Mar 25, 2022
This episode is about a rock, actually a crystal, that caused me to
think about the multiple times a day someone is trying to sell me
something.
A thing they think I want. Or need.
And if I am vulnerable, like I might just want that scoop of
designer ice cream as an adventure in tasting, I'll go along with
the bit.
Men's shaving and grooming kits. Not so much. That happens if
I'm watching a wood crafting or male garden videos. Or
non-political preppers.
There are such people and what they are doing is important. But
I don't need to see a bunch of fear based ads on the collapse of
the world unless I fork up money for dehydrated food.
Anyway, there are people and companies salivating about the
mental health marketplace. I get pitches all of the time from drug
rehab companies, therapists from other countries, and public
relations people who prove that seven out of ten times they are not
reading or listening.
It seems researching is not a fundamental part of their
profession. Maybe that is a bit harsh.
Let's put it this way. The competent ones know not to send me
a pitch for an interview.
Dancing at the headbanging ball, I tell you.
Anyway, this episode is about being cautious about the claims
of products, services and entities claiming to aid you in your
quest to do something about your anxiety symptoms.
Don't let the Instagram fool you. Just cuz you see it on Esty
does not make it a safe purchase.
One major point I'd like to emphasis; count the number of
condition the product claims to treat. Are they related? Most time
it claims to fix everything from foot pain to face
acne.
And you know that isn't possible. You don't go to the foot
doctor for a sunburn on you face.
At least, I hope you don't.
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:
From the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission there is
Scamwatch. Does a good job of
explaining how a scam works. One of the items mentioned is
that the treatment is effective against a range of unrelated
conditions.
There is also a FDA there is a
searchable database on known
fraud products. You can type in a search for anxiety, depression or
almost any health condition and a list of problem products will
appear.
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.