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Well, you learn something every day. The words of the day is Ruck as in rucksack and rucking as it is known in the UK. Around these parts most people refer to a rucksack as a backpack and rucking is walking intentionally with a heavy pack.  I bring this up because there was an article about rucking to help with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  To my limited understanding, this is also a training activity for soldiers or for people that want to be closer to nature so they head out with a bunch of survival gear and walk into the wilderness.   But you don't have to. You might be rucking and not know it. In this episode, a definition of rucking, does it help with PTSD or anxiety and what role does exercise play in symptom control and mental health. Resources Mentioned:    Military.com has a page on a small study on veterans who walked in both natural and urban centers. There is also a link to the original study and their process of evaluation.  Men's Health has an article about the practice of rucking and some of the things to be aware of should you decide to get started.    The Cleveland Clinic is more specific about what is needed and other items to known.   Harvard Health has a post on Can exercise help treat anxiety? As a solo treatment, no but it is an important part of the treatment process. 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.   Disclaimers 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, a look a the non-profit website of the National Alliance on Mental Health. What does it offer for those of us that have mental health challenges? There is good stuff on the NAMI website. Eh, there is a problem in the episode: I said the word of when I should have said on. I've fixed the visuals but... yeah I goofed. There are websites that claim to provide mental health information. Many of them are commercial for profit websites. Nothing wrong with that but you have to look at the product and what they sell.    Often it is you.    Not just cookies any more there are trackers, bugs and algorithm fences that round you and your information up for profit.   Some websites provide a surface level information that is connected to affiliate links.  Even those sites that originally have nothing to do with mental health issues.    I've seen mental health related articles on tech websites, hardware websites, and so called consumer-ish type sites that are nothing but link farms for products that are being sold under the guise of a review.    So I want to start doing more about describing the legit sites, the tolerable ones and hopefully over time, this will help folks stay away from the more skanky sites.   Resources Mentioned:  NAMI Information page on Mental Health Conditions.   NAMI Connections for Peer Support Group. NAMI Support page for Families and Caregivers. 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.

This is a story about how a bad jar of peanut butter reminded me of some basic life lessons. The ones we say we know but don't implement.  It is like when Cab Calloway sings St. James Infirmary Blues.  Cab gets ahold of a note and pitches it to the heavens before bringing back to earth. You might need to do your own pitching. Maybe it will come back to you. Maybe not.    Take a deep breath, reassess and carry on.   I like both the cartoon animation and him singing it in person. If you need a mind balm, you can't go wrong watching either version.   Resources Mentioned and Implied   National Peanut Board with information about how long peanut products last.   From the 1947 movie Hi-Di-Ho Cab gives a spirited performance of St. James Infirmary Blues.   The Fletcher Studios used Cab Calloway as the template for Koko the Clown dancing in a segment of their 1933 version of Snow White. Basically the filmmakers traced Cab and his dance moves onto Koko the Clown.    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.

This is a short episode that briefly talks about social anxiety and three resources that might be helpful when it comes to making decisions about treatment. Resources Mentioned:    The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a brochure on what the disorder is, the symptoms and treatment options   The Social Anxiety Association is a non-profit that specifically helps those with the condition. On the website with a fact sheet, a link to an updated test for Social Anxiety, and a forum for those that want to communicate with others.   The National Social Anxiety Center has a current blog about issues related to having social phobias.  There is a post on shy bladder conditions, social anxiety and the hangover and on on developing conversational skills to reduce social 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 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.

In this episode, a simple definition of inflammation and the book Immune Health, A Myth Busting Guide. One of those myths is about the relationship between inflammation and mental health. Some days it is a struggle. Facing your known mistakes and dealing with current ones. Not what the episode is about but the name of the book is Immune Health. I said the correct name all but once in the show. I'm past deadline so I have to live with it and accept it.   Gotta say, there is acid churning in the stomach. Facing your true self is rough. Not being perfect is a drag. Or the positive version, why drag yourself down, you are human. Stand up and get on with the day.   Resources Mentioned:    The original Guardian article about inflammation and Daniel M. Davis book.   The UK publisher, Penguin has the sample chapter of the book.   Amazon UK version of the Ebook with an option to add the audiobook.     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.

