Anxiety of disclosure statements

[Sooze000]

I'm just throwing this up here because more and more lately, I'm finding that all the mental health sites, apps...well basically everything, have very scary disclosures protecting themselves. Not scary in general probably but for someone who experiences anxiety on a plethora of levels....it's a nightmare. Even meditation, EFT and natural therapies all have statements like"don't do this if you are emotionally frail or suffer mental health disorders without professional help.

It's a bit of a nightmare for me now as you really begin to question every thing positive you try and do to help yourself even.

I never see others with this problem

[quirkywords]

Sooze000,

Welcome to this forum. This is a friendly and supportive community.

I can understand how you would feel anxious about the self disclosures on health sites.

Alas we live in a society where people want to sue at the drop of a hat so hence these disclosures.

I think there would be people like you worrying over these statements.

I can see how you should talk to your doctor before taking herbal remedies.

I think the sites maybe being extra careful. I have take meditation classes and never seen a disclosure statement so maybe it is just online sites that have these statements,

I have done yoga and have never seen a disclosure for that or for tai chi or Pilates.

Also mindfulness is very helpful.

I can see how it can seem confusing.

Quirky

[Croix]

Dear Sooze000~

This is a problem, and I can understand your reaction, it is a worry. Basically all ventures where public liability is involved will have some sort of disclaimer, I guess they could not get insurance otherwise. Even reputable sites that are specifically there to assist those with depression or anxiety such as Mindspot include a passage suggestion that a suitably qualified medical practitioner be consulted to ensure their web activity is appropriate.

Given that all resources have this I suppose the only thing to do is to see who recommends particular sites and applications. For example if beyondblue lists it then it is most probably OK. Doing this is the only way I have confidence in a particular application.

In a case where you are unsure there is nothing to stop you talking on this Forum with others to get their views, or in fact seeing if your doctor knows..

One small thread might be a starting point:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/welcome-and-orientation/mental-health-apps---support-on-your-smartphone

Croix

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Sooze000,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for reaching out.

As someone who has tried sooo many different mental health resources, I hear you. There are always disclosures - whether it’s apps, online programs, books or therapies.
I also have anxiety so I can understand why it would make you second guess things.

What I can tell you though is that these disclosures are mostly for legalities - the app/author/owner doesn’t want people using their resource and complaining or making a case for feeling worse or not feeling ‘fixed’.

The other important point to know is that there aren’t really standards around making resources for mental health - yes, there is guidance; but if someone creates a resource with inaccurate information it’s still permitted to be on the market.

Having said that though; there are a couple of things you can do -

- Check who is making the resource. Is it a Government body? Is it an organisation you recognise? Does it have studies behind it?
Even naturopaths have accreditation (the ANPA Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association) or proper EFT certifications (IICT International Institute for Complementary Therapists).

- Chat with your therapist (if you have one). That way you can bounce off ideas about if it’s going to be helpful or how it’s making you feel. Your therapist may even recommend or advise against certain resources.

- Check in with yourself. What are you hoping to gain from it? How are you feeling while starting it? Is this making you feel better/worse? It’s okay to stop, take a break, listen and either stop it or go back to it later.

Hope this helps somewhat! Feel free to check back in with resources you’re thinking of and maybe I can give you more advice or let you know if I’ve tried it!

and finally - this website may be helpful. It lists a lot of resources that have been checked over and are accurate.

https://headtohealth.gov.au/?utm_source=mindhealthconnect&utm_medium=301