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Writer's pictureCamella Granara

Learning about your health

LEARN

Step one is learning about your symptoms, health problems, treatments, and what you can expect. It is important that you understand about your health conditions and how to manage them.

Remember to always select material from credible evidenced based sources. ​-Read books

-Review articles -Listen to podcasts -Watch videos


You definitely want to be suspicious if the health advice is attached to buying a product or service. How can you tell it is a credible source? Look for information from board certified, licensed health professionals, and well known and major organizations. Here are some good resources:


If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or that you would be better off dead, but you are not moving into making an attempt (you should get emergency help for that if you can) but otherwise, know that you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7/365 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/


WebMD

They get a bad rap, called "Dr. Google" and so forth, but honestly WebMD has one of the most comprehensive health reference libraries I have seen. They have info on physical health problems as well as mental health concerns. https://www.webmd.com/

And they have an interaction checker to look for interactions between medications, supplements, herbals https://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/default.htm

They also have medication information https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/index

And they have a supplement database too https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/index


Medline Plus

Another great reference


American Psychiatric Association

A very comprehensive database and helpful information on mental health and wellness


The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SAMSA has more information on mental health concerns as well as problems with substances such as alcohol or drugs


Alcoholics Anonymous

I highly recommend AA if you drink every day, almost every day, more than 6 drinks in any day within the past year, or if you did in the past and are struggling or working on sobriety. They do incredible things and have multiple meetings every day virtually and in person in your local area.


Stopping drugs or alcohol? Read this first!

Like I mentioned elsewhere on this site, there is nothing more important that your safety and well being. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! If you drink every day or very often, and you try to stop cold turkey, you may develop serious and life threatening problems This can also happen if you try to stop certain drugs abruptly. It is always best to have medical supervision. Preferably at a center that can help you through detoxing (weaning from drugs or alcohol) and then helping you stay off long term. You should always check with your health insurance provider to see which detox and rehab programs are covered by your plan. You can find out more information about these types of healthcare clinics and facilities buy using this search engine in psychology today


https://nami.org/home Mayo Clinic


National Institutes of Health (NIH)


Centers for Disease Control

The CDC has gotten a bad rap too. But honestly they have so much information that is really helpful.


CDC Side note: If you are traveling to another country you should really check out their travel information! Super resource and stuff most people don't even know they need to know when traveling.


SMART Recovery (non-religious)

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