Meds for More Chill and Cheer?

About one in five Americans takes prescription medication to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, but many don't or won't use these drugs because they lack information, are scared of them, or feel that needing them is a sign of weakness. These products help a lot of people feel calmer and happier. That's why guest Tristan Gorrindo clearly talks about what they are, how they're used, who can benefit from them the most, what happens when they don't work, and alternatives for those who prefer non-pharmaceutical options. After the conversation, host Jordan Friedman recommends four important 'sleeping pills' that don't require a prescription.

About Guest Tristan Gorrindo

Dr. Gorrindo is a practicing, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. He is a national expert in behavioral healthcare transformation, particularly as it relates to value-based care and interprofessional care for those with mental illness. Dr. Gorrindo has served on numerous national committees, authored over two dozen peer-reviewed papers, and delivered over a hundred national and international presentations. He completed his clinical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

 

Resources

Benefits and Risks of Benzodiazepines (National Institutes of Health)

 

'Sleeping Pills' for Stress-Reducing Slumber

1. Go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day, even on weekends.
2. Keep your sleeping space cool, dark and quiet. Use a fan, shades, a white noise machine, or other methods to create these conditions that support better sleep.
3. Block blue light; cover or disable those small white and blue LED lights on many electronic devices.
4. Don't force sleep. If you wake  up in the middle of the night, read (print), listen to a book or music, or do something else to lull yourself back to sleep, rather than trying to will yourself back to sleep.

 

About Host Jordan Friedman

Jordan is known as The Stress Coach, a career path that likely started when one of the world’s largest brain tumors was discovered in his head at age 10. The resulting, nonstop stress continued through college until he reluctantly enrolled in a stress management class that led to much less stress, a degree in public health, a job as Columbia University’s health education director and now a career as a global stress management speaker, trainer and author. For 25 years, Jordan's been privileged to help and learn from 9/11 survivors, teachers, CEOs, police officers, incarcerated adults, students and lots of other stressed people who want to be more successful, get better grades, sleep easier and be healthier.

In 2004, Jordan founded The Stress Coach to provide innovative workshops, multimedia webinars, chill apps, online courses and more stress-relief opportunities. The Chill Factory podcast is Jordan's latest effort to bring stress relief and better health to the world.