I love data. However, as someone who grew up as a member of the Gen-X generation, I have the advantage of remembering what it was like not to have a computer, cell phone, or wearable tracking your every move. While I obsess over the information coming at me, especially as a runner, I also recognize the darker side of data, especially as it relates to anxiety and mood.
Anxiety
Anxiety is both an emotional and physiological experience, typically triggered by events past, present or future. Symptoms include panic and fear, sleep disturbance, sweaty/tingly hands and feet, heart palpitations, and even nausea.
Extreme anxiety is influenced by the adrenal cortex, causing a flight-or-fight response to an internal or external stimuli. This often leads to a sense of panic.
Clinically, an individual can be diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Phobia. Anxiety is also a common feature seen in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
5 Mental Health Benefits You Will Notice After You Stop Drinking Alcohol
There is a multitude of reasons individuals choose to drink alcohol. Covering the, ‘why’ people drink is an article in and of itself. But, in short, we start drinking as a social endeavour that later becomes a way to cope with both external pressures and internal pain.
The Cumulative Nature of Stress and the Cortisol Connection (Video)
Stress in cumulative throughout the day. If we do not keep our intra-personal and inter-personal engagement in check, the resulting sense of ‘dis-ease’ leaves us feeling overwhelmed. The negative thoughts, unproductive conversations, and situations we find ourselves in where we have no actual contribution, increases cortisol, and thus anxiety.
FMP 065 • What I Noticed Going Alcohol and THC Free After 50 Days
Making the commitment to eliminate alcohol and THC products from your life is one you will never regret. On the first day of January this year, I made the commitment to stop drinking alcohol for 90 Days in an effort to improve anxiety and sleep. About three weeks later, I took the additional step to stop consuming THC edibles.
FMP 054 • Grounding Exercises For Acute Anxiety (Trauma & Cognitive Psychology)
A listener reached out inquiring about managing moments of acute anxiety and feeling overwhelmed at work. Today, we discuss the power of “Grounding,” an approach that interrupts the mental and physiological response to anxiety.
FMP 052 • Perfectionism is Ruining Your Life (Observations and Solutions)
In a previous article on Finding My Psych, we explored the application of the Triple Column Technique on addressing perfectionism. Today, in this solo episode, I addressed my own experience with perfectionism and provide some suggestions for containment.
FMP 037 • Digital Minimalism for Improved Attention and Mood
In today’s episode, I reflect on the attention dominating and anxiety provoking nature of modern tech on our day-to-day lives. After briefly discussion to leaders in the digital minimalism space (Cal Newport and Matt D’Avella), I review my own maximalist ways.
5 Profound Impacts of Financial Insecurity on Mental Health
Financial insecurity is the perception that your lifestyle has or will change dramatically as a result of sharp decreases in income and/or increased indebtedness. This strong sense of insecurity has a significant impact on self-worth, oftentimes resulting in poor mental health outcomes.
Two Meditation Techniques Targeting Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A moderate degree of anxiety is a normal part of the human experience. In fact, when experienced at the right level, it promotes motivation. However, when your sense of anxiety and worry increases significantly, becoming a persistent part of your day-to-day, our ability to function has the potential to decline at home and work.
Fight Procrastination Anxiety with the Premack Principle
Procrastination is the irrational tendency to delay tasks that require completion (Clarry H. Lay, 1986). A strong propensity towards procrastination often leads to a strong sense of negative self-evaluation, anxiety, and depression.
HIV Chronic Disease Management – Untangling Mental Health Obstacles
Protease Inhibitors entered the drug market in the mid 1990’s, changing the face of HIV, the virus that without treatment, eventually results in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Now considered a chronic disease, HIV infection, when approached with persistence and care, is entirely manageable from a medical perspective. Patients can now expect to live nearly as long as non-infected peers.
FMP 012 • My Panic Attack and the Changing World of Addictions Treatment
Wow! Already up to episode number 12! In our discussion today, I start by addressing two listener questions about the relationship between of Positive Psychology and Behavioural Medicine. I then cover my personal brush with panic this week, followed by a review of the changes I have seen in the field of addictions treatment over the years.
Defining Agoraphobia: Treatment and Prevention Considerations
Agoraphobia is classified as an anxiety disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, characterized by the avoidance of places and/or situations that may cause acute panic, or a feeling of being trapped without a way out. At its worst, individuals feel unable to leave their home due to anticipatory anxiety of what might happen if they were out in public.
FMP 008 • Effective SMART Goals – Smash Your Anxiety (CBT Masters Series #3)
We dive into a short discussion on how to manage the flow of negative information. In the current political environment, it is easy to believe that what we consume, no matter now outrageous, only has entertainment value. On the show, we assert that a constant diet of news, radio, and mindless Facebook feed scrolling, over time drags you down.
Smash Anxiety With Progressive Muscle Relaxation – (Audio Session)
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a tool used in the filed of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), designed to interrupt the physiological consequences on persistent anxiety. It is a sustainable approach with wide ranging effects on mood, anxiety, and perceived wellbeing.