In this episode, a look at what you can do if you have excessive startle response or you are extra jumpy around certain sounds or experiences.  Resources Mentioned:    What to Eat for Better Mental Health on the Sutter Health website.   Cleveland Clinic on Eat These Foods to Reduce Stress and Anxiety The Mayo Clinic FAQ on coping with anxiety. Harvard Sleep Medicine page on Sleep Hygiene and a page on Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Sleep.   For U.S. Armed Forces service members, the Red Cross has a PDF on setting up a sleep routine   Australian Center for Clinical Interventions web page on Progressive Muscle Relaxation   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.

This is our third example of how some people think when faced with a problem. Max, who just found out that he has a panic disorder. He accepts that he's in trouble. Yep, time for action. Max is gonna solve this problem. Shouldn't take more than a week or two. Reactive thinking is certainly goal focused. Skim and plug in the proper words so that you sound like you know what you are talking about. Except you don't. You are moving so fast that you don't really allow time to let it soak in. Even symptom management takes time and you are going to need a lot more than a week and a half.  Resources Mentioned:  The US National Institute of Mental Health also has a page on panic disorders.  It talks about the difference between a panic attack and a panic disorder. On that site there are listings for the various treatment options TED-ED animated video on Panic Attacks and How to Prevent Them 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.

When a person has OCD there can be a lot of questions. Sometimes there is overthinking which can lock you into a loop.  This is part two on a few of the ways that people deal with problems with a resource that might help you to find your path to treatment. Resources Mentioned:  The International OCD Foundation website. has information about the different types of OCD, the treatment options and possibly connect to a therapist that has experience in treatment people with this condition.   TED-Ex has a lot of animation videos on mental health topics. If you are not a reading person, this is another way to get the information on basic concepts of OCD. Dr. Ali Mattu has a video on OCD explained for beginners - how I wish I was taught   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.

In this episode, a look at how a person with an anxiety condition might deny they have a problem but wants to take care of their symptoms. When there problem to solve, there are a few of us that walk down the road of denial. This is a defense tool, a bad one, but designed to give the illusion of being safe.  This isn't a criticism of people who are in denial. Sometimes it takes time and experience to learn that it isn't an effective tool. But this isn't about perfection. It is being where you are in the moment. And if a person wants to focus on symptom control first, that is ok. We all have our paths. We do what we can. Resources Mentioned:  There is a three page anxiety toolkit on JSSA.org about what is anxiety and some of the things a person can do to manage symptoms.  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.

How much worry and gloom can you stand? To the point where it becomes expected. This is what we call in the biz erroneous thinking. It doesn't have to be this way. In this pebble on the anxiety road, a look at generalized anxiety disorder. Resources Mentioned:  The non-profit Helpguide.org has a page explaining Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks   The World Health Organization as a downloadable four page fact sheet on generalized anxiety disorder, the symptoms and what you can do about it.   Licensed therapist Kati Morton has a YouTube channel that talks about mental health issues. This is an episode on Generalized Anxiety Disorder.    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.

There are medical doctors, osteopathic doctors and naturopathic doctors. You don't hear as much about the NDs but they are a part of the healthcare system. The question is, can they help or assist you if you have an anxiety condition? In this episode, a look at the licensed naturopathic doctors, the services offered and can they be another healthcare resource? Resources Mentioned:  The U.S. National Institute of Health has an explainer page about Naturopathic Medicine.   The Council on Naturopath Medical Education has an information page on the type of conditions these doctors treat.   American Association of Naturopathic Physicians has a map that shows where naturopathic doctors are licensed in the U.S. and Canada and the current status of other U.S. states considering licensing these types of doctors.   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.

