get to the counter where the person looks at me like I'm less than dirt as he rings me up. Then I remember not to go back into that store for the next eight months or so.   I would never, ever purchase an herbal supplement from the gas station store, a convenience store or the 99 Cents or 150 Cents Store-ish variations.   You might decide otherwise. If you do want to risk it, pack a magnifying glass because you have to read the label.    What is the dosage? It might not be the full bottle.    And most important, have the contents been verified by an independent industry respected testing organization?   We need to be careful out in the wild. Just my two cents. This is my opinion which ain't worth a bucket of salt. Which does not stop me from this episode on how to evaluate herbal health supplements.   Resources Mentioned:    Operation Supplement Safety is intended for folks in the military that have restrictions on the kind of supplements they can use. However there is a non-military consumer version of the OSS Postcard that is a PDF download that gives guidelines on how to evaluate a supplement.   U.S. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know updated January 2023.   National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health page called Herbs at a Glance and Using Dietary Supplements Wisely   U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)   FDA page on Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements, updated 2022.    FDA page on Health Fraud Products Database. You can search by name, vendor, website or a specific action taken by the FDA.   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.

9/7/25 • 12:27

Living in a place with non-human beings can give you an appreciation of the unexpected. I've had encounters with possums, coyotes and skunks. Main skill is be aware of your surroundings, back up and give them a path to exit.   Haven't had a bear encounter yet. Do not want one either. Part of the inspiration of this episode is an old video of a man leaving his home, preoccupied on getting to work only to discover a big ole bear in his driveway.  This can cause most people a wee bit of fright.  That is the topic of this pebble in the anxiety road. Resources Mentioned:  On the Psychology Today blog is a post called Is Anxiety Psychological or Physical?   The National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) has a post from 2021 on Anxiety And Fear: What's The Difference? There is an explanation of what is fear and anxiety, the symptoms and some ideas on how to process those experiences.   Emergency Hotline 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 hotline and users can 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.

8/26/25 • 04:00

I had a flashback. What generated it was that I watched a video of a congress person telling his constituents that only the truly deserving should have access to free health care. Those that work are worthy. That is my understanding of what he said. I could be wrong. The example he gave was that a 28 year old person who refused to work. Once upon a time, I was truly ill. I had no savings. I owed bills. I couldn't work. The congress person would have deemed me unworthy.  Just like the Department of Health and Human Services did with the removal of LGBTQ+ access to the 988 suicide hotline. In this episode, what has happened and alternative hotline options. P.S. to the hot fingered. This is a mental health issue.  Resources Mentioned: 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 988 and users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact. There are also text/chat services available to folks in Canada, the UK and Ireland. 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.

8/11/25 • 08:16

I can talk about intrusive thoughts. Doesn't mean I don't still have them. Because I do. Here is the thing. Not only is the intrusive thought false but it is repetitive. There are things and practices you can do to reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts. In this episode, a recent experience of an intrusive thought and three ideas on how to handle the little haters.  I messed up the name of the song so I had to take it out. You can find it on YouTube. It is officially on the CartoonNetwork page. I don't know how long it will last. A lot of cable channels properties are going to be sold or terminated.  So much is changing.  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 non-profit Helpguide.org has a full page on Intrusive Thoughts and how to handle them. One of their suggestions is adjust the perceptions of your thoughts and let them be.   From the cartoon Steven Universe, the best musical example of what to do with an intrusive thought. 20+ million folks and counting. Here Comes a Thought. You can find the song on YouTube.   The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a page on Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts. One of the suggestions is to continue what you were doing before the thought.   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.

7/30/25 • 06:57

Trying to get back into the flow. I still don't have a desk or recording equipment. My phone will have to do the job. This is a quick pebble in the road on what is a mental health disorder.   Mental health disorders can affect a person's mood, feelings or become intrusive thoughts.   Most of us have experienced high stress periods or feeling like it's too much or way too much, or you really can't stand it anymore.    For those of us with continuous anxiety symptoms, it leans more toward being a disorder.  Or a condition.   Now, it's really important that you don't self-diagnose. You really should have a thorough workup by your doctor because there are so many physical health problems that have the exact same symptoms as an anxiety symptoms.    I just want you to have a better understanding of what those terms mean.    Bottom line, you have anxiety, you have anxiety symptoms, and they seem to be going on for a long time. It could be a condition. It could be a disorder.    Or it could just be something that you're dealing with and you're learning how to handle.  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 World Health Organization has an information page on mental disorders.    The American Psychiatric Association has page on What is Mental Illness?. The site uses condition and disorder.  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.    

