Anxiety Road Podcast Podcast

Anxiety Road Podcast

Gena Haskett
This is the Anxiety Road Podcast, the involuntary journey in finding treatment options for people that have anxiety and panics attacks with side trips into related mental health disorders. This podcast is treatment agnostic.
ARP 343 Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families
In this episode, a look at adult people that grew up in an addictive or dysfunctional family. Because if you did, there is a good chance you might have an anxiety condition or a related mental health problem.   How do you get to be an adult child of a dysfunctional family. There are many pathways.    Many are raised in an abusive or addictive family. Others are raised in a generational trauma system.    Some people are raised by adults who do not have a clue about how to be a parent because they were never taught or exposed to a healthy, stable or loving environment.   It isn't about poverty or wealth. Education is not a guarantee of being a good parent. Nor religion or faith. Or the lack of it.    It helps, but if you have taking a glance at the news, a Utah woman with a social media following pled guilty to committed serious crimes against two of her children.   In 2034 they will become members of Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families. If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo about her new book on the gut, brain food connection and nutritional psychiatry On that page you can find a link to the book at Bookshop.org or by visiting the doctor's website. U.S. Center for Disease Control page about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with definitions and additional resources.    Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation post on Adult Children of Alcoholics information page.   Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families World Service where you can get more information about how it works, resources and virtual and real world meeting community fellowship experiences.   Therapy Dave has a article about ACDFs and an information sheet that list some of the core beliefs dysfunctional behavior that can happen in adulthood.   Kati Morton is a licensed therapist that has a YouTube channel. She has an episode about 10 Effects of Growing Up with an Alcoholic or Addict Parent     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.
Dec 25, 2023
12 min
ARP 342 Adverse Childhood Experiences aka ACEs
I did an episode about ACEs a long time ago. It was okay but I know a bit more now.    At the time I said something to the effect, "Childhood isn't easy even in the best of families, but what if your family of origin contributed to your current condition? I'm not saying that it has, but what if it did?"   That part was ok but listening to it now I did not fully define it or give examples.    When you know better, you do better. This is probably a three part series about childhood events that might have contributed to an anxiety condition.    If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has Fast Facts: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences   ACEs Awareness is a California project to screen children for indicators of ACE events. There is a Healthy Way to Manage Stress pdf handout that offers suggestions on how to manage stress, such as be kind to yourself, set goals and start small.    Therapist Erik Bohlin handout list of Symptoms from Dysfunctional Families.   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.  
Dec 13, 2023
13 min
ARP 341 Sour Candy and Symptom Management
So in this episode I wanted to put a bit more context as to why sucking sour candy could work to stop panic attacks. Or not. Or not for the long term.   Here is how it started. I have news feeds for anxiety. This story popped up.   Delish is a food recipe and kitchen gadget website. I've seen videos on YouTube. I was confused when I saw the story about sour candy and panic attacks.   It didn't match their usual beat. Sometime that can lead to good stuff. Like a fishing website that reviews a movie about Vets, fishing and PTSD.    It isn't an instant reject for me unless it is one of those way past NC-17 websites, but my radar is on high alert.    Publisher these days they need to draw people to the website. Delish saw a fit with there mission. They did have a series called Suck It Up. They would ask celebrities questions and if they refused to answer they would have to eat an increasing strong sour candy.    So this was in the Delish wheelhouse. Kinda. They got the story from Tik Tok.   USA Today did a story with more info from mental health professionals. That is how Delish found out about it.   As far as our neck of the woods is concern, this could be thought of as a form of grounding or interrupting the signals that generated the panic attack.    There are a lot of them. It is not treatment.   Nope. Not at all.    But it might give you time to breath, get out of the room or recalibrate.   So in this episode I wanted to put a bit more context as to why it could work and how there are limits to how effective it can be.      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:    Anxiety and Stress Disorders and a guide on Stress Management from Harvard Health Publications.    Tips to Manage Your Stress and Anxiety from ADAA.org The company that produces Warheads is called Impact Confections. You can get an idea of some of their candy products. This is not an endorsement, there are other companies that have sour and extreme sour candies and drinks. 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.
