meet melinda

Our first guest is someone very special to me. I’ve known her for almost 28 years. It’s my older sister Melinda. I’d like to say thank you to her for joining this segment, but I don’t think I had a choice in this one. Melinda was so eager to join the conversation, so putting together this segment was rather easy. Let’s just say she hounded me down on a line at Disney to join. So let’s begin, shall we… 

For a little background about Melinda, as I mentioned she’s a licensed social worker currently working in a hospital. As you can imagine in her field work, confidentiality is key. So without being too personal, let’s hear what she has to share with us in the world of mental health …

Hello Melinda, how’re you doing? 

Hi all! Thanks for having me…Finally.

Do you think to have a career in mental health, it should be required that you yourself must have a therapist? I can only imagine the day-to-day you have to deal with, and how hard it must be not to take that home with you. 

Personally, no, I don’t think you should be required to do anything other than have your qualifications. Having a license in the field will provide more opportunities and indicate that you have had more experience and knowledge. In terms of the day to day, now that can vary. Sometimes it can feel very rewarding and other times it can feel like you want to quit. I’m guilty of taking the work home with me more often than not so I incorporate a lot of self care practices. Now that, I feel should be a requirement!!! 

I personally know you have a background in working with adolescent children in struggling homes/communities. Do you think working with older adults or children is harder?

Piggy backing off of the above, it can vary for sure. I enjoy working more with adolescents because they are more impressionable and need guidance. I believe as mental health professionals, we have a real chance to improve the qualities of their life and truly make a difference. This isn’t to negate that adults can’t change, but most children if not all, look up to those older than them and want to benefit from advice/support. 

What’s something you think the general public would be shocked to hear you have to deal with at work?

That can again vary to a degree. Each job I’ve had in my career has had its challenges but currently, it can range from space to work efficiently to technological issues that is crucial in the telehealth world. My job requires a lot of communication working with a multidisciplinary team and structure. Therefore, it’s essential to work together well in order for things to run smoothly. 

Besides seeking help from a therapist, is there another form of wellness you’ve tried that you find helps you personally? 

OOOO, I LOVE THIS QUESTION!!

I think…SELF CARE is ESSENTIAL to maintaining a healthy, sane and stable relationship in the field. My therapist has 1000% been a huge support for me however, I utilize other forms of self care such as exercise, eating healthy and watching mindless tv. That helps me to “dissociate” from all the stress. I also like to read when I can and clean. Yes I said clean. It’s therapeutic for me. Mostly.  

Have you ever seen a client out in pubic? How did you handle that situation?

Thankfully, no. Well, maybe once? I didn’t do anything. Panic probably set in initially but then I try and keep in mind that we’re all human and allowed to go out. I just don’t engage and stay clear. 

I know you work very close with psychiatrists, so what’s your thoughts on treating clients with medicine? Do you think it’s for everyone? 

It depends. Personally, I can’t chime in on that too much because I am not an expert in that field however, coming from my own experience using psychotropics, I say if you need it and it helps then so be it. I don’t think medicine is for everyone nor do I think it’s the only solution. Medication should be used as a crutch. The rest is up to you to practice self-care and seek additional help if needed. 

Do you think the public abuses the word “anxiety?”

Yes. Sometimes I come across people who LOVE to throw the word around as if it makes you cool. Not everyone experiences the same levels of anxiety and it’s important to keep that in mind. Trust me, for those living with severe anxiety know how crippling it can be and wouldn’t just abuse the word. 

What is one simple thing you would recommend to our readers that can help them on their day-to-day when they feel they’re experiencing anxiety or just need clear their head?

Seek progressional help. Please. It is such a stigma to feel you have to have it all together and think you’re alone. You’re not. There are mental health professionals available to help you. The process may seem daunting especially if you’ve never worked with a psychotherapist before, but I am telling you, it’ll be one of the best things you ever did for yourself. Remember, mental health is just as important if not more than your physical well-being. Take care of yourself, because only you can!

i Hope this was helpful. Thanks for having me. Oh and if therapy doesn’t help, ice cream will. That always does the trick. (JOKING) - Both will! 

Well Melinda, I hope this was everything and more for you. All jokes aside, thank you again for being part of this special segment for conversations with.