7/16/25 • 02:14

After a few minutes of an life update, I talk about the Smiling Minds app, a free resource designed to help practice meditation and also helps to build mental fitness.   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 Simply Noise app can help you with finding the right sound for your needs, that could be a frequency noise or a sound of nature. Windows users can go to the download section of the website and select the items that will give them an audio balm. Smiling Mind app provides mindfulness and breathing resources but has evolved into a mental health support and fitness app. There are 700+ mindfulness items that you can use. There is also a mood tracker and other resources.   You can find the app on the Apple App Store  or the Google Play Store.   On the main website you can find an explainer page on how to use the app and some of the features.  One of those features is closed captioning.   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.

5/27/25 • 07:28

A brief update. I'm still going through chaos. I'm having to throw away a lot of things and re-organize my life.    This is a brief pebble in the road on a memory that I wrote down in 2002. It was a bad time.    There are ups and downs with having an anxiety condition. I was scraping cement at that time.   I'm grateful that is this a memory. I'm going to shred this page but I've memorialized it so there is no loss.  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:  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.

5/14/25 • 04:34

In this episode, I talk about my process on handing a problem and four resources that might be helpful to those with panic attacks and panic disorder.    Some of the resources are informative but dry.    Other offerings are written in a more conversational form, accessible but might not explain a concept or two.   I get a little more personal than I like but I wanted to share with you my panic response to some bad news.    There are a lot of changes that I'm experiencing at the moment.    Those changes need attention. I'll do the best I can but it is going to be a challenge to deal with it, work and get out an episode.   I'll do the best I can. 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:    NAMI is the National Association of Mental Health narrative from Yasmina Rebani-Lee that does a good job of explaining her experience and her process of working through it. It is called Unpacking my Panic Attack.   The Mayo Clinic has a page on Panic Attacks and Disorders.    The World Health Organization PDF on Panic Disorders   2022 brochure Panic Attacks, When Fear Overwhelms from the U.S. Department of 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 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.

5/2/25 • 06:35

We all have that thing that gets under our skin. The thing we can't stand and won't abide in any form. That at best is an irritation. But for some of us, it can be a problem if it impacts the quality of life. Those four-legged poof balls called cats can be a problem for people with a phobia about cats. In this episode, what it is, the symptoms and treatment 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:  The Cleveland Clinic has a page on ailurophobia, another name for the fear of cats. If you want to go learn about the phobias and treatment options, there is a HelpGuide.org page on Phobias and Irrational Fears. Psychology Today has a directory of mental health providers. You can search by city or zip code. 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.  

4/2/25 • 05:36

There are forces that have us in a state of stress and unbalance. It is intentional. Our stress levels are way too high.  In this episode, I'm talking specifically about stress but those of us with anxiety still need to pay attention.    We still have the ability to decide how we want to go forward. You might need a personal support system to help you deal with the days, months or however ever long we survive this moment in 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:  Stress definition and tips to handling it from the World Health Organization. The American Psychological Association has a dictionary style definition from their point of view. The non-profit American Institute of Stress also provides information about stress. There is a stress questionnaire that could help you figure out your stress level and provide information on handling it. There is a fee for accessing the questionnaire and guide.   Mindful.org has A 4-Minute Practice to Clarify What's Important Right Now.   If you would like help in getting started with a mindful practice the free app Healthy Minds provides lessons and practice session to help you learn how to do it.  https://hminnovations.org/meditation-app The American Heart Association has an infographic that you can download to help you remember some of the techniques of stress relief and management. 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.  

3/16/25 • 08:31

Social anxiety is not about being shy or people not wanting to be social. People with social anxiety beats up on themselves before others get a chance to do it.  It is a condition where an excessive amount of fear is generated by the anticipation of rejection.  Either way, it can be harmful to the spirit. In this episode, a quick look at the book How to Be Your Self by Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D. 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:  If you need information about Social Anxiety Disorder, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a free PDF on the condition and suggestions on treatment options. The Insight Timer app has a course by Dr. Hendriksen called Rising Above Social Anxiety.  The Yale Medicine website has an explainer page on Social Anxiety. Bookshop.org is a way to support independent bookstores. You purchase the book online via the website and an independent store will benefit from the purchase.  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.  

