Social Work Education

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  • 1.  Why The Time is Right for Social Work

    Posted Mar 10, 2022 11:12
    A piece I wrote years ago is still relevant today as Clinicians are still hard at work to advocate for those we serve:

    Stigma Hurts
    He's shown as a grainy figure running through the mall.
    High powered weapon in hand, striking fear in us all.
    It is quickly pointed out early on that he was disturbed mentally.
    Another "one of those" unleashed on an unsuspecting assembly.
    As his deeds are spotlighted more and more and victims mount upon his list, I cringe again, another misrepresentation of what it means to live with a mental illness.
    If you look with an open mind in so many other places, you will be surprised to discover that mental illness has so many other faces:
    Take the up and coming or seasoned professional who is living quite stable, but has disclosed his or her illness to very few people, however because of the stigma of the label.
    Or the pastor entrusted to feed a hungry flock. Proclaiming healing and deliverance to all whom ask, seek or knock. He grew up with many anxieties, verbal abuse and a father quick to use his rod. The pastor still struggles with these issues today, even as a Man of God.
    Consider the parent of a loving and beautiful child. Being a wife and mother was once her dream lifestyle. On good days, she feels vibrant and brilliant. On bad days, she doesn't feel worth one red cent. She stopped telling her family how she felt a long, long time ago. She was ridiculed as lazy, weak or lacking intelligence more often than you know.
    Take the celebrity, you've heard of his downfalls, his meltdowns and yes, even some of his mayhem. But because of his status and who he is, society is convinced he can't be "one of them."
    The real truth is 1 in 4 American adults experience some mental health challenges each year. Many are spouses, parents, children and neighbors that you will never have to fear.
    Many, while dealing with the illness, are living productively each day, and many have experienced amazing breakthroughs along this journey's way.
    Some who suffer from mental illnesses do use violence, of this there is no doubt. But I just wish that these stories of violence didn't receive such clout.
    I too understand confusion and psychological pain in the head. I'm sorry that there are those who dismissed healing as an option and chose violence instead.
    I'm heartbroken for all of those families who are or will one day be affected, but I'm trying hard to live responsibly and my efforts should not be disrespected.
    So him, him and him or even her, reeking carnage no matter how mentally ill that he or she may be, is not a fair representation of most of those experiencing mental illness. He or she is not a fair representation of me.
    Copyright 2012  Linda A. Haywood

    #MentalHealth

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    Linda Haywood, LMSW
    Clinical Supervisor
    Neighborhood Services Organization
    Detroit MI
    7344447579
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  • 2.  RE: Why The Time is Right for Social Work

    Posted Mar 11, 2022 11:14
    Social workers are invited into conversation with the government at a high level now. It is important to maintain the conversation going. Social workers are much needed and we are seeing more openings for social workers come up. What we do is getting noticed and we are in the middle of present change. This is an exciting time to be a social worker

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    Cindy marzett
    financial aid
    collin College
    frisco TX
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