Anxiety Audio & Web Resources
NPR Archives: Worry and Anxiety: What’s Healthy, What’s Toxic?
Worrying can be a healthy thing– it can make you act with forethought, or keep you on your toes in a dangerous situation. But for some people, worrying becomes downright toxic– to the point that it disrupts work, pleasure, and physical health. Drs. Hallowell and Dupont take an in-depth look at what makes us worry, and the best strategies for coping. Briefly addresses taking anxiety medicine during pregnancy, genetic links, overprotective parenting, the role of faith or a personal life philosophy, and the effect of parents’ excessive worry on children’s adult lives.
NPR Archives: Why We Worry and How to Deal with It
Global warming, aging parents, terrorists, being too fat– or too thin! Many Americans are worrying more than they used to. Dr. Hallowell differentiates between appropriate concern in response to real threats vs. excessive “toxic worry” that can take over your life unnecessarily. Reviews genetic predisposition, the effect of social isolation, trauma, and how toxic worry can eventually destroy marriages, friendships, and parent-child relationships. Coping strategies discussed include parents helping their children keep perspective from an early age, and the healthy use of exercise and humor.
NPR Archives: Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 
Checking, double-checking and second-guessing are all within the realm of normal, everyday behavior. But when does this sort of behavior cross the line into obsession? Author and reporter Jeff Bell and guests talk about recognizing and treating of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
NPR Archives: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety
Author and Newsweek correspondent Judith Warner addresses the “choking cocktail of guilt and anxiety and resentment and regret” that is poisoning motherhood for American women, and how to effectively reclaim the joys of being a parent.
The Anxiety Community
Numerous articles on different forms of anxiety, and their medical and psychological treatments. Includes an online community with chat room and bulletin boards. A good quality Anxiety Self-Test is available, though you should meet with a professional to form any solid conclusions. Note: if you compare technical medication info., please remember that if your medication does not show a FDA “indication” for your specific form of anxiety, this may merely reflect a marketing decision by the drug manufacturer. Ask your physician whether a given medication is a reasonable choice for your form of anxiety.
Birdsong Radio
Take a moment to relax to the sounds of birdsong. Let this play in the background of your home or office for a mental escape, a meditative exercise, or just a soothing background.
Broad Mental Health Websites that include Anxiety Information:
Mental Health Net
Describes the symptoms of common mental health diagnoses, then reviews treatments, research, national organizations and support groups, and online support. To search the site, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Psychology Info.com : Common diagnoses
Describes major mental health concerns organized clustered by global category (e.g. anxiety, depression). Includes a review of causes, subtypes and discussion of medical and psychological treatments.
Web M.D.
With content written and reviewed by our local company Healthwise, this site offers numerous articles and resources on both physical and mental health. The Drugs & Treatment tab takes you to an alphabetical list of medications, allowing you to see FDA indications and warnings.
Psychotherapy Networker
The Psychotherapy Networker magazine hosts numerous online articles on mental health topics, including anxiety, sex, creativity, mindfulness, positive psychology, couples relationships, combat-related trauma, and concerns for children and teenagers.
Medscape: Mental & Emotional Health Info.
Pamphlet-type information for all categories of major mental health concerns, written by the National Institutes of Mental Health and Carenotes. Also sign up here to receive periodic newsletters with the newest news and research on select topics, like ADHD and Bipolar. Requires a quick, free registration.
National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) “For the Public”
Excellent reading, with more technical detail included. Printable pamphlets available here for yourself, or to share with family, friends, coworkers or teachers.
NAMI Idaho
NAMI is a nationwide organization dedicated to support, education and advocacy on behalf of people with a mental illness and their families. After creating a free online account, you can access numerous online discussion and support groups in a bulletin board format. Post your comments or questions, or just read about others’ experiences.
Mental Health Interactive
Extensive archived question-and-answer site, with questions solicited from the public in an “Ask Libby” format. Also lists national organizations and support groups. Easy to read, though answers may be more simplified than elsewhere.