2/22/25 • 07:11

Yeah, it is a real thing and we are existing in it. From the looks of things most of us are struggling and that is never a good thing. An infodemic is a smash up between too much information and a pandemic. I didn't invent this term. Goes back to 2001-2003ish.   There is a pandemic of bad, worse and toxic levels of disinformation. People are getting sick or at risk of ingesting poor quality information sources.    I'm not being hyperbolic here. I stopped monitoring local and national news. All of it and cut back on social media too. And I actually turn off my phone at night.    In my limited defense, I did not want constant notifications of dubious statements and horrifying facts. I've mention this in the podcast. It is ok to take a break from the firehouse of news.   But there is a cost.  One morning, I woke up, turned on the phone and found out about not one but two wildfires.   We need safe and viable ways to monitor the news without crushing our spirts to dust. I have an idea or two.  This are just my ideas. We can build something better than what we have.    Doomscrolling will not get us there. 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:  I strongly recommend a safe browser to visit websites. I'm thinking stuff like Duck Duck Go, Vivaldi or using an app that blocks tracking cookies.     Possibly set up a limited use account for your on-line and researching needs. APNews.com, this is a non-profit news organization. It reports the news but does not interpret the story. They don't make the news palatable. They tell you what the news story is and the known facts at the time. AP Fact Check, looks at stories that might be questionable true or false.   Reuters News is a business to business commercial news company. Similar philosophy to the AP, gives the story but generally does not embellish. Reuters news also has a fact check page to evaluate social media and visual images to provide verification on who created it and is it the truth. FactCheck.org is a project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center. Also includes SciCheck for science claims.   The Poyter Institute has Politifact which has fact checking in English and Spanish. 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.

2/11/25 • 09:07

In this episode, a brief explanation of cognitive behavioral therapy and then an overview of the mental health apps that claim to provide treatment or support resources. There are a lot of companies that are trying to convince insurance companies, private businesses and consumers that their app is the one to help treat mental health issues.  Just one problem. There is only (at this time in January 2025) that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows the smartphone Rejoyn app to be recognized as a treatment for depression.   And you need a prescription for it.   Everything else in the mental health market place needs to be seriously evaluated by consumers to see if what is offered is acceptable to you and supports your treatment goals..   This is an overview of some of the things you should know if you decide to use an 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:  Psychology Today post on AI Chatbots for Mental Health: Opportunities and Limitations   The Conversation page on Your AI therapist is not your therapist: The dangers of relying on AI mental health chatbots   NPR Report on Rejoyn 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.  

1/22/25 • 11:49

The medical term for this is called bruxism. It is when a person grinds, gnash or clench your teeth and jaw bone. We are going to have a lot more people doing this in the year to come.    This is a pebble in the road on the condition and resources you can use to help you make decision about your 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. Resources Mentioned:  The Johns Hopkins Medicine site has an explainer about Bruxism that talks about who is at risk, the causes and treatment options.    American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has a page on Understanding the relationship between bruxism and stress.    Open Path Psychotherapy Collective helps folks locate therapists that agree to a sliding fee payments for services. You can filter for those things that you would want in a therapist. 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.  

1/7/25 • 04:51

Agoraphobia is the fear of being away from a safe place. People with agoraphobia have trouble being in certain types of public places. They also have problems with enclosed areas that don't seem to have an escape path. There are people that do just fine traveling only to a home, the store, work and maybe the church. Anything more than that causes them distress.    There are people that cannot ride a bus or the subway. It is the fear of being trapped without an escape. Then you have people that cannot leave their homes or they can only do so with someone accompany them.    In this episode a quick look at the condition, some of the symptoms and resources to get you started on your recovery journey. 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 Library of Health MedlinePlus page on Agoraphobia   National Institute of Mental Health booklet on Panic Disorders HelpGuide.org page on Agoraphobia, this will be a long and detailed account of the condition. Psychology Today has a directory of mental health providers. You can search by city or zip code.   ADAA.org has an online Peer to Peer support portal. It is a meeting place for people with a variety of anxiety conditions, including people that have agoraphobia. You do have to join the group and abide by the group guidelines.     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.

