The holidays can be triggering for many individuals. A time that can bring joy and laughter to some may bring tears and sadness to others. The holidays can be triggering for some individuals. How can we help our clients during these times:
1. Help your clients make a plan for the holidays. Identify possible triggers or stressors, coping/adaptive skills, and individuals they can reach out to when feeling triggered. 2. Have your clients identify a "roadmap" of at least 3 things they can look forward to during the upcoming month (these can be small things). Be willing to be creative with identifying these. 3. Teach clients how to set boundaries with unhealthy family members or friends. Teach them how to say "no" to prevent feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. 4. Normalize that it is okay to not always feel happy and excited about the holidays. Helping connect clients with supports in an important part of preparing for the holidays. Some resources include: https://mhanational.org/blog/looking-support-during-holidays-check-out-these-free-resources https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/resources/mental-health-resources-holidays/ https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Don't forget to take care of yourself and utilize self care techniques!
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Policy affects practice
The NASW said it best, the social work profession was founded in social change. Social workers are there for those who need it. They are the public's biggest advocates in times of need. They also see the effects of law every day in practice, and those who endorse the laws can be moved by the important stories social workers have to tell. Why is law important to know? Social workers help all kinds of people. They assist in adoption, therapy, poverty, addiction, unemployment, disability, abuse, discrimination, and so much more. All these things that they help with, have laws that are attached. Being involved with legislative action keeps social workers up to date on current issues and issues to come. Being engaged in legislative action also prepares them to better serve their clients. They can help shape policy and help constituents by working with federal, state and local agencies to get individual appropriate assistance. For social workers to help change law, it is important for them to stay current on laws. If social workers want to create new policies, it is best to first understand why existing policies were developed. They can then be able to identify problems in these policies, find ways policies could be improved, and design solid proposals to help move towards change. In the end, these changes can help all people and improve humanity. How do social workers advocate for policy change? Social workers can interact with their communities to learn more about the challenges they face. They can then raise awareness about those issues by educating everyone, from the lawmakers to nonprofit groups and empower community members to advocate for policy change. Social workers can also go to their elected officials and working within their agency to make a change. To get policy updates, go to: http://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Policy-Updates To see policy issues, go to: https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Policy-Issues To stay informed, act, or to get legislative alerts from the NASW to: https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Legislative-Alerts It is that time of the year again. A time where you, the sovereign individual, can express any concerns or support of ideas through way of voting. Fortunately, voting turnout has reached record-breaking numbers in the past few years. In the U.S. 2020 general election, upwards of 158.4 million people voted, amounting to about 62.8% of people of voting age (Desilver, 2022). That marks the largest voter turnout in U.S. history, and Kentuckians did their part. With over two million Kentuckians doing their civic duty, the state saw the highest number of voters in a Kentucky election (Shreve, 2021). So, it is evident we are all doing our part in the U.S. general election, but what about voting for our local representatives? Unfortunately, for this year's primary election, the unofficial turnout for the state only reached 19%, which was short of the 31% turnout we had for the 2020 primaries (Watkins, 2022).
Luckily, we have another chance. The general election in Kentucky is Tuesday, November 8th. This is our last chance of the year to cast our vote and fight for what we believe in. A common theme amongst people who do not vote is that their vote will not matter or that their lives will not be affected whether they vote or not. This thought could not be further from the truth. If you decide not to vote, you simultaneously decide not to have a voice. The consequences will affect your job, family, healthcare, and overall way of life. Use your freedom. Use your right. Moreover, use the most essential tool any human has at their disposal, their voice. And use it by going out to vote! Voting Deadlines
Resources
Desilver. (2022, November 1). Turnout in U.S. has soared in recent elections but by some measures still trails that of many other countries. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/11/01/turnout-in-u-s-has-soared-in-recent-elections-but-by-some-measures-still-trails-that-of-many-other-countries/ Shreve. (2021, January 14). 2020 Saw Kentucky’s Highest Voter Turnout Ever. 2020’s Record-High Kentucky Voter Turnout. Retrieved from https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2021/01/14/kentucky-2020-election-turnout-highest-ever Watkins. (2022, May 19). Voter turnout figures are in for Kentucky’s primary. Here’s how they compare to past years. The Courier-Journal. Retrieved from https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2022/05/19/kentucky-primary-election-2022-how-voter-turnout-compares-prior-years/9826730002/ Vote “NO” November 8th!
