Ms. Linda Ivan has been a social worker for 26 years and has worked at the Trillium Health Partners (formerly Trillium Health Centre) since 1999. As a healthcare professional in mental health, she is a real life superhero and finds her role very gratifying. Today, she voices her opinions about mental health and mental health services, and discusses opportunities to improve the modern system.
“Currently, I lead groups in an outpatient mental health clinic. It’s for adults who have been diagnosed with a mental health issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and/or a personality disorder such as borderline personality. The therapies used in groups are cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy and mindfulness. We offer very little individual counselling.
I 'fell' into Social Work after completing my Undergrad in Women’s Studies and Psychology at the University of Toronto. When I was looking for work after graduation, I saw that the positions that I was the most interested in required a Masters degree in Social Work; therefore, I applied for the Masters program in Social Work at Carleton University and obtained my post-graduate degree at the age of 37! What I love the most about being a counsellor is that I have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. When a client tells me they have made a positive change or have taken a new direction because of our work together, I know that all of our hard work has paid off for the better.
The most valuable lessons I’ve learned from being a social worker is that change is possible at any age as long as the client (and counsellor) believes this, and that acceptance does not mean giving up. Mindfulness, that is living in the present moment without judgement, helps us cope with our suffering.
I worked with Transitional Youth for a few years. The greatest reward for me is that a few of these young women and men have gone on to be social workers themselves or are a part of the mental health profession in other capacities. In other words, instead of seeing their mental health diagnosis as a hindrance they have used it as a stepping stone in helping others.
As for a change in today’s mental healthcare system, I would like to see counselling services provided by social workers (with a Masters degree) funded by OHIP in the community as well as in hospitals. OHIP could be augmented by those who have private insurance (for a co-ordinated coverage). The majority of people see social workers for counselling, yet we are not covered by OHIP. We say mental health does not discriminate, and so evidence-based treatment should be available to everyone regardless of income (no two tier system!). Many do not get the help they need because they cannot afford it.
I do believe that the largest health stigma today is still attached to mental health. Some actually believe that mental health problems do not even exist. Myths include that those claiming mental health problems are either lazy, weak, stupid, attention-seeking or manipulative. If an individual with a mental health problem lives with a family where these myths exist getting better, not surprisingly, is a lot more difficult. Fortunately today, there is less secrecy, and hence shame, around mental health than when I first started. Celebrities talk about their mental health experiences and there are more public fund- and awareness- raising campaigns. I have noticed a lot more men coming for help compared to when I first started. So advancement has been made in the area of stigma around mental health but we still have a way to go.
Funding today in mental health is often directed toward crisis management, assessments, group work, and short-term treatment. Unfortunately, these often do not meet the needs of many individuals with serious mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, etc. These individuals often becoming part of a revolving door – in and out – in and out – and not getting the necessary treatment and support that they need. Mental health is often a complex and chronic problem which necessitates not only a thorough assessment but also treatment including case management.
My final message is that mental health problems can affect anyone at any time in their life. We need accessible, affordable, diverse treatment protocols as our clients are diverse as are their needs and problems. When I first started in social work, institutions spoke of 'client-centered care.' Now we speak of 'efficiencies'."
Comments