1/1/25 • 04:01

We have to be a lot more careful about the apps we put on our phones and tablets. In the entrepreneurial app space, there are a lot of apps that claim to be mental health or wellness apps. Many now have AI slapped on their covers.  At this time, AI is a collection of words, stolen data and snatched public domain text to make it seem like it can answer a question.   It can't. The response you get is a gussied up form of pattern matching. There is no intelligence or thinking from the app. That doesn't mean that the contraption can or can't help you.   It does mean that you need to be aware of your needs. You should start to have a baseline of what a mental health the app can do for you.     There are going to be a lot more apps being released in 2025. We need to build an understanding of what is and is not acceptable in a so-called mental health or wellness app.   In case you are new here, I do not accept advertising, affiliate links or other forms of compensation. This is my subjective opinion of what I perceived from the experience.   In this episode a quick look at the Zenora 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:  Per the website, the Zenora app provides mental health wellness support via a a mood and emotion tracker, a journal function and cognitive behavioral health information. The Knock Off Therapy Blog has a free PDF/paper based tracker and the information on how to use it to track your what is going on with you. Please be aware that you have to subscribe to AJ's newsletter to get the tracker. But you could also read the post to see if it is a good match for you.   The Rootd for Panic Attacks and Anxiety app has many of the same things that Zenora has but there is a specific focus on anxiety and panic attacks. There are short and long term lessons, breathing practices, nature sound and other items. This is a subscription service.   Unstuck CBT Therapy Journal has tracking features, a thought journal, examples of thinking traps and other doo-dads that you can use to track your feelings and thinking patterns. Disclaimer:  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.

12/17/24 • 11:05

Once upon a time I had this guy call me on Thanksgiving day to sell his carpet cleaning service. He probably thought is was a good idea, everybody would be home. Probably had that 100 calls mentality.  I was not joyful or merry when I got that call. I did not curse him out. I reminded him that it was Thanksgiving day. The call ended shortly after that statement.   For some of us, this is the start of enforced joy and merriment. The imperative to buy, buy and buy some more.    I want for you a different imperative. To take care of yourself as best you can. Watch what you eat and drink. And if you are prone to having alcoholic drinks, make sure you also gulp down plain water for brain hydration.    Or you could, embrace the mocktail life. Just a thought.   Balance your sweets with actual veggies and fruits.  Don't indulge in toxicity from media or other sources. Say "Thank you" if it helps you to get out of the store faster.    Our goal is to get to January 2, 2025. And then we get ready to meet the next challenge.    If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ folks at 1-866-488-7386 or text "START" to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  Online Vendors U.S.    Certainly can find it via Amazon, Kobo, Abe's for used books and the Barnes and Noble website Online Vendor UK    I found it on the Waterstones Books website.   Online Vendor    Australia Hachette Australian book site.   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.  

11/27/24 • 08:03

EFT Tapping, that takes me back a couple of years. Back when there was limited 240x 120 size video on websites. My symptoms were really bad that that time. I tried to make sense of it. I couldn't. Not with a 56k modem.   I quickly moved on to other possible help sources. About a year ago, I saw a EFT Tapping video. I tried it out. It did work for me if I was on the edge of an attack. Not so much if I have a big hella whopper of one, but that might be just me.    This time, I went looking for answers.   I did find some. Not enough to satisfy folks on the medical evidence-based  side of the fence.    But in-between the hooey and the functional components is a way of feeling better without risk to the body or the wallet.   This technique has been infused with cognitive therapy, meditation and affirmations. Those things do work. It might not work for everyone. But there are folks that have found relief practicing FTF Tapping.   You couldn't get some of those same people go to a meditation class but they are doing a meditative practice and not know it. That is ok.   So here is the thing. Check out the videos. Read the views at Skeptic's Dictionary & Quackwatch. Read a couple of pages from the EFT manual.    You might decide that the technique works for you. Or you decide it is a bunch of junk pseudoscience. Both things can be true.    It is up to you to decide if you want to add it to your anxiety tool kit. If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or for LGBTQ folks, The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text "START" to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  Contrary Views of Emotional Freedom Techniques   Skeptic's Dictionary gives a very detailed page about the creators, the practice and the site owners thoughts about the technique. There is also a comments page where folks go deep.   Quackwatch is a website that since 1996 takes a very critical look at claims made regarding questionable health treatments. There is a page on the website that has a few thoughts about EFT. The section on EFT is toward the bottom of the site. Positive Views of Emotional Freedom Techniques: The BBC did a video story about the technique, How Tapping Therapy Can Help Calm Your Mind.   The non-profit Kaiser Permanete page on Emotional Freedom Technique   Gary Craig original site was www.emofree.com now re-directs to Palace of Possibilities.    The EFT International Free Tapping Manual This is a 66-page PDF explaining the concepts of the practice and how to go about it.    Videos:   Nick Ortner Tapping Techniques on YouTube - please be aware that you will see the tapping techniques but the Ortner family does have goods and services for sale.   EFT Tapping for Anxiety   Ten Minute Tapping Meditation for Anxiety, Stress and Worry 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.

