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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

A quick pebble in the road on those in the population that know what a party line is, not to be confused with the groove line and the collective horrors of swallowing Cod Liver Oil.

Anxiety does not have an age limit or time out feature. Age doesn't necessarily protect you from having an anxiety condition.    This is just a brief look at some of the things you should consider if you are take a swig to deal with your symptoms.   P.S, really not a good idea.   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. National Institute on Aging has a facts information page about aging and alcohol.   The (UK) Royal College of Psychiatrists on Alcohol, Mental Health and the Brain   The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Mental Health in Canada page on Alcohol Use in Older Adults   And from the U.S. Veterans Health Library, Unhealthy Alcohol and Drug Use and Mental Health, this has the breakdown on how much an adult can drink in a day.  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.

This is a quick look at the Healthy Minds Program App and what can do for you to help you chill out.

One way to think about mindfulness it is an intentional period of time that you practice of grounding yourself in the moment.    Meditation is a method that you use to help you get to a mindful space.  Some of those tools include breathing, movement, or a specific mental practice to create healthy pathways and move out the muck.   What can it do for you:

• Meditative practice
• Audio education on training the brain and understanding the mind.
• Tracking your wellness level.
• Helps to reduce anxiety levels.

There is no charge to use the app but they would not mind if you made a donation to support the non-profit that created it.   This app is available on Android and iOS devices. Just a reminder, I do not accept advertising or have affiliate links. I seek out the resources and products.    In eight years, I have never done an interview. I don't want to. I'd rather have a conversation.  But not necessarily via the podcast.   This has not stopped PR people from sending me possible interview candidates. I have a special folder where they go into purgatory. I use to email them to tell them that. Doesn't seem to matter to them.    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:  Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need To Know from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine.  The Healthy Minds Program App in the Apple App store. The Healthy Minds Program App on the Google Play store. 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.    

Those of us that want to find solutions or treat their anxiety have a lot of things to think about. We also need resources and practical things that can help us deal with our symptoms. 

You might need a centralized place to keep track of treatment, apps, concepts and skills to improve your health. A toolbox is a container for those items that help you with a project. An anxiety toolbox is a real or metaphorical container for the things you need to help control your symptoms and treat your condition.    In this episode, I want to talk about the idea of what an anxiety toolbox could be. I can't define what your toolbox would look like. But I can tell you, especially when you are at high tide, it could be very helpful. 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:    KFF News story about a non-therapist spouse providing mental health session via an on-line service. CCI Fact Sheet on the Viscous Cycle of Anxiety from Western Australia   Mental Health America fact sheet on Coping Toolbox Strategies   The Anxiety Journal: 7 Weeks of Prompts and Exercises to Overcome Anxiety Paperback by Richard S. Gallagher LMFT.  You can find this book at many on-line retailers and it might pop up at places like Walmart or Target. Not an endorsement, just an option for you to check it out.   National Institute of Mental Health brochures on mental health topics.    Anxiety and Depression Association of America has resources, member discussion groups and webinars. They also have a YouTube channel.   Helpguide.org is a non-profit website that talks about a variety of mental health issue. They have a specific section on anxiety disorders and anxiety attacks.   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.  

This is the second part of a look at some of the mental health treatment options in 2024. There have been changes since the creation of the podcast in 2015.

  For example, in 2015 there were limited telehealth options, no entrepreneurial mental health apps and service providers. No A.I enhanced apps. And mental health services was primarily provided face to face or in a group setting. There have been changes in technology and access to care.   For my overseas listeners, I'm sorry but this one is going to be U.S. centric. There are cultural, governmental and way too many differences in access to treatment.  Please continue to listen and glean from it what you can.   Before I get to that, it helps if you know the terms, vocabulary and some of the science based options for your anxiety.    One of the resources that is accessible is located at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health - Booklets and Fact Sheets. Consider this a starting point in your treatment, so that you have a understanding of what is going on and some, but not all of your treatment options.   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 - Booklets and Fact Sheets The documents can be viewed on the website or downloaded as a PDF. There are also Spanish language versions.   Mental Health America page on Screening Tools for Anxiety   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. This therapy is suggested for people that have anxiety, some forms of depression.   In the Anxiety Disorders booklet, there is a section on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There is a much longer definition I found at the U.S. National Library of Medicine.   If you prefer your information in an audio format, the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists has a self-help section that has recordings about various CBT topics, including dealing with anxiety.  https://www.nacbt.org/cbt-self-help-audio-programs/   Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) therapy the focus is that it routes you into the present tense, along with providing skills to handle problems.   There is a lot of treatment definitions on the Psychology Today website:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Equine Assisted Therapy

  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is for folks that need help in regulating emotions, developing mindfulness skills and help with challenging situations. Harvard Health has a page about DBT.   And Everyday Health has an extensive guide about DBT,   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.  

I'm coming up on the anniversary for the podcast. I started in 2015 because even with the internet at the time, it was hard to find accurate information about having an anxiety or mental health condition.    I also felt that limiting treatment just to medication or therapy didn't necessarily take into consideration the needs of a diverse group of people with the disorder.    There are people that have symptoms and just want them to stop. Those folks need to know you might stop one set of symptoms but if you don't address the problem, they will come back.   I also have folks that will not, cannot and should not take medication. Therapy can help but you might have to do other things, like learn to meditate, breath for symptom control and manage you sugar intake.   Movement is important. Proper amount of sleep is essential. Work/Life balance isn't a dirty concept, it is what our bodies need to function and thrive.  

So I'm breaking this up into a series of post. The first one is about Medication in 2024.

  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:  Mental Health America Screening Test for Anxiety. This is not a diagnostic test but it could give you indicators that there is a problem that you might need to address. There is also a version of the test in the Spanish language.   If you are new to this, you want to start with authoritative information.   The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has a page on anxiety disorders and the types of medication generally prescribed for the condition.   The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a page on medication options.   Helpguide.org also has information, they would prefer you to consider medication as a last resort but they have good information about anxiety disorders and attacks.   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.