Its the little things that you take for granted, a phone

[tulipsandroses]

So we started working from home this week. I work in mental health. All our appts are now video chat and telephone sessions.

So I knew we were getting ready to do this, so I have been preparing my clients that I see more regularly. I work for a community mental health clinic and see a lot of people that have no insurance and live in poverty. Some are homeless and live in shelters. Their regular contact with me for medication management and coming to see a counselor helps them manage their illness. Some are dealing with addiction issues, still struggling or in recovery.
As I was letting my regular clients know the clinic will be closed for several weeks, quite a few told me they did not have a phone.Therefore, no way for them to continue their appts. There are those times, like this when I have to hide my own emotions during a session.
I have one particular client that I have been working with for a few months now to stabilize and manage his meds, he has quite an anger problem, has been kicked out of all the local shelters. He is living in the woods now. Last time I saw him, he expressed remorse for his reaction at the last shelter and regretted his action. That was huge for him. I worry about people like him. Many are in and out of jail due to their mental health or addiction. I know the clinic is more than just a clinic to them. So not having a phone, to keep in contact with the clinic will probably affect them negatively.

Its the little things, that we take for granted. Most of us probably can't think of how we existed without our cellphones.

Got an email from our CEO a few days ago, saying calls to the new patient intake dept was way up... DU, take care of your emotional well being and mental health. There will be hard days ahead.

[Hoyt]

1. Thanks for your work. Most of us can manage, but you remind us it's really tough

for some.

[Marie Marie]

2. A good reminder that no matter how tough you have it, there is always someone

who may be facing a more difficult challenge. I'm sure that you have seen your share of misery in your patients and they are lucky to have you and your compassion.

[tulipsandroses]

3. Thank you all.

Stay safe everyone

[orleans]

4. thank you for your care and concern toward the people you work with

and for us.

make sure you take good care of yourself.