Dec 6, 2023
7 min
ARP 340 Cannabis and Cruising Do Not Mix
I don't know if I'll ever go on a cruise ship. The only part that really interest me is tasting a wide variety of food in a short amount of time. Plus my anxiety about riding on a human petri dish would get the best of me and cause all kinds of embarrassment. Not to mention that there are hundreds of people around and having to move as a pack once you arrive for an excursion.   Gives me the shivers. Anyway, there is a recent news story about a person kicked off a ship because of CBD Gummies.   Those of an anxious nature need to know that you cannot travel on cruse ships that have a U.S. port with any form of marijuana or medicinal products derived from that substance. Under U.S. federal law, it is still illegal. And federal law supersede your local state law.    You can be fined. You can be arrested. Or worse, lose all that money you paid to cruise in the first place.   And that is just in a U.S. port. Don't even think about doing it oversees.  In this episode a heads up about not bring cannabis products on the ship.  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:    Carnival Cruise Lines Tobacco and Smoking Policy $500 fine per incidence and the possibility of being kicked off the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line Guest Conduct Policy Illegal drugs or substances will be confiscated and appropriate action taken, which may include removal from the ship and involvement of appropriate authorities.    Royal Caribbean has a Guest Health Safety and Conduct Policy in multiple languages. Way down at the bottom is the prohibited items section. Marijuana, even in its medicinal form or for medicinal purposes, shall be prohibited.    Virgin Voyages Prohibited Items List.    Prior episodes: ARP 297 What is Hemp Oil and CBD Oil? ARP 298 Uses of Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil ARP 299 Buying CBD Oil via Retail Markets 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.
Nov 21, 2023
6 min
ARP 339 - You Need to Change Your Ways
You made it over the first hurdle. You know you have a problem.  You might have even gone to the doctor or your health provider to obtain help. They might have set you up with pills or talk therapy.   And that is a far as you got. You take the meds but you are still drinking.   Or eating high sugar or caffeinated beverages.   Babe, you gotta make some changes. Ones that you do not want to make but you have to do it.   The resource this week is a movie that covers a lot of anxiety topics. It is a primer on how not to handle your symptoms.   Sometimes a fictional movie about a real man can be very informative.  And can help you stay out of the hospital.   If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  1979 All that Jazz movie trailer - if you don't like musicals or you don't have two hours to invest in the movie. It is a good movie but for some people, the just don't have the time. 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.  
Nov 15, 2023
5 min
ARP 338 Anxiety in Your Guts and Symptom Tracking Apps
There is a term called visceral anxiety. According to various sources, it isn't a medical term but more of a description of feeling anxiety in the lower center of your body. We are talking about the gastrointestinal track.  For some with anxiety it is a persistent problem of pain in the stomach, being gassy or bloated. Or feeling queasy each and every day. (Pregnant people excepted).   Now life happens, you get sick and have those symptoms. Or something you've eaten truly does not agree with your body.   That isn't necessarily anxiety related.   However, if you have constant problems in your gut area AND you have been reviewed by a medical doctor to rule out other health problems then it could be anxiety.    It could be anxiety. And no amount of Maalox or Pepto Bismol is going to fix it. In this episode, a brief look at gut symptoms and symptom tracking to monitor what is ginning you up.    If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  ADAA.org page on How to Calm an Anxious Stomach: The Brain-Gut Connection   MySymptoms app that can track a wide variety of symptoms. This app was originally created for people that have Irritable Bowl Syndrome but has features that can apply to some anxiety conditions. Bearable app to help you track your symptoms. 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.  
Nov 1, 2023
6 min
ARP 337 - When the World Is Crazy We Worry
Worry is powerful, it can dishearten you and have you see nothing but shades of gray. There are techniques that even anxious people can use to reduce the amount of worry and get on with the business of the day.    I've been around a few spins around the sun. There have been very few times when things haven't been crazy on this planet. Especially with humans having access to weapons.   Gasses me up just to think about it. The only people and industries happy about current events are profiteers and weapon makers.    Which is why you have to be careful about making global statements. Even in the bleakest of times, somebody on Earth is happy.   Many of us with anxiety conditions have excessive amounts of worry.  In this episode, a very basic look at some of the tools we can use to help us take it down a bit so that we can function and get on with the day.   If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  Paradise Paradox Movie Trailer and the Home page of the movie website.   From the UK NHS,  a video from Every Mind Matters on how to process worry. Good suggestions and techniques like the worry tree example.   From Helpguide.org How to Stop Worrying and End Anxious Thoughts with more techniques you can use.   Mayo Health Clinic Symptoms page on 11 Tips for Coping with an Anxiety Disorder because we need to actively deal with it.    From Adams Media, The No Worries Workbook, 124 Lists, Activities, and Prompts to Get Out of Your Head—and On with Your Life! By Molly Burford. Adams Media is a imprint of Simon and Schuster.   Possible Alternative to What Was Once Known as Twitter   Mastodon and Spoutible   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.