Right now, abortions are not currently being performed in Kentucky except for medical emergencies because the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade earlier this year. Pro Choice groups have filed lawsuits stating that the ban is unconstitutional, but the Supreme Court will not even hear the case until November 15th, which is after the election. The right to abort should be between the patient and the provider, not the governments and politicians decision. Some may not see it, but abortion is absolutely part of health care. Women's health should be for theirs to decide. No one should be allowed to make that decision for them and their health. In 2021, 34 girls, ages 15 and younger received abortions because of first degree rape. Why would someone force a child to raise a child? The thought is imaginable! The wording on the ballot will ask if you’re in favor of amending the state constitution. The question will be at the end of the ballot. This is how the question will appear: “Are you in favor of amending the Constitution of Kentucky by creating a new Section of the Constitution to be numbered Section 26A to State as follows: To protect human life, nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion” So, if you vote “no” it means you do not support the proposed changes. Vote for reproductive freedom, vote “NO” on 2! Why Is This An Important Topic?
Currently, there are 2.3 million people incarcerated in our jails and prison systems. The United States incarceration rate is more than 7 times the average in European Union countries. The best available data suggest that about 84,000 individuals endure extreme conditions of isolation. Solitary confinement is extremely bad for a person's mental and physical health. Correctional officials often defend their frequent use of solitary confinement as an effective means of maintaining order and preventing violence and gang activity but, relying on solitary confinement ignores the large number of studies demonstrating the harmful and often long-lasting effects it wrecks on the human mind and body. Usually, when the incarcerated individual gets out of jail or prison, usually they are worse off mentally, than when they went in. Effects Of Solitary Confinement Researchers and formerly incarcerated people made it clear that any “positive” benefits correctional institutions gain by using solitary confinement are outweighed by the severe and often permanent damages caused by prolonged isolation. Even if someone does not enter solitary confinement with a mental health condition, it is possible for them to develop a specific psychiatric syndrome from the effects from the isolation. Solitary confinement also increases the risk of premature death after they get released. Deaths by suicide, homicide, or opioid overdose after being released from prison are more likely for those that spent any amount of time (even one day) in solitary than those who never did. Prisons, juvenile systems, and jails are already inherently harmful, and placing people in solitary confinement adds an extra burden of stress that has been shown to cause permanent changes to people’s brains and personalities. Also, people who experience solitary confinement are more likely to develop anxiety and depression along with physical damage such as vision loss, chronic pain, and fractures. Solitary confinement does not help anything or any situation, in fact it does the opposite. Solitary confinement increases violence, causes more behavior problems, and increases institutional and public safety. What Can We Do? Go to https://socialworkersasc.org (Social Workers Against Solitary Confinement Website) and join the task force, and participate in the monthly call to see how you can help! Go to https://solitarywatch.org/ ,which is the National Solitary Confinement Watchdog Group and review the information about legislative campaigns in your state. With help and support, we could end solitary confinement and help save lives and mental health. Lets advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves! Yes, you read that correctly. How is it possible that in 2022, there are still laws not only allowing but protecting the practice of conversion therapy? Aside from this being true, it is also preposterous and appalling beyond belief. According to Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky, a nonpartisan movement dedicated to protecting the youth from the tortures of conversion, more than 700,000 LGBTQ people have been affected by the terrors of conversion therapy. In addition, around 80,000 LGBTQ youth will undergo this unethical and improper therapy in the coming years.