11/11/24 • 15:06

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 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 other, 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:  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.  

11/10/24 • 04:41

Seems like everybody is catching a little hell. We need to do something about that. Chip at that rock. For folks that are going through Postpartum Depression, there are resources that can help you get through the challenges of having this disorder. This is a short episode that list two or three resources, depending on how you count them on contacting assistance. If I find more, I'll add them to the resource lists or create another episode. 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:  Postpartum Support International has a helpline, a provider directory and community to assist folks with the condition.   PSI also has a page for Queer/Trans parents experiencing postpartum depression.     The site has an app that provides access to information, the helplines and the a community that truly understands the problems of folks that experience PPD or miscarriage.   PSI App via the Apple Store   PSI App via the Google Play Store   National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). This is a  24/7, free, confidential hotline is for pregnant women and new moms. Counselors speak both English and Spanish. TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.   The U.S. Office of Women's Health has a PDF Guide to Identifying Support for Postpartum 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.

10/27/24 • 03:53

With attacks on mom and non-mothers, it is easy to forget there are dads that might need assistance too. Giving birth can be a challenging experience.  There are anxiety conditions that can occur because of pregnancy. In this very short episode, I have a resource from Postpartum Support International (PSI) that might be helpful to the fellas that are finding themselves on the Anxiety Road. 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:  Postpartum Support International (PSI) has a page specifically for dads needing assistance with anxiety or depression generated by pregnancy or birth of a child.   There is also a telephone helpline in English and Spanish 800-944-4773, or you can text help to the same number. The helpline is operational from 8am to 11pm Eastern time.   I also has an app that can help parents access help and support as well as a community that understands issues related to the condition. You can find it at the Apple or Google Play App Stores.   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. 

10/27/24 • 03:13

There are a lot of books about anxiety, stress and related conditions. There is junk, AI junk, books that don't work for you and the ones that can change your life. The book You Will Get Through This; A Mental Health Tool Kit may or may not work for you.  But you won't know until you first know about it and read a sample chapter. The book is written by two psychologists and a licensed professional counselor.   The style is clear and they get to the point with good suggestions.  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:  You Will Get Through This; A Mental Health Tool Kit—Help for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and More by Julie Radico, Nicole Helverson, Charity O'Reilly published by The Experiment Publishing.    You can read the table of contents, introduction and a sample chapter that I found on the book page at Kobo.com  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.  

10/16/24 • 06:52

In this episode, I want to do a dive into what you should know before buying a book on anxiety support or treatment. Depending on how and where you get that book, there could be a certain amount of misrepresentation.    The topics in this episode include Private Label Release/White Label books, personal narratives and self-help/support and workbooks. One of my goals for 2025 is find current books that help specific populations.    The music for this week's show is from Logan at www.musicformakers.com. I mispronounced the name of the website and had to take it out.   Wee bit of housekeeping.    I am a real person. This is a 95% human generated podcast. I do use search engines. Many of them now have embed AI features. I write my own scripts and use an image editor that to my knowledge, doesn't use AI (yet). I use a company called Auphonic that does have AI sound cleaning features.    Long time listeners know I need all the help I can get in regard to sound quality.   I need to say all of that because there is now technology that an AI generated audio show hosted by two non-human AI voices. That podcast can be created and uploaded in about 20ish minutes.    There are humans that subscribe to that service. Mainly for income generation. More podcasts, more access to advertiser money.    For those of you new here, I do not accept ads, affiliate deals or influencer perks. I don't do interviews for free or for profit. Not saying I'll never do it but I haven't in 8 years so yeah, that is a thing.   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:  Descriptive Personal Narrative Resource: Scott Stossel's My Age of Anxiety Self Help, Support & Workbooks:  You Will Get Through This: A Mental Health Tool Kit―Help for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and More by Julie Radico PsyD, Charity O'Reilly LPC, Nicole Helverson PsyD Combo Personal Narrative & Self-Help/Support:  From Stuck to Unstuck: Break Free from the OCD & Anxiety Loop Using the Triple-A Response® and Take Back Control of Your Life by Matthew Codde LCSW. There is a website with information about the book. There is also a podcast that talks about mental health issues. 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.

10/1/24 • 15:48