If you are a senior or elderly person taking benzodiazepines there are things you need to be aware and informed about. Not from a place of fear but of safety.  In this episode, a quick look at how benzodiazepines can affect older adults and a few resources.   One more thing. There is a high number of AI Slop videos on this topic. Some of the presenters are not human. We have a new generation of graduates of the I-fleece-em academy.    You can tell by how much fear they projects and the image of a medical persona. The thumbnail is designed to hook you by engaging in your curiosity or concern about a medication you take.   Please think before you click.    Resources Mentioned:  Over on the Canadian side of the fence, there is a brochure from Canadian Coalition for Senior Mental Health. Simple, easy to read and packed with solid accessible information. Such as if you are taking Benzos, you should not be drinking alcohol.    There is a one-page handout that was created by Benzo.org.UK for World Benzo Day called Problems and Pitfalls. It explains some of the issues of seniors and elderly folk taking benzodiazepine and some options.      The Mayo Clinic has a list of medications that can cause some concerns in older adults.   The non-profit Benzo Info has a page on the medication called Impact on the Older Adult Population   University of Alabama at Birmingham has a report on More than a million older Americans take benzodiazepines long-term. Here is why doctors want them to stop, and how a UAB psychiatrist approaches the conversation.   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.

People who are anxious or have an anxiety condition need to pay attention to things that harm their health. It does not mean you get to drink, get drunk and fly.  I learned that there are a sub-genre of police body cam videos that focus on airports.   I gotta go cold turkey on those videos. They got me sympathetic to Spirit Airlines, may it rest in peace. In this episode, a review of the anxiety medications, what alcohol does to you, environmental factors that could affect your consumption of booze and some of the repercussions of being intoxicated in U.S. airports.  Resources Mentioned:    The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a section of their website on Medication and Other Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders and Depression   The Budget Savvy Travelers website has a bunch of tips and techniques to get you from point A to B.   Sky Sonar goes into a lot of details about being ok on the plane, such as getting an isle seat and pre-checking if this is a turbulent flight.   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.

I'm still on summer slow down. I was more tired than I thought. But slowly getting back into the game.  It is one thing to know you need help but it is a whole other thing trying to get help.    In this episode, a few more tips on how to separate yourself from fraudsters non-human shams. The videos I posted in the resource section make some of the consumer health literacy process clear and easy to implement.   Resources Mentioned:    Anxiety and Depression Association of America. known as ADAA has extensive information about the different types of anxiety conditions and other mental health disorders. They also have a YouTube channel.   The Mayo Clinic has a section on their website with a listing of diseases and conditions.   Psychology Today a viable website with a bunch of mental health and mental wellness information. It is a commercial site but they do have health professionals creating content.  There is a US and UK versions of the website. A story I think we all should check out is AI implied health biases - how they replicate existing or prior historical views on health issues.   AI implied health biases - how they replicate existing or prior historical views on health issues.    There is a short SciToons video on the basics of health literacy for consumers and why it is important.   The PROVE It literacy technique, explains how to evaluate information, both health and non-health info that is presented to you. This info is intended for teachers but it is super clear on the process of evaluating information.   The North Carolina Medical Board created an instructional video on what to do to prepare for an office visit, and how to get better value from the visit called The Importance of Health Literacy   To beef up your health literacy skills, I do recommend the Trust it or Trash it website.   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.

It is time for my summer slow down but the tricksters do not rest. So for a couple of episodes, I want to share with you some of the new fangled ways the underside of the bottom of the barrel will try to get you to read, click or share.  This time a look at busty thumbnails and Barney Google's type eyes in social media title cards and thumbnails. The TLDL is that there are all kinds of ways to get attention.  Attention sometimes equals clicks and then clicks equal cash or data harvesting.  When possible, avoid the Reaper.   Resources Mentioned:  The Trust It or Trash It website has tutorials on how to evaluate a health or mental health site for being a safe place to get information.  The National Library of Medicine has a section of the website that also has tutorials on health literacy topics.    On the PubMed page there is a on-line tutorial or you can download the PDF version of  Evaluating Internet Health Information: A Tutorial 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.