Long Lasting Effects of Conversion Therapy The attempt at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity by shaming tactics, causing emotional trauma, or in many cases, causing actual physical pain in the individual, so that they associate those feelings with their LGTBQ identities leaves lasting effects. Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky cites that in 2009, the American Psychological Association found that risks of conversion practices include “depression, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, and suicidality,” amongst many other adverse effects. More shockingly, “42% of youth who experienced conversion therapy report suicide attempts” (Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 2019). What We Can Do Today to Help Aside from holding no empirical evidence of success, having no support from the nation’s leading professional mental health associations, and being downright unethical, some progress has been made in the battle to ban conversion therapy in Kentucky. The “Youth Mental Health Protection Act,” or Senate Bill 137 (SB 137), has made its way to the Health and Welfare Committee in the Senate. Governor Andy Beshear endorsed SB 137 and its companion bill in the House (HB 12). While good progress is being made in the Senate, according to QueerKentucky.com, there are three easy ways you can help in this effort: 1. Call 1-800-372-7181 to contact Senators on the Health and Welfare Committee saying you support Kentucky’s kids and SB 137. 2. Call 1-800-372-7181 to leave a message for House leadership asking for HB 12 to be assigned to a committee. 3. Follow BCTK (Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky) on social media to stay updated with all the new developments and learn more about the names of House and Senate members who have co-sponsored the legislation. Social Workers take care of people all day long. There are many ups and downs involved in this career. Social workers work with patients and clients in a variety of settings to help them handle, solve, and cope with both everyday problems and more serious problems that they encounter in their lives. While some clients may face joyous situations, such as adopting a child, many seek
the help of a social worker to assist them during times of hardship. Social Workers may feel burnt out over time because as they take care of everyone else's needs, they may neglect their own needs. If a Social Worker is burnt out or has compassion fatigue, then the client sufferers as well. A professional in social work stated that, “As social workers, we really do often put the needs of others before our own, thinking we will eat after everyone has gotten enough food. The problem is we continue to go undernourished until we fall ill or breakdown; then no one gets fed,”. Self care is important for Social Workers to implement into their daily lives. Here are some self care suggestions: ● Create a self care plan that is designed for you. ● Make sure to get plenty of rest, eat nutritionally, and go on occasional walks. ● Leaning on trusted others for support. ● Paying attention to when your body signals you to slow down and listening to it, and not pushing yourself to the point of breakdown. ● That simple word, “no” is both rare and powerful, an expert notes. “Self-care means saying yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no, and letting the chips fall where they may. It’s a matter of evolving out of being a people pleaser and learning to set healthy boundaries to be better able to serve the greater good”. ● Ask for help when needed and accept the help! Social workers help relieve people's suffering, fight for social justice, and improve lives and communities. Remember to take care of yourself, because after all, Social Workers are rockstars! “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”— Anne Lamott Background It is estimated that over 2 million people have an opioid use disorder, which includes prescription pain medication containing opiates and heroin. For some people, rehab is not an option because it means putting their life on hold for a period of time, they would have to be away from their jobs, loss of financial security, being away from family, or other reasons. What is Medicated Assisted Treatment? Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Using a combination of therapy and medicine is a great way to overcome substance abuse disorder. Drug usage and mental health go hand in hand and combating these two together makes for a very successful outcome and help people sustain recovery. MAT is also used to prevent or reduce opioid overdose. How Does MAT Work? MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used. For some, it is hard to all of a sudden become abstinent from drug use. MAT uses progress and success by small improvements, to big improvements. For instance, if a drinker normally has 10 drinks, and with MAT they only have 5, that is a successful implementation of the harm reduction treatment/MAT. Medicated assisted treatment has proved to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for these individuals. MAT provides a more comprehensive, individually tailored program of medication and behavioral therapy that addresses the needs of most patients. Successes of MAT There is huge success when it comes to medicated assisted treatment. People gain control of their lives, improve employment opportunities, decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders, and are more productive in their daily living. MAT also helps with successful birth and pregnancy outcomes among women who have substance use disorders while pregnant. Research shows that these medications and therapies can contribute to lowering a person’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C by reducing the potential for relapse. There are so many benefits of medicated assisted treatment, not only are lives saved, but lives are changed! What are your thoughts about medicated assisted treatment? Do you know someone who did MAT and had a success story? To find treatment facilities confidentially, 24/7, please call 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) September is a time for people to come together to share their stories and resources to help spread awareness in the hope of preventing another individual from taking their own life. This is also a time to spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. This is why September is National Suicide prevention Month.