Oct 27, 2023
13 min
ARP 336 Anxiety Symptoms and Nicotine
You can be a smoker that has anxiety or a person with an anxiety condition who smokes. Either way it is a bad deal that can not only make your symptoms worse but cause long term harm to your body. In this short pebble in the road episode, some resources to help educate yourself about the problem but some viable resources you can check out to separate yourself from the cigarette or the vape. If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse page on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco products.    Smokefree.gov helps folks kick the tobacco and vape habit by providing information and resources, including a page about stress and smoking.   The American Lung Association has a number of options about quitting smoking. There are groups, online version and self-directed guides.   For California residents only, there is kickitca.org, this is a state of California website that can help users transition from smoking and vaping.  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.
Oct 18, 2023
4 min
ARP 335 Beans or Knowledge
I try to keep episodes short and to the point. But sometimes I need to talk about conceptual things that at first, doesn’t seem to have anything to do with anxiety treatment options.  But it does.   I need to talk about beans or knowledge. Or the do before the why. Which I like better but it isn't grammatical. I take comfort that I'm pissing off an A.I. generator.   I know that many people that listen to the podcast like the give it to me straight and let me be on my way aspect of the show.    That is not going to be this episode. I have to talk about non-anxiety things to show the anxiety examples. Might take me a while.  There are anxiety specific resources in the episode.   But I gotta talk about beans first.    So yeah, if you want a short one, wait until next week or dive into the archive.   If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  Supplement Resources:   U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) consumer page about magnesium and on Vitamin D. There is also a newsletter from NIH called Digging Into Vitamin D.    And the Office of Dietary Supplements FAQ page explains what they are, do you need them and the pro and cons of them.   The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has a post about magnesium and Vitamin D and why they work well together.  Tyler Westley Tik Tok video about taking a friend's suggestion concerning magnesium. .  Dry Beans and Lectin Information:   Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health page on Anti-Nutrients. There is also a link to the problems with Lectins.   Samarian Health Services page on Are Lectins in Plant-based Foods Your Friend or Foe? 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.
Oct 11, 2023
11 min
ARP 334 Explaining Depression via Games
The American Psychiatry Association defines depression as loss of interest of activities once enjoyed, and that the symptoms must last longer than two weeks before an official diagnosis.   There isn't just one kind of depression and they don't all generate from the same source.    For people that have not experience depression, it is really hard for them to understand. Or they try to related to something that has no relationship to the actual condition.    You can tell they don’t know about when they offer responses like, “you just have to get out of yourself.    So this episode is a two-fer. It is for people that have an anxiety condition that may or may not have a side order of depression. You'll need info on what is is and some of the treatment options.   And, if you need a friend or loved one who doesn't connect with what you are experiencing, there are games and simulations that can help them get a glimmer of understanding.   If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.     Resources Mentioned:    There is a story from New Hampshire Public Radio about a meeting at Dartmouth University with the current and prior Surgeon Generals meeting to talk about the need for ‘stronger communities’ to address mental health crisis.    The Verge article about Google shutting down the podcasting app. Option 1 is to move over to the YouTube Music App. Option 2 is to find another podcasting application.   The American Psychiatric Association has information about depression, the various types and some of the treatment options. There is also a short explainer video to help those that take in information visually.   Helpguide.org post on Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs.   Celeste is a game where Madeline journeys up Celeste Mountain with her anxiety. There is an 8-bit version that can be played on the website. The modern version can be found on various playing devices.   Actual Sunlight, a game/narrative about the experience of depression. You also can find it on Google Play, Nintendo, Switch and other gaming platforms   Depression Quest, old school web based HTML journey of depression and discovery.    The Braaains podcast if you want to know more about that tasty organ known as the brain, mental health issues disability representation. The podcast also shows how the topic is reflected in tv, movies and media.    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.
Oct 4, 2023
10 min
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