Who Does Suicide Affect? Suicide affects all ages. In 2020, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34. According to the CDC, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with 45,979 deaths in 2020. This is about one death every 11 minutes. Firearms account for 50% of suicide and women attempt suicide three times more frequently than men; however, men are three times more likely to die by suicide. Suicide is highly linked to mental health disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression and also affects individuals who are struggling with a substance abuse disorder or an eating disorder. What Are Suicidal Warning Signs? Warning signs that a loved one might be depressed or suicidal include: ● Frequently talking about self-harming behavior and suicide, or portraying themselves in a negative light ● Distancing themselves emotionally from loved ones ● A loss of interest in activities that once brought them joy, such as playing sports, participating in hobbies, and spending time with friends ● Unpredictable changes in eating or sleeping habits, often accompanied by neglecting personal hygiene ● Desperate attempts to regain lost friends, such as succumbing to peer pressure to engage in unhealthy habits such as drug use ● A decline in school or work performance ● Asking questions associated with death and/or suicide ● Giving away prized belongings What Can We Do To Help? When an individual is going through a hard time, sometimes it is hard for them to ask for help. The person struggling may be ashamed to ask for help, may not have a support system to be able to receive help or maybe too scared that finances could get in the way. As a family member, friend, coworker or loved one, it is imperative that we take our time to listen to individuals who are struggling and try to steer them in the right direction to receive professional help. Understanding the underlying reason these suicidal ideations are occurring, is essential to learn how to overcomes this particular struggle and develop healthy coping skills to combat and future setbacks. How Can Social Workers Help? Social Workers play an important role in preventing suicide by delivering universal, targeted, and individual prevention programs. Social workers need to use the best assessment tools for assessing suicide risk and receive continuous training on how to talk to patients about suicidal thoughts. Some say many clinicians are uncomfortable speaking to clients about suicide and warns this can drive away patients who need care most. In speaking to clients about suicidal thoughts Dr. Alonzo, a Professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service suggests clinicians: ● Create an accepting, safe, non-judgmental space for clients to disclose suicidal thoughts ● Maintain a transparent, neutral stance throughout the interview ● Consider the number and timing of questions ● Convey to the client that alternatives to suicide exist even though they may be hard to identify at this time ● Personalize treatment. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask someone how they feel, if something is wrong or if you share with them that you have noticed they are not their usual self, listen without judgment. If you or someone you know is going through a suicidal crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline provides confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services provide 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. On Thursday, September 8, 2022, a Zoom informational session regarding the compact took place. Matt Shafer, the Associate Director of Public Policy at The Council of State Governments, and Keith Buckhout, the Research Associate at The Council of State
Governments, lead the session. Although the compact's language is currently unofficial and in its draft form, the Council hopes this legislation will be ready for introduction during the 2023 state legislative sessions. What is a compact anyway? The compact will allow licensed social workers to acquire an additional license to facilitate multi-state practice among member states and reduce the barriers to license portability. Matt and Keith simplified it nicely by comparing it to a drivers license; you can use it to drive anywhere your license is permitted, but you must obey the laws in that state. The only caveat is that the compact will only allow you to practice in the states that are legally bound to the compact. Regarding LCSW's For clinical social workers to acquire the additional licensure that will facilitate multi-state practice among member states, they must hold an active license in their home state as well as: 1. Have an MSW or higher from an accredited program. 2. Have passed a clinical-category national licensure exam. 3. Have completed 3,000 hours or two years of full-time, post-graduate supervised clinical practice. Steps to take before September 16! The Council of State Governments recognizes that many questions still do not have answers, such as which states will join the compact and the costs for the licensure. That is because the compact is still in its infancy and more work needs to be done. BUT there is something we can all do right now. An initial language draft is open for review on the compact's website. Upon review of the compact, it is strongly encouraged to provide feedback, thoughts, questions, or concerns regarding the draft. The Council has provided a link on its website to follow for any comments regarding the draft. THIS NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022, SO PLEASE DON'T WAIT! CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE COMPACT WEBSITE |
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